As I conversed with a wonderful group of people at the dining room table, I asked the question, "Have you considered writing your story?" That fostered some lively discussion about the pros and cons of writing your family story. As one who has spent a good deal of time researching my family history, I listened carefully to people's opinions. As for me, I'm too far along the family story path to turn back now--I'm writing a short book about our family history and then I'll write a short book about my own story too. Why am I doing this?
The Family History Story
As one woman at the table remarked, "Everyone has an interesting story." I agree. No one's family history story is devoid of interest. Every story has many twists and turns, goods and not-so-goods, and mystery. I continue to believe that the more you know about your family history, the better you can live in the present. Knowing your family history helps you to stay clear of the family struggles and embrace the family strengths.
Also, as you write the story, know that your version will not be complete as new facts will be uncovered over time and differing perspectives will arise once you publish your version. All of that is okay because while history happened in the past, history will always be subject to interpretation and new evidence.
I want my children and grandchildren to know their family story, and that's while I'll write the family history story.
My story
Honestly, I don't think my story is that riveting, yet I want to write it down. I want my children and grandchildren to know my story from my point of view and since I've been given an amazing memory for better or worse, I might as well put that memory to use by writing down all I remember and telling the story of my life--a story about a working class girl growing up in an industrial city in the last quarter of the 20th century. There's a lot of good in that story as well as some struggle that I want my family to know about.
Will you write your story?
Will you write your story--why or why not? And if you plan to write your story, how will you do that and who will you consider your audience as you write? I'm interested in your answers to these questions.