Case study: How I started recording my father’s memories in 3 steps
It’s Father’s Day here in Australia this Sunday.
And unlike past years with COVID lockdowns and restrictions it will be possible to meet up with family and friends!
So I’ll be going on a long overdue camping trip with my father who is visiting from interstate.
But it is also the perfect time to let you in on the life-story project I’ve started to record dad’s memories …
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Seeing opportunity in dad’s memories
Readers will know my dad has been a long-time doctor and dealt with his own major health issues.
While he is doing well now, these highlighted to me and other family members the importance of recording life stories.
Certainly we know many of my dad’s memories and stories but could we do a good job remembering and passing them on in future years?
Indeed I was doubtful so I approached him for an interview early this year.
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A rocky beginning
“I don’t have much interest for such things.”
This was the answer my dad gave when I broached the idea of a 30-minute interview focused on his school days.
But reluctantly, with encouragement from my mum, he agreed.
So that weekend I had what actually turned out to be a 60-minute phone chat about dad’s memories from childhood and much more.
“OK well I’ll tell you more same time next week,” dad said at the end!
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Kicking memory goals
Fast forward to midyear and I’m pleased to report my dad and I have had a dozen interviews.
Certainly some days he didn’t feel like talking much but others he was raring to go with a hit-list of topics.
And as a result we have created a wonderful bank of dad’s memories.
However, he tells me he isn’t quite done yet as stories still come to him that he wants to share.
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Final say: Dad’s memories
Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the fathers or father figures in your life.
Certainly make memories and remember stories that can be incorporated into a life-story project.
Indeed I’ll be doing this with my own dad this weekend as we go camping with family.
After that I look forward to keeping you posted about what we do next with dad’s memories.
Happy writing!
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Your say
Do you have a good story or memory of your father to share? I always love hearing from different people. So drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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