The Whole Tree (with Sunny Mahe) | Episode 4

Imagine sitting down at family dinner where a simple table becomes the heart of lasting traditions and deeper connections...

When my sister-in-law Shelly Cowan needed a bigger table for her five growing boys, she didn't just buy one – she built a 10-foot gathering place with her father. More than a decade later, that table has become more than furniture; it's transformed into sacred ground where daily questions, birthday traditions, and vulnerable conversations weave together the fabric of family bonds. In this episode, Shelly reveals how small, consistent practices – from sharing daily "highlights and lowlights" to telling birth stories at birthday dinners – have created such a powerful culture of connection that even her teenage sons linger at the table long after meals end.

Her story shows how intentional family spaces can bridge generational gaps and strengthen relationships, one meal at a time. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your growing family or searching for ways to create meaningful traditions, Shelly's practical wisdom will inspire you to transform everyday moments into lasting family connections. You'll discover that sometimes the most powerful family traditions start with something as simple as asking "What was the best part of your day today?"

📝 Ready to create your own meaningful family gathering place? Visit the companion blog post at CristaCowan.com/blog for my favorite 'Story Seeds' and practical tips to help you start (or refine) your own family traditions.

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🎧 Ready to discover more stories that could transform your family connections? Subscribe to 'Stories That Live In Us' wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to help other families find their path to deeper connection through family history. Together, we're building a community of families committed to preserving and sharing the stories that matter most.
🖼️ Ready to turn your family discoveries into a beautiful conversation piece? Visit FamilyChartmasters.com to create a family tree chart that will help your family share stories for generations.
♥ Want more family history tips and inspiration? Follow me @CristaCowan on Instagram where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my own family discoveries and practical ways to uncover yours!