“In the end, we all become stories.”
- Margaret Atwood
Stories are a deeply healing way to process grief, a way to keep us feeling connected to our loved ones after they’re gone. Whether we write them down or not, we all use the power of story: Stories are with us, in the moments after the funeral, as we revisit fond memories and bond together, in our shared love for our departed. And for those who were too little to remember our loved ones (or not yet born), we tell stories to build a connection between them and a dear one they never knew (or were too young to remember).
Stories are how I know my grandfather…
My grandfather died 10 years before I was born… but I know him. I feel deeply connected to him because of the stories my mother told. I know the sound of his voice, his favorite cigarette, some of his childhood memories. I learned his favorite TV show, advice he once gave, his sense of humor, his first job. Through time and space, and beyond the veil… I know him, through the power of story.
My connection to my grandfather runs soul-deep, all thanks to the memories my mother shared with me. A short piece I wrote, “The Angel of Stalag 9B” is about his experience in World War II.
Storykeeping with Leah
As a novelist and genealogist for my own family, I am well-versed in the power of story. For years, I have created professional-quality, hardcover photo books (like the one pictured above) for my family, to preserve our own. I would be honored to create one for you. This offering is a legacy project including up to 30 pages of photos and stories, all inside a durable book that will stand the test of time.
Due to the intensive nature of this project,
Leah only books one Storykeeping client per quarter.
-
How it works
Leah will set a "due date" of one month from booking for all materials to be included into the book. The book may be up to 30 pages. Half of payment is due upon booking, the rest is due upon completion of your book.
-
Photos
Leah will create a shared folder using Google Photos. You will upload the pictures to be included in the book to this folder. Please be mindful that photo size and resolution matter greatly (e.g., a photo you received via text will only be able to be thumbnail-sized, otherwise it will be blurry).
-
Stories & Memories
Leah will help you set up either WhatsApp or Marco Polo. Whenever a story or memory comes to mind, send Leah a voice message with all you can remember. All stories and memories must be submitted by the due date for inclusion in the book.
-
Creating Your Book
Using the professional book-building Blurb program, Leah will use her storytelling magic to create a narrative arc in words and photos, preserving the story of your loved one for generations.
$300