“I wish I had done this sooner.”
“I wish my parents were still alive to see this book, the story of their lives.”
“ I wish I would have done the book when mom and dad could more fully participate so they could add more detail and accuracy.”
These are the quotes I hear from my clients who are honoring the life of a loved one who has passed. Hands down they wished they would have somehow captured the stories from their parents when they were still around.
I’m sharing this insight and their reflections with the hope that it might inspire you to start capturing the stories of your loved ones today rather than some day.
It can be as simple as asking a few questions and writing down their answers the next time you chat with them. Or with today’s technology, use your smart phone or iPad to record them telling their stories.
The most important thing is to start capturing their stories and you can figure out what to do with the stories later.
Why not start this holiday season at your next family gathering?
Here’s a few suggestions to get them talking:
- Why did you moved to…(how old were you at the time? how much money did you have? were you scared?)
- How did you know you wanted to do… (or be a…)
- When did you know you were good at…
- What events led up to your moving to… (or deciding to do…)
- How did you get your first job?
- What was the best decision you ever made? (What was your best job?)
- When you look back on your life, what were the major events or themes?
Another great way to get them reminiscing is by looking through old family photos. Pictures evoke so many memories taking them back in time.
You can tell them you’d like to capture their stories, but that might make them self conscious, especially if you whip out the video camera or iPad. It might be better to just get them talking and casually start recording, then let them know after the fact.
After the holidays, you can continue the story telling long distance via Skype. There are several inexpensive recording softwares available that allow you to record Skype calls.
Time passes quickly, so take the time now and while your parents and/or grandparents have the energy and cognitive abilities to share their stories.
If you would like other story telling ideas or ways to capture your loved ones legacy, consider scheduling a FREE session with a Life Story Curator.
Click on the box below to schedule your Complimentary Curator Session today.
