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Think of all
those stories you laughed over at the family dinner, the ones that were
shared nearly every special gathering your family had. You can have a
delightful time reminiscing about and recording them. Share all that joy
with generations to come. Don’t let those stories be lost in the passage of
time.
A
Lasting Gift
It’s really
the perfect gift for someone who has “everything.” Whether you write it
yourself, have someone else help you through the process, or arrange for a
parent or grandparent to compile theirs, what more precious gift can you
give to your loved ones and future generations than a life review? Your
story can help them deal with life’s situations as they read or listen to
how you dealt with yours. How did you handle the sorrows and celebrate the
joys of life? What are your most cherished memories? Imagine how
meaningful it would be for your children to learn how happy you were on the
day they were born, or how your heart ached for them when they encountered
life’s disappointments or challenges.
Family
Ties
Compiling a
life history can be a catalyst for family bonding experiences, even
providing a way to reconnect with your long lost relatives. Family members
of the person compiling a life history can have input in the project, such
as by supplying LHT with specific questions to be asked of the interviewee
or favorite photos of them with the narrator of the project.
Valuing
History
A life
history is a great source of information to children, grandchildren, and
others. It can be a valued addition to their education. It can help them
develop an appreciation for history and even historical events – learning
what life was like “way back when” Grandpa was a little boy or Mom was a
college co-ed or how Auntie Marguerite survived the Depression.
Mental
and Physical Benefits
The experience of
writing a memoir has been proven to increase self-esteem for the narrator,
particularly for elders. In a 1963 paper, Dr. Robert N. Butler wrote that he
discovered that reminiscence was a normal and healthy activity. Many
physicians of his day actually discouraged elderly reminiscence, thinking
that it was a sign of dementia. Interestingly, we now see this description
of telling one's life story as a normal developmental task.
Found in the November
newsletter of the Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis is this
observation: "According to Daniel Siegel, writing autobiographical material has
the effect of increasing brain coherence and integrating
the brain hemispheres.
Further, bringing remembered material into consciousness helps the person
construct a coherent story, allows for the material to be considered in new
ways, and allows for the release of emotional energy embedded in the stories."
Additionally, research by
James Pennebaker has proven that the act of writing our stories down, "beyond
its mental and spiritual benefits and organizational promises, raises the T-cell
level in the bloodstream, stabilizing the immune system." Recent research has
proven that a life review can improve an ill or infirm person's self-esteem,
well-being and satisfaction with life.
The November l997 cover story of
Modern Maturity (AARP magazine) emphasized the prevalence of memoirs, plus their
intrinsic value, especially for older persons.
An Investment in Family
A personal
life history project will be worth every penny and will pay many dividends
for generations to come. What would you give to have your grandmother’s
story in her own words? If she did pass on her life story to you, aren’t you
glad she did? Imagine how your descendents will value the wonderful heirloom
book you will leave them when you finish your project!
Focus on
the Special Reasons of Life
A more
narrowly-focused project can be a great, memorable way to commemorate
and/or document birthdays, adoptions, a love story, weddings, anniversaries,
family reunions, bar or bat mitzvahs, graduations, a retirement, the trip of
a lifetime, favorite Christmas or Hanukkah memories, and more. Whatever
memories you want to capture – the possibilities are endless!
Legacy
A life
history can make it possible for you to leave a wonderful legacy for your
family members to enjoy over and over. Often, though, loved ones pass on
before having the opportunity to work with a personal historian to compile
their life stories. However, it still is possible for those loved ones to
leave something of themselves behind which will certainly be cherished for
countless generations. Through interviews with family members, friends, and coworkers, LHT can
compile a heartfelt tribute focusing on the person's life experiences,
accomplishments and their influence on others. Using words, as well as
family photographs and mementos, we can create a beautiful book that can
stand as a testimony of a life well lived. The process of producing a
“tribute” book can provide those left behind a positive way in which to
grieve their loss. Doing so can aid them and yourself through the healing
process. It will also ensure that future generations will always know
something about the person you love and dearly miss.
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