Keep the Memories Alive

As we wind down from the hubbub of the holidays, we can look back on memories of holidays just passed and from long ago. We will have hopefully been spending time with family and friends catching up and reminiscing about the good old days. Now would be a good time to check with our aging family members to record memories from long ago.
Talking with aging relatives gives them the opportunity to relate cherished times in their lives and will give you a chance to understand events that made them the people they are today. Recording the conversations as audio or audio/video files will allow you to pass the family stories down to future generations. Remember to mark the records with the date, time and name of the persons involved in the discussion. It will also be necessary to move the records to newer technology as it becomes available, before there is no way to play back the recording due to changes.
Questions you might think about asking to start the conversation include (but are not limited to): Tell me about your favorite holiday memory from before you married Mother/Father. Tell me about your first holiday together. What do you remember about how holidays were celebrated when you were a child? Are there memories you are willing to share now that you kept from us as we were growing up?
Don't restrict your memories to pleasant memories if your family member wants to talk about something sad or disturbing. Let them direct the conversation after you get it started. You may find that your aging relatives have had a much more interesting life than you expect.

Back Again Finally

It has been too long since I have published anything on this blog. It it very hard to keep up with posts without any feedback. I will be posting again starting with the New Year, hoping to post at least twice a week. Please make comments on what you have read. What lead you to this blog? Did you find the information helpful? Is there a topic you would like to learn more about?

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!