“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” Linda Poindexter
Ben was a man of many words. Literally. There were over 50 journals in this box beginning in the late 1950’s through to mid 1990’s. And this was only one box!
He was a father to four. And Grandpa to 11. It is through his diaries that the man becomes known to his children as Ben, not just Grandpa.
I find this fascinating as we kids don’t really think of our parents as people, do we?
They are probably the most important people in our lives, the ones who love us, infuriate us, nurture us and love us some more, but the fact that they are people with their own hopes, dreams, talents, interests doesn’t really enter our minds.
“By the time a son realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” Charles Wadworth
Through his diaries and his dedication to journaling daily, Ben chronicled the every day moments of life; the weather, price of gas, gardening, his travels, social outings, family life and so much more.
The man behind the pen was from in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada and who along with his wife, Bertha, raised their family in keeping with their Mennonite heritage.
“It is a wise father who knows his own child.” Shakespeare
Ben was meticulous about his journals. They were all stored in this box in chronological order. Even when spending some time in Paraguay (note the Spanish notebook) he continued his writing.
Whenever he finished filling one book he promptly started another blank journal labeling it accordingly.
He wrote in his diary daily. Daily. For years! Wow, I can barely manage weekly.
“A father is a man who expects his children to be as good as he meant to be.” Carol Oates
Ben passed away in 2013. His granddaughter, Christana, is now the keeper of these journals along with her father.
With plans to read through them as she has the time, no doubt she will discover new things about her Grandpa. His legacy lives on in her… and his diaries.
What memories of your father do you keep close to your heart?
Do you keep a journal? If you are inspired by Ben’s story here are some great tips to get you started on keeping a diary.
P.S. Special thanks to Christana and her father for allowing me to share the story of Grandpa’s diaries.