Sounds like a wonderful idea and service and if it had been twenty years ago I would have taken you up on this. But my parents have past and I am the patriarch on my side of our family with not a lot of interesting tidbits that my children don't know or haven't ribbed me about. But for your younger readers this is an opportunity.
I’m with Paul. Would have certainly done this with my dad. Even asked him about it but my presentation wasn’t as good as yours. Many times over the years I’ve regretted we didn’t pull it off.
I've been around understandably since the beginning, don't comment much, but read every day! I started reading when I lived in Maryland, got married and bought a house in Pennsylvania, then migrated West and did the nomatitic thing for a couple years and now live in a tiny town in Utah (300 people at the last census). I work as assistant manager at the only grocery store for an hour around and needless to say, I've met a TON of interesting people. But one stands out - he's 94, fought several wars, was something high-ranking in the military, would cross-stitch huge works of art when he could see. He still lives alone and has no family whatsoever. His only "caretakers" are a family that kind of inherited him and they just sold the house that he lived in for years out from under him and moved him into a rental unit. His mom was romantically pursued by Butch Cassidy. Lets see, his military vessel started to sink off the coast or Vietnam or something and he told his men he was swimming to shore and they could follow him or die on the ship.... A bunch followed him. He was a POW, and he's still here to tell about it. He can hardly hear, a video call wouldn't work. I clean a motel and many Airbnbs in the area and can get you a place to stay if you fly out for this once-in-a-lifetime interview. I know it's not what you suggested initially, but I think you'd really love this guy. His name is Leroy. Lets talk! ☺️
This is one of the best ideas I've ever seen. I wish I could learn about my parents, but they have both passed long ago. I'm 84 myself, and I've written a lot of psychological stuff about myself, who I am, and what I believe, but not about actual events or memories.
Because my mind abstracts everything, I lose access to details. A good interviewer can ask questions that give me access to those details. Brilliant idea.
Bill
Sounds like a wonderful idea and service and if it had been twenty years ago I would have taken you up on this. But my parents have past and I am the patriarch on my side of our family with not a lot of interesting tidbits that my children don't know or haven't ribbed me about. But for your younger readers this is an opportunity.
Good luck with this
Paul, thank you for the kind words.
If I may say—ask your kids what they think!
I’m with Paul. Would have certainly done this with my dad. Even asked him about it but my presentation wasn’t as good as yours. Many times over the years I’ve regretted we didn’t pull it off.
Hi Bill,
I've been around understandably since the beginning, don't comment much, but read every day! I started reading when I lived in Maryland, got married and bought a house in Pennsylvania, then migrated West and did the nomatitic thing for a couple years and now live in a tiny town in Utah (300 people at the last census). I work as assistant manager at the only grocery store for an hour around and needless to say, I've met a TON of interesting people. But one stands out - he's 94, fought several wars, was something high-ranking in the military, would cross-stitch huge works of art when he could see. He still lives alone and has no family whatsoever. His only "caretakers" are a family that kind of inherited him and they just sold the house that he lived in for years out from under him and moved him into a rental unit. His mom was romantically pursued by Butch Cassidy. Lets see, his military vessel started to sink off the coast or Vietnam or something and he told his men he was swimming to shore and they could follow him or die on the ship.... A bunch followed him. He was a POW, and he's still here to tell about it. He can hardly hear, a video call wouldn't work. I clean a motel and many Airbnbs in the area and can get you a place to stay if you fly out for this once-in-a-lifetime interview. I know it's not what you suggested initially, but I think you'd really love this guy. His name is Leroy. Lets talk! ☺️
let me see if I can find your e-mail and I'll send you a note! or email me at bill@understandably.com. I have an idea ... !
Wow! I love your idea, and look forward to reading some of your stories that I hope you get releases for!
This is one of the best ideas I've ever seen. I wish I could learn about my parents, but they have both passed long ago. I'm 84 myself, and I've written a lot of psychological stuff about myself, who I am, and what I believe, but not about actual events or memories.
Because my mind abstracts everything, I lose access to details. A good interviewer can ask questions that give me access to those details. Brilliant idea.
Hi Bill -
If it's not too late, I'd love to have you interview my 102 year old mother in law.
Issue would be she's hard of hearing. You'd need to speak directly into your cell phone or land line vs. on speaker.
Is this something you can accommodate?
Please let me know if this is possible/I'm not too late and I'll sign up!
Thank you for this great idea!
Anna Kirsch