A sad reality hit me the other night. As I was talking with my nephew about his deceased grandparents (and great-grandparents), it struck me that I’ve largely forgotten what their voices sounded like.

I can hear them pronounce certain words and how they phrased things in my head, but that’s no way to convey that to my nephew.

Before they passed away, my parents and I had several good talks about life. I wished I’d recorded them.

In this day and age, it’s very easy to make a video or audio recording; most of us have this capability via our cell phones or computers. I would encourage you (with their permission) to sit down for a few minutes with the elders in your family and record their voices for future generations.

It doesn’t have to be anything formal. Here are a few sample questions to get you started:

-How did you and your spouse meet?

-What was high school like for you?

-Tell me about the happiest day of your life.

-What kind of things did you like to do when you were growing up?

-What makes you laugh?

-Did you play any sports growing up? A musical instrument?

-How did you become a Christian?

-What do you remember about YOUR parents and grandparents?

-What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your life so far?

 

I’m still hoping that I’ll be able to dig around in some old VCR tapes and find a recording of my parents. Pictures are wonderful, but the sound of someone’s voice is a real treasure.