You will be amazed at what you discover about yourself, your family, or your ancestors when you embark on telling the story of a loved one.
Most of us have never really thought about our parents as little kids or what their life was like growing up as teenagers. Sure we heard the stories about how things were so much tougher for them when they were our age “walking two miles to school, in the snow, uphill, both ways”, but we don’t always know the pivotal events, decisions and people that shaped who they are today.
We really only know them from the time we entered their lives and from the perspective of them as our parents, not as young women and men finding their way in the world.
Through the process of capturing his parent’s story, my husband learned he had twin uncles on his mother’s side and that he was named after one of them. He was also surprised to learn that his dad, who was always so reserved, participated in high school activities and plays. He knew his mom sang and acted in plays but didn’t know his dad was a toastmaster or an actor.
When interviewing my dad for his life story, I was quite surprised to learn several new things about him and he was surprised by the themes he learned about himself that emerged when we looked back on his life.
I knew he was a machinist by trade and the epitome of a “do-it-yourselfer”, but I didn’t realize (nor did he) the common thread of “building things” until we started reviewing all of the various jobs and projects he worked on, and continues to work on today. He loves fixing things; making things; reusing things other people throw away; taking things apart; buying, fixing and flipping houses – we discovered that the common theme throughout his lifetime was “building things.”
He also shared for the first time ever, that he decided how he wanted to parent by watching his step sister raise her kids. I didn’t even know he had a step sister, yet she influenced how he raised me and my sisters – what?!? She made quite an impression on him, and it only came up because he saw a picture of her that sparked the memory.
We often take our close family members for granted – thinking that we really know them well. However, hearing their stories in their own words can provide insight into how their character and strengths developed, you just have to ask and listen!
If you are curious about what you might discover, then consider embarking on a journey to document your family’s history. I can help you with interview questions and in pulling all the pieces together, schedule a Complimentary Curator Consultation to find out how.
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Kathy Lawless, Life Story Curator
