Our Monthly Tip: Record a Conversation with Your Loved One

Our Tip of The Month:

An excellent way to preserve the memory of a loved one is to record a conversation with them while they are still vibrant and present. Delving into discussions about their childhood, the invaluable life lessons they wish to impart, or the moments that fill them with pride provides a unique opportunity. This not only allows your loved one to celebrate their life with you, but also crafts an enduring audio time capsule for you to revisit in the future.

How-to Suggestions

Begin by deciding the focus of your conversation. Craft a list of open-ended questions to gain deeper insight into your loved one’s life. Consider questions like: What was life like during your childhood? What memories do you have of your parents? Are there specific things that you would want your family to know about you? What life lessons do you wish to pass along? What achievements are you most proud of?

Before sitting down with your loved one for your recorded conversation, discuss the areas of their life you plan to explore. This gives them the time to reflect, recall details, and emotionally prepare for the conversation.

Pick a quiet and comfortable space and a good time for your conversation, ensuring you won’t be rushed or interrupted. If distance is a factor, consider using a technology like Zoom to connect virtually.

If meeting in person, use the voice recorder app on your smartphone or laptop, or consider using an external voice recorder. For virtual meetings, utilize Zoom’s recording function to capture the audio. Ensure the technology is set up and tested beforehand to avoid any disruptions.

At times, memories can be overwhelming to revisit, so consider scheduling multiple conversations. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of your loved one’s life and experiences.

After the conversation, save the recording to your computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage. This ensures easy access whenever you miss your loved one and want to hear their voice or be reminded of a story from their life. Treat the recording as a precious keepsake, a tangible connection to the past.

Although it takes some planning, preserving memories through recorded conversations is not only a heartfelt way to keep the spirit of your loved ones alive, but can also create space for your loved one to reflect on their life in a positive, dignified way.