The Tradition
Luis's whole family gathered every June to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Before everyone sat down to eat, each person had to recite a personal story they had about Grandpa. Some family members told the same story year after year. Louis, for example, had his usual story about the time grandpa taught him how to take care of a vegetable garden.
The stories were a tradition, and now that most of the grandchildren were old enough to participate, their tradition could go on for quite awhile period last year, it took three hours. Louis battled the need to yawn as he listens to all the familiar old tales.
This year, uncle frank and aunt Tessa had dinner ready early and called everyone to eat.
“What about the stories?” Louis asked.
“There's just not enough time this year, with so many people,” Uncle Frank said.
As he sat down at the long dining room table, Luis was relieved. Yet he also felt a pang of disappointment. In the absence of the tradition, Grandpa's birthday felt like any other holiday the family shared.
Luis eyed the platter of chiles rellenos. “You know, I wouldn't know how to pick a pepper right if it wasn't for Grandpa,” he mused.
“I wouldn't know how to drive a car,” said aunt Teresa.
“I wouldn't have known how to turn a paper clip into a safety pin,” added uncle Felix. “That sure saved the day at Edna's wedding!” Everyone laughed and smiled at each other at the reminder of that well known family story.
It was a pleasant birthday. Conversations flowed like water, and the food was superb. But something told Luis that next year, the tradition of telling stories would return.
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
(1 point)
Responses
A person cannot control the way traditions come and go overtime
A person cannot control the way traditions come and go overtime
Traditions can bring people together in unique ways.
Traditions can bring people together in unique ways.
People should treat each other the way they themselves ought to be treated.
1 answer
The best option that describes the main theme or lesson of the story is:
Traditions can bring people together in unique ways.
The story highlights how the tradition of sharing stories about Grandpa connects family members and creates a sense of togetherness, even as they face changes in how that tradition is practiced.
