Capture Family History While Caregiving

Another Important Part of Caregiving- Capturing Family History

The Promise
The Promise – story that covers a part of my family’s history

Last weekend the movie The Promise came out in theaters across the country. The movie was personal for me because it touches on experiences that are related to my own family’s personal history – the Armenian Genocide. Though my grandparents didn’t dwell on their experiences—as a matter of fact, they talked little about it—we did manage to learn bits and pieces of what happened. Our parents made sure we knew about the genocide because it wasn’t taught in schools. The release of this movie got me thinking again, and I thought it was a perfect time to remind you to learn about your own history.

How much do you know?

Do you spend your caregiving time with your parents (or other family members) talking? In a previous blog post, I suggested using the StoryCorps list of questions to get the dialog going. I used it myself to learn more about my parents before they’re gone. The questions led to a new discovery for me. I learned that my grandmother’s brother built a raft to escape Turkey and find refuge in Greece. That was in 1915. I’m in my mid-fifties and had never heard that before. I found it fascinating, given that 100 years later, refugees are still traveling via raft to escape cruelty.

book-family history
Write your own book with your family’s history

Learn something new.

First, I’d love it if you went to go see The Promise and learn a little about a piece of history that has been denied for over 100 years.

Second, visit your elders and learn about their history. Learn where you came from and the obstacles your elders endured to get you to where you are today. You just might be surprised by what you learn.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring some good food and drink, and a Cravaat® dining scarf to protect your clothes from food spills (because you’ll be so busy talking that you’re bound to spill on yourselves).

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