What can seniors give to their family? Memories! Insight!
I remember when my Mom was in her late 70’s; I realized how little I really knew about her other than her role as a mother. Of course, I had all sorts of memories of her from growing up – coming home from school, running excitedly into the house to tell her about my day …but did I really know her as a person. Do my children really know who I am outside of that role? Like many of us, my Mom promised she would write us a history of her life, her interests, her thoughts…but after ten years of waiting – still no story.
Many years ago, my husband, Al, suggested we interview her on video to ask her questions about high school, college, her life as a secretary before she married my Dad, how she met him, what she thought about various world events…and anything we could think of. We asked her permission. She reluctantly agreed. The thought of a camera made her uncomfortable at first.
We set up the camera, sat her on the couch with me next to her, asking her questions. It was an amazing experience. She forgot all about the camera after the first question as we watched and listened as story after story, memory after memory came out. She was in her glory, and we were fascinated. Of course, we knew some of the stories but to hear them again with her eyes aglow was such a precious gift. But the faraway look on her face as she spoke about meeting and falling instantly in love with my Dad…a feeling she never lost, is my favorite part.
She passed away in 1992 but I will always have her “live and in person” on my screen whenever I need an electronic Mom-hug. I will treasure this video forever – hearing her voice, seeing her smile and laughter.
So, Seniors, if you want to give a gift to your family that will always be treasured…give them your history in your words and voice. What a great Christmas gift that would be to your children.
