the fierce blog

The holidays are rooted in the tradition of storytelling. From the legend of Old Saint Nick to the stories shared in a family of holidays past. This time of year reminds me that what binds us together is the tales we create with one another.

I am always amazed by a gifted story teller’s ability to make some of the most mundane events seem life changing or at the very least interesting to listen to. I love stories – all kinds of stories. I especially love true stories – stories about someone’s life and experiences.

My parents are getting older, and I am hungry for their stories. As I get older, I realize how important capturing the history of our family is. My dad’s father left home and didn’t return when he was a small boy.

It was the classic “I’m going out for a pack of smokes”, and he never came back. Not only did this change my father forever, but it also took away a significant part of his history – of my history. Those stories are gone forever.

How has your life been different than what you’d imagined?

Who has been kindest to you in your life?

When in life have you felt most alone?

These are just a few of the questions that are posted by Story Corps on their website. I love the format they use – family members or friends interviewing someone they know. A simple conversation. I enjoy listening to Story Corps on NPR and I often sit in my driveway until a story is finished.

The holidays are the perfect time to pull out some of the old stories. Who do you want to know more about?

What’s your story?

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