How Family Stories Fill in the Gaps: A Case Study
During a single afternoon visit with an eighty-three-year old cousin back in 1996, my mother confirmed family traditions that put my grandmother’s life—and her stories—in context. Usually, when family stories fill in the gaps by research, we’re pleasantly...
Can you give the Gift of Hope?
Can you give the gift of hope? My pastor would probably say no. In a recent sermon, he argued that hope doesn’t come as a gift, neatly wrapped up. It requires discipline and endurance. I get what he’s saying, but I’m not sure he’s right. Or perhaps we’re both right....
Bumper Sticker Writing & Sharing Prompt
How do you tell people who you are? How would you give them a bumper sticker synopsis of yourself? (Of course, you could ask why you’d want to do that as well. As Rob Walker argues, “…bumper stickers are about declaration, not dialogue.” But let’s put that aside and...
Innocence Lost: Why Such Stories Matter
Innocence lost is supposed to be a traditional coming of age story. An assuming the mantle of adulthood story. A stripping of the naïveté of childhood. For most, that maturity takes place over time. Too often, though, it turns on a dime. Everything changes as the...
Is Technology your Friend or your Despot?
Is technology your friend or your despot, the device that’s trying to rule the household, if not your entire life? Well, it probably depends on what you mean by friend. If you like bossy friends, you’re in luck. My missing iPhone, or better stated, the fact that...
Don't Wait.
Put the episodes of the past to paper.
We all have stories to share with our children and grandchildren. Whether it’s a proud moment, memories of grandparents, or a lesson you’ve learned, Memories of Me: A Complete Guide to Telling and Sharing the Stories of Your Life helps you put the episodes of your past onto paper and share them with loved ones.
