As my grandfather approaches his final days, I am looking to create something that captures his sound and our shared memories.
Maybe allow him to record messages for my future events - my wedding speech or words for my children I think this might reduce his regret.
Or even let him record a speech for his own funeral or any sound that he wants to play at his funeral to make this to a celebration of life?
I am also thinking of recording our moments we're sharing now — the joyful and the poignant — that could later serve as emotional support for myself and my family after he passes.
I am seeking out for some advice of how can we best capture my grandfather's memories and best allowing him to have the chance to say his words and goodbye.
How do you guys think of this idea? What do you think your loved ones would want to leave those sound memories behind?
Great idea.
I once made about four hours of recordings with an elderly relative who was a great raconteur. She'd pioneered in her adopted state and started a one-room school, lived through the Great Depression, been abandoned by her husband, started a business, lost the business, buried another husband, raised a bunch of kids, and became a pillar of her community. We sat at her dining room table and we talked. We laughed, joked, explored topics that she wanted to discuss, and she shared many amazing anecdotes. It was just the two of us having fun conversations. Well, us and the birds outside in the trees. When I first listened to the recordings, I was amazed that the birdsong had been recorded as well.
After she died, I made copies of those recordings for her many grandchildren. They were so grateful. One said he'd never expected to hear his dear grandma's voice again in this life, and it made him so happy. I'm preparing to donate the originals of the recordings to her county's historical society.
You made me laugh when you said that he could record his own speech for his funeral.
I already told my family that I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to have a funeral. So, I won’t be asked to record a speech! 😆
Do you know what your grandfather’s wishes for his funeral are?
I would record everything and anything. Ask about changes he has seen, what he knows about other family, happy memories, ask if he knows any jokes, just anything and everything. You can do hour long conversations or whatever works for your family.
May this project bring everyone lots of joy and happiness and bring you all a little closer.
What a great way to celebrate grandpa, well done you!