I love the story about your father starting to write his memoir. I wish my parents would do the same. Right before he passed my grandfather started to write down his memories. I also wish he had gotten further but I am also grateful for what he did get down. He came from unimaginable poverty and survived in a way the rest of his siblings did not. Such a hero. I agree, memoir is important.
This column stuck to me, Debra. I have always thought that I don't have much to tell so why should I tell my story. Thinking like that does a disservice to our descendants doesn't it? Julie Gammack has offered to help Larry and me with this process of telling our story. Your words have helped me realize how very important this all is. You know the defining moment for me in your post? When you talked about the one paragraph your father left for your family. After reading the paragraph I understand the frustration you felt about him not having written more about who he was and what was important to him. However I do believe he is very proud of the way you have represented his legacy.
I resonate with this so much. My dad left his story unwritten too, and that silence is what drives me to finish my memoir, Living with Lily. I’m moving past the 'sheltered' versions of my life to leave a real trail for my family and others navigating the storm. One paragraph is never enough. Thank you for sharing and reminding me why what I am doing is so important ❤️
I am lucky enough to be enrolled in this memoir class. We’ve had one all-group session, and our small group has met once. The experience is outstanding. I highly recommend ANYTHING Deb Engle has her hand in, especially this memoir class.
I love the story about your father starting to write his memoir. I wish my parents would do the same. Right before he passed my grandfather started to write down his memories. I also wish he had gotten further but I am also grateful for what he did get down. He came from unimaginable poverty and survived in a way the rest of his siblings did not. Such a hero. I agree, memoir is important.
I'm glad your grandfather captured some of his memories and you'll have those to pass down through the family.
Thank you!
I’ve been writing short memoir pieces about raising my son. Small, ordinary moments.
But those are the ones that seem to stay, and change shape over time.
Reading your post made me realize I’m probably still trying to understand them.
Deb, can I share this in my current MFA memoir class????
Yes, please!
I find with every memoir story that I write that I am a person affected. But it’s really cool when others connect to those stories too.
I agree, Pat. I find I'm always changed by writing memoir, and always for the better.
"There is no such thing as an ordinary life." So true! Thank you for this reminder! 💗✨
Thank you, Heather.
Everyone has a story to tell. They are made to share.
I agree, Pam!
Profound
Thank you, Bob.
This column stuck to me, Debra. I have always thought that I don't have much to tell so why should I tell my story. Thinking like that does a disservice to our descendants doesn't it? Julie Gammack has offered to help Larry and me with this process of telling our story. Your words have helped me realize how very important this all is. You know the defining moment for me in your post? When you talked about the one paragraph your father left for your family. After reading the paragraph I understand the frustration you felt about him not having written more about who he was and what was important to him. However I do believe he is very proud of the way you have represented his legacy.
I enjoyed this very much - thank you! Memoir and journalling can be good therapy!
I resonate with this so much. My dad left his story unwritten too, and that silence is what drives me to finish my memoir, Living with Lily. I’m moving past the 'sheltered' versions of my life to leave a real trail for my family and others navigating the storm. One paragraph is never enough. Thank you for sharing and reminding me why what I am doing is so important ❤️
I am lucky enough to be enrolled in this memoir class. We’ve had one all-group session, and our small group has met once. The experience is outstanding. I highly recommend ANYTHING Deb Engle has her hand in, especially this memoir class.