Your Legacy Stories Matter
This is a photograph of my grandmother, Linnie May Hayes Steinke Jensen Smith (1892-1955). Everything I know about her comes from genealogical research. You see, I never had the chance to know my grandparents. My parents rarely spoke of them, and I don't have a single letter, diary, or keepsake to connect me to their lives-not a whisper of their voices, laughter, or thoughts.
Over the past 25 years, I've pieced together their history. I know where they were born, how they met, what they did for a living, and when they started their family. But the essence of who they were remains a mystery. What were their favorite meals or songs? Who were their closest friends? What made them laugh, cry, or dream? These aren't facts you can uncover through records; they're the heart of personal stories that must be preserved and passed down.
What I wouldn't give for just one letter from my grandparents-a glimpse into their lives as people who loved, struggled, and hoped for the future.
This realization has inspired me to encourage others to leave a legacy of stories for their children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come. With time, traditions and personal histories can fade unless we preserve them.
This Christmas, take a moment to record some of those treasured family stories shared over the dining table or by the fire. It's as simple as pressing the record button on your phone and letting the memories flow. Later, you can transcribe them, add photos, and perhaps create a small "holiday" booklet for the younger generation.
To get you started, here are a few prompts to spark your storytelling:
Comfort foods: What was your favorite comfort food from your childhood? How does it connect to a special memory or emotion?
Legacy Recipes: Share a cherished family recipe that has been passed down. What's the story behind it, and what makes it unique to your family?
Milestone Celebrations: Reflect on a significant milestone or achievement celebrated with a special meal. How did the food or the occasion shape that moment?
Holiday Traditions: What music, activities, clothing, or gifts made the holidays special in your family?
Dining Traditions: How did your family come together for holiday meals? Was there a specific routine or tradition that made these gatherings memorable?
Don't wait - open your phone's voice memo app, wet it at the table, and start sharing. These stories are gifts for your loved ones, and you will ever regret preserving them.
If this sparks your interest in diving deeper into life story writing, I invite you to join my Legacy Life Story Workshop. This beginner-friendly, five-week Zoom workshop will help you craft and share five personal stories in an intimate group setting (limited to six participants).
Workshop Details:
- When: Wednesdays, starting January 15th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Where: Online via Zoom
- What: Learn the art of legacy writing and start capturing the stories that define your life.
Take this opportunity to ensure that your story-and the stories of those you cherish-are never forgotten. Let's keep the memories alive together.
Email me if you are interested in attending or want more information.
dnpcdalton@gmail.com