Synopsis "Journaling Memories (in English)"
The Journaling Memories process brings together the adventure of recalling the many thoughtsand memories accumulated throughout life. To stimulate individual thought and recall, thisorganized process offers hundreds of thought-provoking questions or cues spanning fifty plusidentified life areas.This concept was inspired by the journals of my father who passed away 20 years ago at the ageof 95. In handwritten form, he recounted in a structured way, many of the events and lessons ofhis full life experience. In his journal he left a lasting memory for current and futuregenerations, including my immediate family. His life stories, and messages have become aninvaluable emblem of his inspiration for the future. Excerpts of his writings offer testimony tothe challenges and conditions of his time. The writings also remind readers of the importanceof maintaining a perspective from past events to better understand the present and give hopefor the future.To illustrate the limits and hardships of travel in his time, he wrote,"In 1918 It took 23 days todrive from Los Angele to Johnstown, N.Y. The same trip was 18 days in 1923." He added that thefamily traveled across the country, in a new Buick along with his dad, mom, brother and auntFlorence. They also brought their dog and loaded the car with camping gear and a largecupboard filled with food for the trip. These items were all attached to the running board ofthe car.In his later years he discussed his numerous illnesses and the lack of serious medical attention.He noted that in 1928, "He had the dentist remove 4 molars without anesthetic." Then, in thesame year, he noted that "the dentist removed an additional 2 teeth but the event wascomplicated when a needle broke off in the jaw." Finally, he added that in the following years, "all his remaining teeth were extracted and replaced with full dentures." His words made itclear how his memories offer perspective and can live on with importance impacting our familyand future generations.What I found most inspiring, however, were his journal entries from a few years before hispassing. In them, he described his experience progressing through various age milestones. Inone case, he wrote that there was "no need to explain age 85. You will have lost various nicetiesof life. but you can remember how nice they were. No one ever asks you for advice, but youhave memories of a past that will sustain you beautifully and a family that loves you." Throughmy dad's journal it became clear that such memories can be a significant element ofunderstanding the past, living in the current world and preparing, with hope, for a betterfuture.The goal of the Journaling Memories process is to offer users an organized process to recall andrecord life memories and, leave a record of experiences, insights, values, and hope for futuregenerations.
