Recording Family Stories
From Dave Savage: educator, speaker and author
I'm at my parents house this weekend (8/7/16), with my video camera. They are still mentally sharp at 87 and 91 years old. I was going to have them share some of the stories that go with the old pictures in our boxes and envelopes. However the natural aging process of losing brain cells has made the names, dates and events captured in the pictures vanish for most of them. Unfortunately most of the pictures have no information on the back. I see pictures with my parents, in their home, hugging and doing things with people they clearly cared about at the time and they both can't recall who they are. And my brother and I don't know them either. Now we can't even notify the guests to a future tribute event or remembrance service.
So my advice is increased in experience of the importance of setting aside some time to share AND RECORD family stories, history, heritage and talents at every opportunity and in different ways.
Why should you record your personal journey stories, experiences and points of view?
The quest to know who we are, where we came from, and how we came to be the family we are now, is a powerful emotional desire, at some point in most everyone’s life.
What is the legacy do you want to pass on?
By recording the stories, with your loved ones, you’re more confident that they understand what you’re sharing and that they comprehend the emotions you have about the subjects being discussed.
Pass on the answers to questions not yet asked.
For the sheer joy of storytelling – it energizes and uplifts the spirit.
Honor the past and pay tribute to the people who have shaped your life.
Create a priceless legacy of memories, stories and photographs for current and future generations.
Explain your actions and decisions, and give insight and perspective into the experiences that have influenced you.
Communicate your values, beliefs and ethics.
Offer advice to your children (or anyone else!) based on your mistakes, successes and observations.
Get your story off your chest, set the record straight and achieve peace of mind.
Help others see you in a different dimension than the one they see now.
Do something valuable that only you can do.
What elevates a common yard sale item to a major Auction House? It’s the story that gets to be told by the owner.
Christies and Southebys are two famous auction houses that sell some ordinary items for extraordinary prices. The items themselves aren’t what drives the price up, it’s the story that goes with it. You can also see that happen on the Antiques Road Show program, on public TV. A beaten up desk worth $20,000, crazy? Oh, it was used by Napoleon – what a deal! That old wrench with the OW stamped on it?, grandpa got it from the Wright Brothers when he was a kid. The stories attached to many of your items are what makes them important to you and priceless to those who love you.
Make sure your children and grandchildren know and appreciate the stories of your treasured items and collectables, so they don’t end up getting donated to a thrift store or sold well under value one day. And, some of the plain and utilitarian items you own, and have minimal value to you, have great emotional value to a few of the people who care about you. You are remembered fondly whenever the objects are seen and used.
There are many links ideas, lists and advice on our websites http://HeartfeltMemorialServices.com
Your Guide for Planning Meaningful Funerals Celebrations of Life and TIMES OF REMEMBRANCE
Included are lists of questions to stimulate meaningful stories between the generations, at meals, when taking a walk, when killing time and when traveling. Copy them to printout and take with you.
http://MemoryKeepersVideo.com and http://DaveSavage.com
Copy them to printout and take with you.
From Dave Savage: educator, speaker and author
I'm at my parents house this weekend (8/7/16), with my video camera. They are still mentally sharp at 87 and 91 years old. I was going to have them share some of the stories that go with the old pictures in our boxes and envelopes. However the natural aging process of losing brain cells has made the names, dates and events captured in the pictures vanish for most of them. Unfortunately most of the pictures have no information on the back. I see pictures with my parents, in their home, hugging and doing things with people they clearly cared about at the time and they both can't recall who they are. And my brother and I don't know them either. Now we can't even notify the guests to a future tribute event or remembrance service.
So my advice is increased in experience of the importance of setting aside some time to share AND RECORD family stories, history, heritage and talents at every opportunity and in different ways.
Why should you record your personal journey stories, experiences and points of view?
The quest to know who we are, where we came from, and how we came to be the family we are now, is a powerful emotional desire, at some point in most everyone’s life.
What is the legacy do you want to pass on?
By recording the stories, with your loved ones, you’re more confident that they understand what you’re sharing and that they comprehend the emotions you have about the subjects being discussed.
Pass on the answers to questions not yet asked.
For the sheer joy of storytelling – it energizes and uplifts the spirit.
Honor the past and pay tribute to the people who have shaped your life.
Create a priceless legacy of memories, stories and photographs for current and future generations.
Explain your actions and decisions, and give insight and perspective into the experiences that have influenced you.
Communicate your values, beliefs and ethics.
Offer advice to your children (or anyone else!) based on your mistakes, successes and observations.
Get your story off your chest, set the record straight and achieve peace of mind.
Help others see you in a different dimension than the one they see now.
Do something valuable that only you can do.
What elevates a common yard sale item to a major Auction House? It’s the story that gets to be told by the owner.
Christies and Southebys are two famous auction houses that sell some ordinary items for extraordinary prices. The items themselves aren’t what drives the price up, it’s the story that goes with it. You can also see that happen on the Antiques Road Show program, on public TV. A beaten up desk worth $20,000, crazy? Oh, it was used by Napoleon – what a deal! That old wrench with the OW stamped on it?, grandpa got it from the Wright Brothers when he was a kid. The stories attached to many of your items are what makes them important to you and priceless to those who love you.
Make sure your children and grandchildren know and appreciate the stories of your treasured items and collectables, so they don’t end up getting donated to a thrift store or sold well under value one day. And, some of the plain and utilitarian items you own, and have minimal value to you, have great emotional value to a few of the people who care about you. You are remembered fondly whenever the objects are seen and used.
There are many links ideas, lists and advice on our websites http://HeartfeltMemorialServices.com
Your Guide for Planning Meaningful Funerals Celebrations of Life and TIMES OF REMEMBRANCE
Included are lists of questions to stimulate meaningful stories between the generations, at meals, when taking a walk, when killing time and when traveling. Copy them to printout and take with you.
http://MemoryKeepersVideo.com and http://DaveSavage.com
Copy them to printout and take with you.