Writing Our Lives
Before any more years have passed and before any more recollections slip from our grasp, we are collaborating to write a collective account of the first part of our lives which we spent in the community of Gem, Alberta. The idea is for each family member to write from his/her perspective, thus creating four parallel accounts. Comparison of the completed accounts could be occasions for informative and entertaining interaction and celebration.
The resulting collection could be a record of our generation that might be of interest to those who are coming after us. The intention is to make this a celebration of the Lord's blessing on our family in the past 60+ years and of the legacy that our parents have left us. Appearing on this website will be suggested topics and idea starters that might trigger memories. It is not mandatory that every statement or question on every topic be addressed by every member of the family. These are ideas to help stimulate thoughts and memories. Nor is this a final list - every participant is invited to suggest other topics of common interest and these will be added from time to time.
What would be an appropriate pace for this undertaking? Given that our geographic separation has been minimized by technology with each one fluent in the use of word processor and email, we can do this almost as effectively as if we were meeting regularly in a class setting. Some Writing Your Life classes meet weekly to provide opportunities to share the writing and to be affirmed and stimulated by one another. We can easily share and celebrate our contributions at regular intervals as each section is complete. Regular interaction about the writing is essential to the success of the project because it generates energy, inspiration and encouragement.
I am suggesting that we begin in January by taking one topic each month, beginning with the first six in order. When each participant has sent the monthly composition to me, I will put them together and send the set to all participants. Eventually we will decide how we want the final complete set to be compiled, shared, illustrated and published. Computer files, paper copies, slide shows and a family DVD are some possibilities.
Our Father - January 2012
Our Mother - February 2012
Our Oldest Sister Esther - March 2012
Our Second Oldest Sister Frieda - April 2012
Our Brother Irwin - May 2012
Our Youngest Sister Hertha - June 2012
Our Home in Gem
Our Life on the Farm
Our Matties Relatives
Our Warkentin Relatives
Our Life in School
Our Life in Church
Our Friends and Neighbors
Why and When We Left Our First Home
Our Educational Journeys
Our Marriages