I started journal writting back in the 70's. My children and husband love to read of my growth and also how I really cope with my life...I don't always tell them everything. Everytime I write in my journal at the end of whatever it is I'm writting I always express my love fo my Olhipie and children.

One day my Grandchildren and Great's will get to know me because of the volume's I have written!

Well, I sure do appreciate all the input, it has given me a lot of insight that I could not glean on my own.

I have also interviewed five of my friends who have divorced and remarried; remarkably, they all said that they would still love to have it if they had done one. Interesting.

Tammy, I started mine on June 18, 1977 and my mother was kind enough to break her wrist that very evening so I'd have something more exciting to document. I can't tell you how many bets I've won by pulling out the right volume and proving dates or places to my sibs. They won't bet with me on that stuff anymore.

With all of your insights, I have modified my note to them to use it more as a way to keep a unified record of their life and times together. I think they'll get a bang out of it, a one or two line remark a few times a month will add up to a pretty cool batch of reading.

Thanks again, everyone.

Yes, it is a great way to keep records. The Olhipie's oldest daughter was talking about her youngest son and how they had no idea when he took his first steps. I wrote about that very day because he took his first steps my Olhipie...she was so grateful that I kept a journal. I started in October of 1977 so we have some pretty good reading between the two of us.

I know at first I didn't really want anyone to read my writings but over time I just would leave it usually on the coffee table...some of my journals have mostly joy in them but one journal I experienced three family members death and my divorce and my ex being put in prison...that one is a hard read...but good to be able to see the growth!

So, did they like it?

They don't even know about it yet, they're still on their honeymoon in Europe and will not be back for almost 2 more weeks. It will probably be a while before I hear a bit about it, they have yet to settle into their new home (they actually adhered to tradition!), write notes, get back to their jobs, etc. Wedding gifts are probably not what's on their minds just now.