Women Bring Generations Together

April 15, 2005 -- A Generation Xer looks around at her cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others, and realizes being part of a cohesive family unit takes hard work and commitment. Even to the extent of creating special projects, having a mission, and undertaking unique endeavors.

The special endeavor, author, advice columnist, and speaker, Pamela Simonson, 27, alluded to was a generational project started with her own family in mind. She was talking about the collection of family sayings her grandmother, mother, and she wrote together two years ago.

The project has since evolved into a bestselling book, Pearls of Wisdom From Three Generations and popular advice column, Ask Pearls of Wisdom, epitomizing family, generational wisdom, and filling the generation gap.

The book includes many encouraging expressions, affirmations, and proverbs. Some familiar sayings passed down from generation to generation include "God don't like ugly", "What has already been and will be, has been before", and "crabs in a basket".

"Being on a level playing ground with your family members nullifies dissension," advises the eldest Ford. The retired Registered Nurse continued when she stated it adds another dimension to the relationship.

The book project began when Simonson's grandmother Celia Ford (Depression Era) and her mother, Theresa Allen (Baby Boomer) were 75 and 50, respectively. Simonson, the Generation Xer was 25 at the exact same time. The generational project has since galvanized their relationship as business partners, collaborators, and equals, reinforcing their theory of bringing generations together.

"A family project helps the generations view each other as business partners," stated Allen. She encourages families members try and live by one of the sayings in their book, which simply states,

"The foundation of relationships is based on the premise of mutual purpose." Simonson agrees and encourages kinfolk to find a common ground - a purpose, other than getting together for events, special occasions, and holidays.

"Families should try and solidify their talents or interests," Simonson states, suggesting projects in the arts, music, literature, compiling a video, or even creating a shared website. Pearls of Wisdom From Three Generations has bought us together on a more consistent basis.

"We have an opportunity to hear a different voice from each other. It is very good therapy. We advise a special project for all families," Simonson confidently stated. The 27 year old music teacher and third generation teacher, also recommends making Mother's Day the kick-off date to start a project and have the first family meeting.

The native New Yorkers pen an advice column, Ask Pearls of Wisdom and have evolved into motivational speaking and public events. They are always finding ways to develop a new dimension to the Pearls of Wisdom project, helping to strengthen the relationship and family solidarity.

As Mother's Day approaches, Simonson, a Washington National Opera soprano, suggests the younger generation approach the elders of the family with ideas and a committed spirit.

"A fresh new voice could reignite a spark where a fire once burned", stated Simonson. "The blaze may have cooled, but the ambers still burn underneath."

Women Bring Generations Together

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Women Bring Generations Together

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