If I could spend just ten more minutes with my mother, I know exactly what I’d do. I’d sit in her kitchen while she cooked dinner. Maybe she’d be making the roast chicken I loved so much, with mashed potatoes that were just lumpy enough. Her house would be warm and filled with plants, the […]
Gather ‘Round: 8 Storytelling Ideas for Family Reunions
Can you think of a moment when generations, old friends, or longtime communities might come together? Family reunions may be the obvious answer. But any gathering of people with a shared history can become a “family reunion” of sorts where memories begin to flow. In recent years, I’ve been thinking a lot about the value […]
Welcome The Tears: A Personal Reflection on Grief, Memory, and Legacy
Our beloved memories of our deceased loved ones often have such a strong influence on how we view and live our lives in the present. Sometimes they forge us with the drive and determination to push forward and thrive. Sometimes they hold us back in fear, isolation, and vulnerability. Other times they are the flame […]
The Power of Ethical Wills: Leaving a Legacy of Values, Stories & Wisdom
What do you hope to leave behind for your loved ones? Beyond the financial aspect, how do you want your legacy to be felt and remembered? These questions lie at the heart of every estate plan and inform discussions about what someone plans to leave behind: homes, savings, heirlooms, and other assets. However, the most meaningful […]
No More Stories? Not so Fast!
For several years, I’ve worked in memory care communities, leading activities and reminiscence groups, and it has changed the way I think about storytelling, memory, and what it means to know another person. Before these experiences, I mostly thought of our memories as little life tidbits that replay in our minds and are told over […]
Memories to Movie: The Legacy Film Process (For Families)
Most families have boxes of photos and no real plan for them. There are albums tucked into closets and old videos on hard drives. Stories come up at holidays and then disappear again, with everyone hoping that someone turned on their smartphone to record. This is how we care for most of our memories. The […]