I love stories. During a television interview, I once heard Vanessa Redgrave proclaim, "A good story well told has the power to heal the soul." Amen! It doesn't matter if that good story is certifiable news or a novel, fable or biblical, essay or comic strip, a good story holds the power to help us both lose, and find, ourselves.
Whether I'm writing, reading, speaking, or listening, I am readied to learn from a good story--yes, even when it comes out of my own mouth or pen. (And I am fascinating! ;>)) I often preach to myself. (Don't you?) I fully believe that if we could just remember what we know, we would be brilliant. Thus, I tell stories to remind us that laughter is a wonderful grace, and tears help us heal. I tell stories in order to help remind us that we are more alike than different, and that we really do need each other. We all mess up; we are each capable of brilliant moments--sometimes when we least expect them. The best part is that no matter what, God is there to love us through every nanosecond.
My favorite grandfather was an excellent storyteller. Spellbinding, really. Same with my dad. I'd be all ears when Dad would say, "Wait until you hear what happened to me today!" Sometimes he'd share what I would lovingly refer to as a DUH! crisis, like when he accidentally wore his hearing aids into the shower--for the third time. Even though it wasn't a happy episode, his telling of it, coupled with his ability to not take himself too seriously, always broke us into cleansing laughter. Other times, he'd deliver an utter dose of magic within his detailed description of a glorious moment in the woods.
My favorite grandfather and my dad gifted me with the rich rewards of a story well told. The eyes of both of those men--as well as those of my mom and the real Dearest Dorothy who inspired my fictional series--twinkled when they spoke. I'd like to think some of their magnificent sparkle shines not only in my eyes, but in the hidden depths of my words.
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