The Hard Times

It has been a while since you heard from me, I suppose you can say life got in the way. Between family, travel, and my day job, I have been out creating a lot of stories. I am still doing The Bunting’s Tale and have had the opportunity to work with some incredible people over the past few years.

One question I am often asked is, “Isn’t it hard to talk with people who know they are going to die?”  Before I answer that question, I want to set one thing straight, I work with a wide variety of people, from couples celebrating a milestone anniversary, families who want to capture a specific point in time, and individuals who want to make sure they capture their story, even if they have many, many years left to live.

There are, however, the people who are near death. I have had the honor of capturing stories of people in hospice or have received a diagnosis with a limited time. These include both adults and children. Is it hard, absolutely.

But here is the thing, I give these families something that will be with them forever. They will be able to hear their dad tell them he loves them anytime they miss him. Their child’s laughter and silliness will live on, not just in memory.  So yes, I cry; but I feel so lucky I can share these moments with them and give them something they can revisit over and over.

I have found that at the end of life, there is a joy in looking back, at remembering stories long forgotten. It is fun to remember high school shenanigans, first jobs, and first loves. There is also the satisfaction in knowing someone cares so much about you that they want to remember you forever and in the act of sharing your stories with someone who is there to purely listen.

 If you have any questions or would like to discuss if now is the time to preserve the memories and history of you and your family, please reach out.