Not every story starts with “Once upon a time.” Some begin with a chuckle, a sigh, or a simple, “Back when I was your age…” Stories can be shared around the kitchen table, during a phone call, or while waiting for an appointment. These aren’t rehearsed or polished—they’re real. And they carry weight because they come from a life that’s been fully lived.
But many of those stories never get passed on. Maybe no one asked. Maybe it didn’t seem important at the time. But in truth, they are important. These are the stories that carry lessons, laughter, and legacy. They remind others where they came from—and just how much someone has seen and survived.
The best part? A person doesn’t need to have climbed Mount Everest or won medals to have a story worth telling. Often, it’s the small things that leave the biggest impression—how someone handled tough times, who made their heart skip a beat, what that first paycheck bought, or what life taught them when no one else was watching. These are the stories that stay with us. They can teach, comfort us, and sometimes even change a listener’s point of view.
Grandchildren often absorb more than they’re given credit for. They may not always say it, but hearing a grandparent’s voice—or reading something in their handwriting—can become a treasured keepsake. And it’s not just family. Teachers, librarians, and historians are recognizing the value of firsthand stories—the everyday details that offer a richer understanding of what life once looked like.
Storytelling isn’t just a gift to others. It can be a gift to the storyteller as well. Sharing a life story can lift the spirit, sharpen memory, and reveal just how much that life has meant. Looking back often helps connect the dots and highlights what truly mattered most.
Where to begin? Start small. One memory. One moment. One question. What did your childhood home look like? Who taught you to drive? What made you laugh until you cried? Whatever the story, it can be told in many ways. It can be written down, recorded, or shared in conversation with a friend or grandchild. AI tools can help shape it into a book or journal. Even a stack of old photos with captions can speak volumes.
What matters most is getting started. Because once these stories are gone, they’re gone for good. If you have ever thought, “Someday I should write that down”—maybe this is the sign your sign. What’s your story? It’s time to tell it.
Originally published by Orange County Register, July 10, 2025
