My mom used to tell me a story about a train trip our family took from Illinois to Arizona. She said that every time a train would pass us, I would sing, “Pass me by, pass me by. If you don’t happen to like me, pass me by.” Mom said that by the time we got to Arizona, everyone on the train was singing that song. I have no memory of the trip, although there are a few black and white photos floating around the family somewhere. The only reason I know the tune to the chorus is because my mom sang it to me when she told the story.
Imagine my delight when CBS Sunday Morning did a story about Peggy Lee and included a short clip of her singing “Pass Me By.” I never knew who sang it until I saw the clip. I later found the song online and was able to hear the whole thing.
While my only memory of any of this is my mom telling me the story, she must have loved her memory of the trip. She told the story to me many, many times. Family memories, family stories, and family legends are what tie one generation to another. I never met three of my four grandparents, but stories I have heard about them make me feel like I knew them at least a little.
I challenge anyone who reads this to either ask for a family story from someone older or tell a story to someone younger. My mom passed away nearly two years ago, but when I heard that song, it was like she was right next to me. Don’t let a chance to connect with your family pass you by.