Telling the story of your unique life now for those who are curious in the future
One project I’m particularly fond of is hearing and sharing people’s life stories. It’s one of the aspects of nursing I really enjoyed. So many stories to hear! And every person has a story but so often, we’re too busy to listen to it until one day, it’s too late. Don’t let that happen to you! How many stories are we losing every day because we were all too busy to listen and learn from another? I often wish I knew more about my dad’s life as a young man growing up in Kansas during the Great Depression. But I’ll never know because I never asked him and my dad isn’t around anymore. His story is gone forever.
Are there people in your life whose
stories you’d like to know more about?
Do you treasure the stories your elders share with you? Or, like me, are you just plain old curious about the lives those you love had before you came onto the scene? I’d like to know what happened to that gorgeous necklace Grandma Grace is wearing in this photo - and did my grandfather give it to her?
If you are thinking about putting your life story into words - or you know someone who might like to do this - I can help! I have extensive writing skills and experience as a published features writer for the ABC and now write obituaries for The Guardian. I am passionate about sharing the stories of our lives; the stories that have shaped our communities and our world. You can read some of those stories on my blog, Letters from Jen.
I’d love to hear from you so please get in touch and we can chat about your ideas!
Grandma Grace with my Uncle Terry (circa 1928)