"Your past is your story up to now. The future is the story yet to come. The present is where you live with that experience, your hopes and your dreams."

Opening Remarks: May may be the month

Every May is Personal History Month, as recognized by the Association of Personal Historians. Mother’s Day was May 10. May 16 is International Storytelling Day. The theme this year is about human rights and immigration.

Canada has Victoria Day on May 18th. And a special day of remembrance is May 25th, Memorial Day.

But May 2 was a day that I will always treasure. My daughter married and it was truly a beautiful and blessed occasion. Walking her down the aisle I was bursting with pride. I’m excited for this new part of her life with her husband, Nathan. And I’ve gained a son-in-law. Family is so important. And so is preserving your family history.

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While the main focus of this newsletter is to share thoughts, ideas, and insights on life story writing you should know that I offer various services and also mention some products and services that can be helpful. You are under no obligation to purchase anything, but if any of these products or services are helpful and you decide to utilize them then I am most grateful.

Thanks for reading. – Tom

Featured Article: May Is Personal History Awareness Month

The month of May is set aside by personal historians as the month to generate awareness about the importance of personal history. The Association of Personal Historians (APH ) officially recognizes this month and encourages people to do something to preserve their personal and/or family history.

I consider life story capture to be something of a personal mission. Everyone has a story and I think it is so important for us to record, preserve and validate our stories. How will people remember you, your parents, your grandparents and other ancestors?

Did you know that most people today cannot name their great-grandparents?

Does that give you pause? It should. Because that means your great-grandchildren may not know anything about you.

Unless, that is, you do something to preserve your story (and the stories of your family).

When it comes right down to it, the history that we know is basically biographies of other people. Significant historical events are recalled through the memories of those who lived through them. Ask those who grew up during the Great Depression. Ask yourself about September 11, 2001. You can easily get the idea.

Many people get overwhelmed when they begin to contemplate a life story project. I can sympathize. But that’s no excuse for not doing something. Any project begins with some basic steps. The way to get started is to – get started!

You can read other articles on life-story writing here.

Resources You Can Use

Check out these family and personal history/life story services and I look forward to working with you to capture your life story.

Closing Information

Any comments, ideas or feedback is greatly appreciated. Just reply to this ‘zine and tell me what you think!

Until next time, – keep your story alive!

Tom Gilbert