In today’s fast-paced digital age, communication often revolves around text messages, emails, and social media interactions. While these methods offer convenience for the generations that were born with it, and some elders who have become used to it, they all lack the depth and intimacy found in verbal communication. While text messages convey small bits of information efficiently, they often lack the ability to convey stories effectively. 

In my opinion, there is nothing that beats a heartfelt phone/video call between a grandparent and a grandchild. 

Family stories are precious lore passed down from one generation to the next and are best shared in person. However, when this is not possible due to time or distance constraints, video or voice calls serve as the next best choice. Voice conversations bring stories to life allowing family members to share anecdotes. The emotional resonance that comes from reminiscing about shared experiences, and with passing down oral traditions, will result in strengthening family bonds and identity.

Voice calls enable the listener to ask follow-up questions, delve deeper into experiences, or pivot to other topics, fostering meaningful interactions. To share laughter (or a tear)  on a voice call with a loved one will always be very meaningful!

Consider reaching out to a family member today to share one of your life’s stories. Here’s a suggestion: if you’d like to engage with someone from a younger generation who may not pick up their phone to answer a call, try sending them a voice memo with a family story! It can be a simple yet effective way to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen connections with your loved ones. And hopefully – they will likely listen to and save it!

Father’s Day is a special occasion that allows us to honor and appreciate the role of fathers in our lives. Have you ever stopped to consider how, throughout history, the role of the father has evolved significantly? 

Early on, as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible, acts of fatherhood were often used as means to impart wisdom and values to their children, nurturing their growth and character. As an example, in Genesis 49, as Jacob was nearing the end of his life, he called his sons together to impart his values and blessings, and share with them his hopes, dreams and wishes for the future. 

This story is a record of the earliest form of an ethical will– a moment in time when an individual passes down their values, principles, and guidance to future generations. Jacob used this opportunity to shape the future actions and behaviors of his sons by sharing his wisdom and insights.

The Changing Roles of Fathers through Time

As centuries passed, the concept of fatherhood evolved, adapting to the changing societal landscape. Fathers became not just providers and disciplinarians but also nurturers, mentors, and role models. The focus shifted from solely fulfilling material needs to fostering emotional connection, offering guidance, and being actively involved in their children’s lives.

In present times fathers continue to adapt to the ever-changing world. They navigate the complexities of technology, shifting gender roles, and new societal expectations while staying true to their core values. In a world filled with distractions and instant gratification, fathers strive to instill timeless values like honesty, respect, resilience, and empathy in their children, fostering their emotional well-being and shaping their character.

Different Types of Fathers

While biological fathers hold a special place in a child’s life, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of stepfathers, mentors, and role models. Stepfathers take on a challenging role, showing love and support as they help merge families together. Mentors provide guidance and wisdom to those who may not have a father figure in their lives. Role models inspire and set examples for children, leaving a lasting impression on their values and aspirations.

The Art of Fatherhood: No Guidebook, Just Love

Parenting is often described as an art rather than a science. It definitely doesn’t come with a step-by-step guide or a manual (although parents often wish they had one!). Every child is unique, and fathers must navigate through the challenges and triumphs with love, patience, and adaptability every single day. It is a journey of learning and growing together.

During this special time of year, I remember my own father. His love, guidance, and unwavering support  shaped me into the person I am today. I will forever treasure the memory of him, in his final hours of life, bolting upright in his bed after days of being more asleep than awake, and clearly saying to me, “I hope I was a good father to you.” I am so grateful and blessed that I got to tell him that he was the very best! This Father’s Day, like each one since he left us, I will light a candle in remembrance of the amazing man and father he was. I love and miss you, Dad!

Best Father’s Day wishes to all the exceptional fathers! 

Celebrations of the Thanksgiving holiday might be a great time and place to preserve some of your family’s history and stories. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reminder that life is precious and that life events can hit hard at any time. For the first time since 2019, multi-generational families can gather around the table to share a festive meal together. Thanksgiving dinner sets the perfect scene for conversation, laughter, and most importantly– storytelling.

Breaking bread together is one of the oldest and most fundamental unifying human experiences. In today’s divisive political climate, reaching that unified feeling might be challenging, but keeping our family close is more important than ever. Being with our elders, as the living links to our ancestors help us understand the values we share and our own family’s history.

Recalling memories, reminiscing, and storytelling with our family members is so important. Doing so helps solidify our bonds and give us glimpses into our loved ones’ lives and personalities, from the time before we were born. This presents a golden opportunity to record what will become treasured archives of communication with your elderly loved ones.

Some families also share in the ritual at the dinner table with everyone taking a turn sharing their gratitude(s). We have worked with special families who have on an annual basis, placed a recording device on their table to record conversation for major milestone events: big family vacations/trips, holiday meals, birthday/anniversary celebrations. The hours of recordings become cherished archives, often once the elder has passed on.

How to do it… Technology Tips

Does an audio recording using your mobile phone’s voice memo function suit your family best? A smartphone can unobtrusively sit on the table (helps with the shy folk!), as close as possible to the speaker. You may want to test your microphone range, as it might work best from the middle of the table, if there is not too much surrounding noise. I recommend stopping and restarting the recording between speakers, when possible. It will be easier to share, listen to and even edit recordings if they’re shorter rather than longer.

You could also choose to video record, capturing expressions and gestures – even other family members’ reactions – as loved ones share their stories. Setting up your mobile phone or IPad/tablet on a small tripod (easily available on Amazon.com—some even come with lighting attached), helps avoid camera shake and lets the recorder feel a sense of importance. Once again, try to stop and start between storytellers for easier sharing and better file management (i.e., you can title your files/folders by family member name or story being told).

Lastly, do keep these precious recordings from living solely on your device or in your cloud storage. Sharing these files so other family members can have access is a good habit. Do you have a family WhatsApp chat? A private family Facebook group? Or any other preferred way to share files? Uploading them ensures others have access and they can replay the recordings to enjoy the joy, laughter, or maybe even tears, that were shared.

Starting and recording these legacy-preserving conversations can make our usual Thanksgiving experience and elevate it to one of the most meaningful and unforgettable family celebrations yet. Why wait? Please make 2022 the first story archiving year for your family!

Need help getting the conversation started or directing it? Here are our top five recommended questions to get and keep the conversation going.

• Tell me about your childhood or biggest highlight in your childhood years.
• Tell me about the traditions that have been passed down through our family. How did they get started?
• What are your most vivid memories of school?
• How did you meet your spouse?
• What wisdom or advice would you like to share with future generations?