“There are some things money can’t buy; for everything else, there’s Mastercard.”
We all remember the iconic line that is still with us almost three decades later. One of the first commercials showed a dad being a dad – taking his son to his first baseball game, paying for baseball tickets, buying a hot dog and a drink using his credit card. But the real story, the one that tugged at our heartstrings, was the father-son bonding over a shared love of baseball. The advertising agency that developed the campaign used a certain formula they called their ‘grocery list.” It was a list of purchases that led to something “priceless.”
What does any of this have to do with estate planning?
Using the Mastercard formula, the purchase of airline tickets, rental car, rooms at the lodge, and national park admission simply adds up to a list of purchases for a summer vacation. But no, this list of purchases is actually a priceless Cain Family memory of a vacation to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1998.
As an estate planning attorney, I tell you this story to impress upon you the importance of creating lasting legacies by recording your family memories such as vacations. At Cain, Cain & Janik, we stress the importance of planning for the future, but it’s equally important to cherish and document the present. Summer vacations and family trips are not just opportunities for relaxation and fun; they are the moments that shape our children’s memories and strengthen our family bonds. These experiences are a true legacy, capturing the essence of our time together and the joy of shared adventures.
How can you document these priceless family memories? I did it the old-fashioned way twenty-six years ago. I made a scrapbook detailing our summer vacations. In 1999, I even wrote this “love letter” to our children (and I’m so glad I did 😢💧)
How to Document Your Family Vacations
Journals and Diaries: Encourage each family member to keep a travel journal. Writing down daily activities, thoughts, and feelings can provide a personal touch to your vacation memories. (On this national park trip, I gave each of our sons a disposable camera to use as they wished. I then had the film processed at the Norman Moto-Photo at 36th & Main – now I’m REALLY dating myself – my sons can explain to their kids that a long, long time ago before they were born, people carried cameras that were not telephones😁).
Photo Albums: Create physical or digital photo albums with captions that describe the places you visited and the experiences you had. Photos have a unique way of capturing moments that words sometimes cannot.
Video Diaries: Record short videos during your trips, capturing candid moments and personal reflections. These can be compiled into a vacation video that your family can watch and relive together.
Blog or Social Media: If you enjoy writing, consider starting a family travel blog or sharing your experiences on social media. This not only preserves your memories but also allows you to share your adventures with friends and extended family.
Why Record Your Family Vacations?
Creating Lasting Memories: Family vacations are filled with unique moments that can be easily forgotten amidst our busy lives. By documenting these experiences, you create a treasure trove of memories that your children can revisit and cherish in the future.
Strengthening Family Bonds: Writing about your vacations encourages family members to reflect on their shared experiences. This can enhance the sense of togetherness and appreciation for each other, fostering stronger family ties.
Teaching the Value of Time Together: In our fast-paced world, it’s important to remind ourselves and our children that quality time together is invaluable. Recording your vacations emphasizes the importance of balancing work with play and making time for family.
Building a Family Legacy: These records become a part of your family history, a legacy that can be passed down through generations. Future family members will have the opportunity to learn about their ancestors’ adventures and the joy they experienced together.
The Impact of Recorded Memories
When we take the time to document our family vacations, we are doing more than just creating a record of places visited; we are capturing the essence of our family’s journey through life. These records become a source of joy, inspiration, and connection for years to come.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the significance of these moments. But by consciously recording and reflecting on our family vacations, we ensure that these precious memories are preserved for the future. So, as you plan your next family adventure, remember to take a moment to write, snap a photo, or record a video. Your future self—and your children—will thank you for it.
Very Sincerely,
Tamara Cain
Cain, Cain & Janik
