Why Grandparents Need to Record Their Story

According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau, 65 and over make up 16.5% of the population. That’s over 54 million people. That’s over 3 billion years of collective history. Of brave beginnings and happy endings. Billions of years of reunions, lessons and loves.

It’s time to record all of it! Your story, your history, wisdom, all of it…with your personality, your humor and your facial expressions. Don’t hold onto history – pass it on!

Here are 9 reasons why grandparents should record their life story:

1.     Downsizing
Perhaps you are organizing your home – sending the “Kid’s” stuff back to them! Or preparing to move to a smaller home or assisted living home.  You will come across many family heirlooms. Maybe you don’t consider them heirlooms, but there are items you consider having sentimental value and family members should know about the stories behind these items. Otherwise, they will not know why they were important enough to save.  

2.      Photo Albums.
When was the last time you looked through them? Bring them out. Tell the stories behind them – who is in them, what is the context? That is the only way your children or grandchildren will understand them when looking at them. Also, you may want to consider digitizing at least some of them. The big ones – like a wedding photo, baby photos, photos from your childhood. Get them digital because paper doesn’t last forever.

3.      Life Advice.
Chances are, you’ve had many ups and downs throughout life. And you’ve learned a lesson from each of them. Pass on your advice to your grandchildren! They may not appreciate it today, but they will in the future!

4.      Future Generations.
Let future generations get to know you; your personality, the sound of your voice and the story behind how they got here!

5.      Wishes.  
Do you have wishes for after you are gone? Such as care for your home or belongings? Instructions for financial or legal matters? Getting it on film ensures the message will get across.

6.      Savor the time reliving the memories.
Remember when we just talked about your photo albums? Bet you’re already thinking of digging them out already! Who doesn’t like taking a trip down memory lane? Savor the time reliving those moments and talking about them and how you felt when at the time.

7.      Preserve the family legacy.
There are stories, not only from your lifetime, but perhaps your parents and grandparents If they are no longer with you, their story needs to be told as well, or they will be lost forever. Family history is like a library. Once we lose a family member, we lose all that history! Tell the stories. Pass it on!

8.      True Feelings.
For most of us, it can be hard to express how we truly feel about our loved ones. Sometimes it’s because we are uncomfortable with verbally sharing them in person, or we think our actions speak enough or we just get caught up in our daily lives. We assume our loved ones know. Why assume? Let me know.

9.      Easier than writing a life story.  
First, if you’re like me, you do better with writing prompts. Because, where do you begin? And, writing can cramp the hands quickly! So much easier just to chat about it. No pen, paper, instructions – just talking.

Don’t think you have a story? You do! I will help you with the story. But even if you still feel you don’t have anything to say – it would mean so much to your family.

Here are some sample questions to chat about;

What was life like when you were a kid?
How did your relationship begin? How did you propose?
What is some advice you would like to pass onto your grandchildren?
What would you like future generations to know about you?

If you are interested in a Family Legacy Video, click here for more information.  There are sample videos and a contact form to reach me. With a Family Story, you will receive a fully edited film with your interview and any stories you would like to include behind your photos or heirlooms.