Stories From Memory Lane

Everyone loves a good story, an interesting article, book or good movie. Me, I like to hear people tell their stories, especially stories of the generation before us. There’s just something about listening to a relative recounting the old days, the things they did, the stunts they pulled, the jobs they had, even the movies they watched.

Sadly, they don’t seem to share those subjects very often. I guess they think it’s unimportant or uninteresting to us, or maybe their memories just need a gentle jostle. I think the most fun part about this whole thing is to see them light up when they realize that you’re interested and then some more when they start talking about their past. If you look closely enough into their eyes, you can almost see the movie of their memories playing out in their head. To me, that’s as beautiful a child’s smile.

So I did a little research and came up with these questions you can ask your relatives to get them to walk down memory lane with you.

• Who is the person who influenced your life the most?

• Do you have a lost love?

• What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

• Is there anything you have always wanted to tell me but never have?

• What was the happiest moment of your life?

• What are you most proud of?

• What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?

• What is your earliest memory?

• What was your first job ever?

• Who were your friends when you were growing up?

• What was your favourite thing to do for fun (movies, beach, etc.)?

• What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects?

• What school activities and sports did you participate in?

• Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?

• What world events had the most impact on you?

• How would you like to be remembered?

How about you, what’s your favourite life moment? Do you like hearing stories of the past from your relatives or other people? Share with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Par Jasmine Beausoleil