Preserving a Family Legacy
April 29, 2006 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
When your parents or older relatives begin living more in the past than in the present, take advantage of their memories. They are recalling a living legacy you’ll want to preserve for future generations.
Recording my mom’s memories was a means of decreasing stress as I cared for her, first in her home, then in mine, and eventually when I visited her in a nursing home. Instead of becoming frustrated by her ramblings, I regarded them as something valuable to preserve.
Also, my being interested in her memories made her feel important and worthwhile. Someone was willing to listen to her instead of telling her to stop living in the past.
What family stories, tidbits of history, and glimpses of your family member in former years can you collect to share?
