You Must Remember This Life Legacies

Share the Gift of a Lifetime

By Cynthia Griffin

As a Personal Historian, I save lives -- one story at a time.

Today, we have access to more people and more methods of communicating with each other than ever before in the history of the world. And yet, as beneficial and amazing as these advancements are, in these busy technological times, we seem to be missing one of the most important connections there is: telling our stories.

“Do you know,” asked Peter Pan, “why swallows build in the eaves of houses? It is to listen to the stories.”

Other than at special occasions like Thanksgiving, how often do we really get the chance to share our stories, to share the life experiences that over time have made us who we are?

I work with grandparents who are afraid time will run out before the family stories can be passed down, and with parents concerned about providing their children a real connection to their heritage.

I work with people who are frustrated after having set aside time in their hectic schedules to try and write down their experiences, only to find it a lot more difficult and intimidating than they’d imagined.

As a personal historian, I help people capture their memories in an audio recording, so that not only the family stories are preserved, but also all the emotion, favorite expressions and unique characteristics of the teller's own voice are also preserved.

After a free consultation to determine the client’s goals and desires, I craft questions individually customized to the narrator and their particular project. I naturally draw out their memories in a comfortable, conversational setting and then turn those stories into a lasting family legacy that can be passed down for generations.

If the idea of preserving important personal memories strikes a chord with you, or if you know someone who has a milestone event coming up -- an anniversary, a retirement, an elder’s birthday -- and is looking for a special and unique gift, please contact me. I will be happy to provide a free consultation and answer any of your questions.

If it turns out you’re looking for something other than what I provide, as a Southern California Coordinator for the Association of Personal Historians, I can direct you to other Personal Historians or resources to help you in your quest to share the gift of a lifetime.

Contact Cynthia Griffin at (619) 463-9533. On the Web at UMustRememberThis.com.