Not long ago (six short years ago, in fact), my mother had four kids but no grandchildren. Then Alden came along and started a trend. Now, suddenly, each of my siblings has produced at least one child, and the next generation now numbers seven.
To keep track of it all, Robbi created a family tree for my mom.
Using a red stamp pad, we each made a thumbprint, which Robbi transformed into a family of birds. Each of my siblings and I get our own big branch, and each of our various offspring get his own little branch to perch on.
We had it nicely framed and gave it to her as a gift. But this was back when there were only three grandkids in the tree. Since then, we’ve had to open it up twice more, when Ardian and August were born.
A few weeks back, Ilea and Anna came to town, and so we took it down again, got out the inkpad, and got to work.
Ilea was first. She seemed not fully focused on the task at hand.
But others were there to guide her. We started with a test stamp on a piece of yellow construction paper.
But then it was time for the real thing. I am happy to say that the little lady rose to the occasion.
Next up was Anna, who was eager to contribute.
Once the thumbprints were in place, Robbi retreated to her desk to apply the finishing touches.
Because the sheet with the thumbprints is such a treasure, Robbi does her sketches on another piece of paper, puts it below the family tree, and, with the help of her light table, uses it as a guide as she applies the ink.
A few minutes later, the little ladies were official members of the flock.
I love that this simple piece of paper is a map of generations. A little bit of each of us hangs each day on Mom’s wall—reminding her of her amazing legacy, of all the wonderful things that have been and all the remarkable potential that lies ahead.
I’m so lucky to be in this family. And so lucky to have an illustrator of a wife who can make our thumbprints look so nice.