[race29]

Originally Posted by lightning

MC69 posted something the other day that got me thinkin' (I know, I know, that's hard to believe, but it's true) about something I did some time ago. I'm gonna tell you about it. Then yall can do with it what ya want.

Both my parents have passed on. Some years ago, quite a while before they passed away I got out my video camera, drove clear out to Colo. to visit for the special purpose of doing a video interview with each of my parents individually. I set the camera up on a tripod and got it running, then sat down away from the camera so I didn't have to mess with it during the "interview". I asked each of them some of the following questions and any others that came to mind while we were talking. I learned things that my dad had done during WWII that I didn't even know about before. I learned things about his childhood that I may never have known had I not done this. The same goes for my mother. I made copies of the interviews, put them in several digital formats and stored them in different places. That way if one gets destroyed or damaged somehow there are other copies to fall back on. My children and my grand-children will find these video interviews invaluable in time. They will be able to get to know their grandparents and great-grandparents in a way that mere words can't convey. Here are some of the questions I asked. Make up your own list and improvise as the interview continues.

1 Where and when were you born? Name the members of your immediate family.

2 What is your earliest memory?

3 What do you remember about grade school or elementary school?

4 What are some of your memories of junior high and high school?

5 What are some special family activities or vacations you had as a child? as an adult?

6 Did you attend college after high school? If so, what do you remember about it?

7 Tell me about your courtship and marriage. How did you and mom (dad) meet?

8 Describe your work experiences throughout your life.

9 Tell me about your children and their personalities. Describe any special memories, problems, or joys you have had with them.

10- What memories do you have of historical events that you have lived through that had an impression on you?


Good luck - Lightning

That's a great idea. I found some journals from grandparents to grandchildren and thought that was cool...except the inlaws are older and have bad arthritis so the writing isn't working out. I like the video camera idea.Thanks! Memories are precious.