Don’t Let Your Library Burn
A Senegalese proverb has an expression for a wise deceased person who led a full life: his or her library has burned to the ground. I heard this phrase recently at a memorial service for a 97-year-old friend.
As a writer, author, poet, and storyteller, this proverb rang loud. Its meaning is profound. There are many untold stories in each of us. Some may be light-hearted memories to valuable treasures of wisdom that cannot be replaced or repeated. My interpretation of this proverb is to:
Share what you know
Share where you have been
Share how you arrived where you are today
Share what you have learned
Before it is lost
You may wonder, who will care and why will they.
Those were my doubts before writing my memoir, In Search of Pink Flamingos, in 2020. I have no biological children and I was recently divorced. However, something compelled me to tell my 60-year journey through life. When I committed myself to the process, my memoir, in many regards, wrote itself. The words flowed easily in many areas, while extremely difficult in others.
I imagined my book would only interest my family and friends, but I was pleasantly shocked at its broad reception. Since publication, much in the midst of COVID, I have been the guest author (in person and virtually) at nearly 30 book clubs with readers intriqued by my experiences and eager to learn more about the farm, Africa, and my travels. Even though many had different life expereinces, we all learned and grew from our conversations. At a genealogy club lecture, I guided the audience in documenting their ancestral research. Plans are in the making to speak to African women in the US and Kenya about the FGM culture.
I encourage you to tell your story or help others to tell theirs. We all have a treasure trove of library material that should not be lost and others who can benefit from it.
When my time on this earth ends, my body will no longer be. However, I can now rest assured that my library will live on.
Writing Tip:
While wondering where to start my memoir, a writing instructor stated:
“Start from the beginning.”
My memories recalled that exact starting point. Hopefully, you will find yours too.
