The response has been the same since I started talking to people about my passion for helping people tell their life stories. I am met with genuine interest. “I really should do that, when I have some time to pull out those boxes of old photos,” many people say. Or “I’m going to talk to my mom about that. We would love to hear more about her experiences growing up, and about her parents and grandparents.” Then they go on with their busy lives and store that thought deep in their internal “to do list”.
Then I meet the people who sigh and say, ” I wish I had taken the time to let my grandmother tell me about her life. I have her photo albums, but I don’t even know who some of the people are or what they were doing. I lost the stories when she died.”
If only Grandma had some help with adding names and caption information in her albums. If only someone had taken the time to record her while she shared stories from her past and explained why she took the time to put particular photos in the album. If only you knew more about the important milestones in her life, the people and events who influenced her, and the things she learned in life that could help you and your children.
Our lives are busy, and we prioritize the “musts” over the “shoulds”. We procrastinate, and sometimes lose track of time until we realize that opportunities have been lost. If only you had someone who could help you with the “shoulds”. Someone who could guide you through small, manageable steps to accomplish, and motivate you, to tell and preserve your stories and those of your family.
My mission through this blog is to move your life story to the top of your “to do list”. I also resolve to move this blog to the top of mine, and to post more regularly with motivation and helpful tips.
Let’s start with May! Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. If you plan to see or talk with your mom, tell her that you are interested in hearing more about her life and the old family stories. Plant the seed. She may resist at first, but she may also be grateful for your interest.
If you no longer have a mother in your life, look through a few photos of her. Record a few thoughts about how the photos make you feel. Do you hear her voice? What is she trying to tell you?
If you are a mother, and the family gifts you with a little “me time”, spend a few minutes to be introspective. What do you want your children and their children to know about the things you value? How can you make sure that they will remember?
For more information about our services, visit our website or send an email to: yourstoryproductions@gmail.com
Everyone has a story 