In an era where technology often seems to widen the generational gap, one family has found a unique way to bridge it. Heather K., a mother and daughter, shares her heartwarming experience using Remento to capture and preserve her mother's memories. Remento's approach to preserving family history has not only brought them closer together but has also created a lasting legacy for future generations.
When Heather began her search for a way to document her mother's life stories, she knew she wanted something special. "I'd seen some people had these books already, like on their coffee table, that were just little canned questions and answers," Heather recalls. But that wasn't what she had in mind. She wanted a tool that would allow for personalization while still providing some structure.
“I was originally just looking for a present for her and something that would make her feel important. I wanted to give her an opportunity to tell her story and know that people are interested in that.”
After extensive research, Heather discovered a digital storytelling platform that seemed to fit the bill perfectly. "I wanted something that was a little bit more guided, but something that you could personalize. And that's what I found with Remento," she explains.
One of Heather's primary concerns was finding a tool that her mother could easily use. With varying levels of tech-savviness across generations, it was crucial to find a platform that was accessible to everyone.
According to Heather, Remento proved to be user-friendly enough for her mother to navigate comfortably. This ease of use was a significant factor in their decision, as Heather didn't want a gift that would become a burden for either of them.
What started as a gift for her mother soon turned into a family-wide project. Heather's adult children became enthusiastic contributors, adding their own questions and perspectives to the storytelling process.
"I even got my children involved in this so they could be contributors and ask questions. It's not going to be for her to remember her stories. It's going to be for her generations underneath."
This collaborative aspect has added depth and richness to the stories being collected. It's not just about preserving memories; it's about creating new connections between generations.
As her mother began sharing her stories, Heather and her family found themselves learning things they never knew before. The platform's prompts and the ability to upload old photos have sparked conversations and unveiled family history that might otherwise have remained hidden.
"Wow, grandma, I had no idea that you did that," Heather recalls her children saying. These moments of discovery have become a source of joy and connection for the entire family.
One of the most poignant aspects of this digital storytelling journey has been the ability to preserve not just written stories, but also the storyteller's voice. Heather reflects on a past experience trying to salvage old audio tapes of her great-grandfather's stories, which proved challenging due to the degradation of the tapes.
With the new platform, Heather's mother can record her voice telling her stories, ensuring that future generations will be able to hear her words in her own voice.
“The fact that you can record it is huge. And the bonus is that you can use the QR codes to actually listen to the person’s recording is a larger bonus because you can’t get any more personal than that.”
What began as a gift has evolved into a cherished weekly ritual for Heather's mother. Every Wednesday morning, she sits down with her coffee and responds to a new prompt, eager to share another piece of her life story.
"It's really the high point of her week," Heather shares. "She just cannot wait until Wednesday comes along." This structured approach to storytelling has provided a sense of purpose and excitement, keeping the storyteller engaged and motivated.
For Heather's mother, this digital storytelling platform has become more than just a way to record memories. It's a tool that empowers her to share her legacy with younger generations who might otherwise be too busy with their own lives to sit down and listen to long stories.
The digital format allows family members to engage with the stories on their own time, bridging the gap that busy modern life often creates between generations.
What started as a way to preserve memories has had unexpected benefits for Heather's family. The process of collecting and sharing stories has strengthened bonds between family members and sparked new conversations.
Even Heather's daughters-in-law have become interested in the project, seeing its potential to connect with their own grandparents. The ripple effect of this storytelling journey extends beyond just one family line, inspiring others to explore their own family histories.
Reflecting on her decision to use this digital storytelling platform, Heather feels she's given her mother much more than just a present. "This is the best present that I've ever gotten her," Heather recounts her mother saying, "because it just the amount of thought that, you know, goes into it."
The platform has provided a way for Heather's mother to feel valued and heard, while also creating a lasting legacy for future generations. It's a gift that continues to give, week after week, as new stories are shared and preserved.
As Heather and her family continue their digital storytelling journey, they're already thinking about how to expand the project. There's talk of including more family members, possibly starting a similar project with Heather's father, and even creating multiple volumes of stories.
The possibilities seem endless, limited only by the stories waiting to be told. With each new tale recorded, the family's history becomes richer, more detailed, and more alive for future generations to discover.
The story book that writes itself
Preserve family stories.
No writing required.
