Preserving Memories: The Heartwarming Power of Family Stories

Family stories are like treasured heirlooms, except they don’t gather dust—they gather laughs, tears, and a few 'Did that really happen?' moments. And the best part? No one has to argue about who gets to keep them!

Our Journey

When my family learned that my grandmother, Doris or “Nana,” had pancreatic cancer, we were all in shock. No one knew what to do or where to even begin. Tiffany and I realized her time was short, and we needed to start preserving her memories and stories. And that’s exactly what I did.

Wisdom from the Journey: Lessons You Can Use

• Identity and Self-Understanding
  When I struggle with motivation, looking back at my past successes has always helped remind me of my capabilities and give me a boost. Family helps shape who we are. By recalling past experiences, we are reminded of our growth, values, and the events that have influenced our lives. These reflections are crucial for understanding ourselves and our personal identity. Being able to look back and see how far we've come can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and the accomplishments of breaking generational trauma. 

• Emotional Healing
  Positive memories can offer comfort during difficult times. Revisiting happy moments can help us manage our emotions when we're struggling to keep them in check. For example, when you think of a funny memory, it’s hard not to smile or laugh. In times of hardship, it can be incredibly healing to focus on the good times rather than dwelling on the bad. Our grandparents discovered this firsthand when Nana was placed in hospice care. We gave them a digital picture frame that allowed everyone to send pictures and videos. They loved being able to see old memories and reconnect with family and friends they hadn't seen in years. During such a difficult time, it provided a much-needed distraction from the sadness of the situation.

• Promoting Positive Emotions and Wellbeing
  Recalling positive memories is not only valuable but also beneficial for our mental and emotional health. Most people would agree with this sentiment, and it's also supported by science. Studies have shown that reflecting on good times can help manage emotions and improve overall well-being. Who wouldn’t want that? You can read the full study here.

Pro Tips from Our Journey

• Decide if the Legacy and Connection to Future Generations is important.
  Preserving memories, especially in the form of stories or traditions, allows individuals to leave behind a legacy for their descendants, offering future generations a link to their past. Each year, you’ll be reminded of the good times shared. It fosters a sense of community and strengthens love within your family and friends. In my family everyone has fond memories associated with certain foods or meals, and recreating them can be a nostalgic experience. For example, I continue to make my grandmother’s cookies every Christmas, and it feels like she’s still with us, sharing her delicious recipes. 

• Time - It doesn’t last forever, even if you want it to.
  Our grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and given 3 to 6 months to live. She wasn't placed on hospice care initially, so everyone remained hopeful. However, within the first month, she had a stroke, which led to her being placed on hospice and given only 3 months. By then, Tiffany and I had already begun asking Nana to share stories and answering questions that other family members had requested. We documented all her responses and transcribed them to create a book for everyone. We were fortunate enough to complete most of it before her passing, but not everyone is so lucky. Start early, before things become critical, because you never know how much time your Nana may have left in their journey.

With all of this in mind, I hope you now understand the importance of preserving your loved ones' memories. There are many ways you can do this. If you want to learn more, feel free to check out our other blog post here.