Susan G. Baker - Passing It On: Unexpected Lessons through Divorce, Blended Families and Public Life

P assing the baton to the next generation is one of the most important assignments of a parent and grandparent, yet today we often live far removed from our children and grandchildren. Even when they dwell nearby, busy schedules often torpedo our hopes for regular family visits. What is lost, besides the pleasure of each others company, are the stories that are not told, the values that are not passed along, and the sense of connectedness and family that are not strengthened by the age-old meansspending time together.

This book is intended to help close that separation, and to pass the baton through the printed word. It is about living life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and citizen, and about the lessons I have learned along the way. It is written with love for my family, with the prayer that it may help lighten their load and cheer their days.

I also write this book to thank friends outside my family for all they have given me over the years, and to share my experiences with other readers who may pick it up and find words of encouragement. This is not a book on history or theology, though I have lived through a lot of history and I love God. Im just trying to tell my story.

The title comes from a special experience I had with a dear neighbor, Neva Pickens. Neva and her husband, Pick, lived across the street when I was expecting Elizabeth, my first child, and they were a wonderful help and comfort to me. They had three great kids, and for six years their daughters, Penny and Vonnie, were our family babysitters. I couldnt have survived without their help or without the sage advice and support Neva gave me during a difficult time in my first marriage.

When my family moved away from the neighborhood, I was distraught at leaving my special friend. I remember saying to her, Neva, how can I ever repay you for all you have done for us? She smiled her wonderful smile and said, Just pass it on, darlin.

It took me a while to understand the significance of these words. In this culture we seem loath to accept a gift without feeling obligated to repay in kind. For a long while, I felt guilty that there was no tangible way to express my real gratitude to Neva. Gradually, however, I learned the lesson of passing it on to others, and that is what this little book is all about.