As we get older and start to realize that our time on Earth is finite, the desire to hear the voices and stories of those we love becomes more apparent. Especially when those people are no longer here. So, before that time comes, get comfy, sit down with loved ones and record their stories, their philosophies, and their accomplishments.
Depending on our relationship with our parents or loved ones, some questions might be uncomfortable. However, asking open-ended questions can help make it feel more like a conversation rather than an awkward interview. Setting up a video or audio recording can make it feel more natural; instead of worrying about writing down all their answers, you'll both be in the moment.
These questions are a good starting point, however, questions more specific to your situation can be added, and questions can be omitted. If there’s something you’ve been curious about, there’s no better time than the present. Learning more about what shaped our loved ones can help us be more empathetic to their beliefs and ideals, their history, and can help us better understand their journey.
Choosing a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or another relative, or older family friend is ideal. Recording parents together or separately (depending on the situation) can give different outlooks to a time that you may remember completely differently. Some questions are more light-hearted, some may evoke strong emotions, but overall these questions can bring us closer to our loved ones. Regardless, having these answers and information for posterity is invaluable.
Learning about people's childhoods is fascinating. Finding out about their likes and dislikes, pivotal moments in their lives, and living through big moments in history can give us a better idea about our parent's worldviews and ideals.
Considering that eyewitness testimony can vary wildly, the perspectives and memories of our parents and caregivers will likely be very different than our own. Of course, there are family stories that we hear regularly, but digging a little deeper might give us more insight into our lives. This info might help us be more thoughtful about how we want to parent, in choosing our career, and in our relationships.
Learning about your loved ones' current favorite movies, biggest accomplishments, and favorite hobbies could help find commonalities that you may have not known or overlooked.
Not able to get together in person? Sign them up for a service like Storyworth, or send them this journal that contains writing prompts.