One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that it gives us a reason to gather with extended family. Chances are your children will get to spend time with their grandparents and if you're really lucky, you might get to see your grandparents as well. And who doesn't love being spoiled rotten and eating mounds of amazing homemade food?
But, lest you've forgotten, the elders in our life have more to offer than just the perfect stuffing recipe. They have stories to share and things we can all learn from. And it's so vitally important that we take the time to record these experiences while they are still around. Now thanks to the awesome people at StoryCorps, there's an app that makes capturing those treasured memories and wisdom easier than ever and they want us all to participate.
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This year StoryCorps is hosting the Great Thanksgiving Listen. High school students across the country are being assigned to interview an elder during the holiday break. But the Great Thanksgiving Listen isn't just for high school students, it's open to anyone—the more the merrier. And with any luck, it will become part of our Thanksgiving tradition.
Joining in is easy. The first step is download the free StoryCorps app. From there you can construct an interview with suggested questions, or write your own. Next, find a nice quiet place and record your chat. When you're done, you can keep that recording just for yourself or send it off to be filed in the Library of Congress for your family memories to be preserved for all eternity. How cool is that?!
But, lest you've forgotten, the elders in our life have more to offer than just the perfect stuffing recipe. They have stories to share and things we can all learn from.
Just think of all the incredible people you and your children could learn from.
I wish so badly that the Great Thanksgiving Listen had existed years ago so that I could have recorded my grandfather. Not only would hearing his voice give me great solace, but I wish I had his answers to life's big questions. He was the kind of man who made everyone he met feel good about themselves. His life had been full of adventure and his interview would have been fascinating. I would be able to share a bit of his magic with my husband and sons who never got the chance to meet him. I would have a reassuring recording of his voice, his story, his philosophies. And I would be able to share that wisdom with the world.
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Please consider making an interview part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Get your kids involved and get to know your elders better. It's sure to create something for which you will be eternally grateful.
