Saving Lives - One Story at a Time

Article submitted by Neal Browne.
For more information, he can be reached at 303-948-2973 or visit his website: www.PersonalHistoriesOnVideo.com.

One of the deepest regrets people have is that they missed the opportunity to record precious memories of family members. "One day I'll do it," they say. But never get around to it...and one day those stories are lost forever. Like pearls on a necklace, our stories are special treasures we pass on as heirlooms from generation to generation. By saving those in whatever form we can, we create a legacy for our families, increase our own appreciation for the paths our lives have taken, and ensure that our lives will not be forgotten. Saving a life-whether it is your own or that of an elder in your family or community-is what capturing personal history is all about.

Why Capture Your Stories?

No matter how "ordinary" a life may seem, you will inspire your descendents and others with "extraordinary" stories you can tell. Mark Twain said, "Inside the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy." Your stories are a priceless legacy for current and future generations. They are an historical record of an era offering insight into its social and cultural customs, as well as political events and their effects on a person's life. You may want to pass down spiritual encouragement as you, or family members, experienced God's faithfulness in tough situations. But merely recording history, with a long litany of names and dates, can be dull and lifeless. Rudyard Kipling said, "If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten." A professional, skilled in the art of interviewing and creative production, can help bring your memories to life in a way that is honorable and you can be proud of.

Some Options:

Printed Legacy Tributes - Colorful, heartwarming, short magazine-style stories or a longer elegant book complete with cherished photos, scanned art and documents that capture an event in time or honor an individual, family business or organization.

Tribute Videos - still photos which can be combined with videos on a bed of music. Great for graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, other personal life celebrations, as well as for corporate and organizational purposes.

Personal History Videos - "Memories" package and "Legacy" package, which include taped interviews, still photos, segments from home videos, music professionally blended to tell a flowing, compelling story, using VHS and DVD formats

Or a combination of written legacy piece and Video/DVD.

What Does It Cost?

Fees vary widely and depend on the scope of the project, from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Personal history services can be labor-intensive, requiring many hours of planning, interviewing, editing, honing. A personal history project can be crafted to fit your budget. Often, several family members contribute, making it affordable for all to enjoy. Remember, investing in a legacy will benefit many generations to come.

When Is The Best Time To Start?

Today. Procrastination can result in stories lost forever. When people die, they take their memories with them. Milestone events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and retirements are great times to celebrate the completion of a personal history project. No matter where you are in life, you can honor and treasure your heritage and the legacy you and your family leaves.

Editor's Note: Neal Browne and Marla Lindstrom Benroth capture stories via video production and written personal stories. Each have 25 years' professional experience and a special knack for finding the heart of the story. Neal, who uses broadcast-level equipment, served as news reporter and anchor for KUSA-TV (Ch. 9) for 21 years. Contact him at 303-948-2973 or www.PersonalHistoriesOnVideo.com. Marla, owner of Tell Your Story Professional Writing and Electronic Publishing regularly publishes articles, including area cover story profiles for 50 Plus Marketplace News (formerly Seniors Marketplace News). Contact her at 720-301-TELL (8355) or TellYourStoryToo@ msn.com. Both are members of the Association of Personal Historians.