Remembering the Special People in Your Life

Today is the 105th anniversary of my Grandma Mac's birth. She lived to be almost 102. When she was in her early 90s, I set about writing her life story. I had asked her to write her story, but she didn't think she had done anything worth writing about. I proved her wrong. At first, when I began asking her questions about her childhood, courting, marriage, etc, she was a bit hesitant. But she soon started looking forward to the questions I'd send her, and wrote back to me - sometimes a dozen or more handwritten, yellow legal-pad pages of stories. She was enjoying it! She wrote about things she had done, but more importantly, she wrote about how she felt about her life. It wasn't always an easy life.

One of her daughters became completely deaf in early childhood. Grandma had to learn sign language. She took a job as housemother at the school for the deaf, so she could be near, and help to support her family at the same time.

She lived through the Great Depression, and lost a house and business that they had worked hard for.

She lost another daughter--only 28 years old--to cancer. She cared for a couple of her grandchildren at various times. She took care of her husband after his stroke, and later cared for several of her brothers and sisters until they passed away. She did not have an easy life...but in her eyes, it was a good life. She knew how to have fun, and made other people happy. She lived to be almost 102, having outlived all three of her daughters.

This is just a thumbnail sketch of her life. But I have an entire book of stories about her first 98 years!

What about the special people in your life? Do you know their stories? If not... don't wait! Begin now asking the questions about the most important things you want to know about them. Make a list of those things you've always wondered about. Then, in a casual setting, over a meal, or at a family gathering, begin to get the stories.

Need some help? My book Write Your Life Story in 28 Days has lots of ideas on topics to discuss, and writing tips to get it all documented.  Remember - it's not important how you do it, but that you do it!

Comments

[ייעוץ זוגי]

I observe that she was a little hesitant. But it was not long to wait for other things.

[lifestorylady]

Thanks for your comment. You're right - once my grandmother realized someone really WAS interested in her life, she gladly opened up. You just need to get the person talking.

[rc helicopter reviews]

Impressive blog! -Arron

[Research Paper Writing]

This is very respected blog for me because nowadays peoples are forgotten the respect of seniors..!

[IT Consultants]

I agree with most of the points you make within this content.

[Multi Skills]

Hi,
I am very thankful too you for this sharing..It is very useful for my writing project I get enough information for my writing..!!!

[Dee Dees]

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad you're finding my blog helpful!

[Anti-allergic Silicone Watches]

Yes I always remembering special in my life who helped me in my worst conditions. I would like tell thanks to all them.