StoryKeepers
One of our original task forces, the Life Stories Task Force, developed into StoryKeepers, a Missoula organization working to gather and protect the rich life stories of the community.
Other Storytelling Resources:
Gathering the Life Stories of the Dying...sitting by the death bed, nothing matters but love...
...joy of gathering the life stories of the dying...
...an understanding that transcends the crowded agendas of modern life...
Working with terminally ill people poses challenges for the story gatherer. Someone who is dying may know what to say, but may be hindered by failing hearing, failing speech, and failing cognitive abilities.
- Tell their stories in the third person.
- If the storyteller is unable to remember facts, such as date and place of birth, get those facts elsewhere - from family, caregivers or whoever.
- The from-the-heart things are important: get knee to knee with your storyteller and listen, writing down the choice quotes rather than trusting a tape recorder.
- Identify the central theme of the dying person’s life - what is mentioned often - family, career.
- Develop the theme. Keep asking questions about it.
- Fill in any blanks in the theme, if necessary, by talking to friends and family members.
- Immerse yourself in the dying person’s story. Laugh and cry with your storyteller, but don’t laugh or cry harder or longer than your storyteller does. Leave your own issues, joys and sorrows at home.
- Get beyond the timeworn anecdotes; they can block the real story.
- Do not be afraid to talk of death and dying. If the dying person isn’t afraid, why should you be? If your storyteller is afraid, ask what there is to fear.
This person in this bodily form will soon no longer be. The storytelling may provide the last chance to express joy, pain, triumph and regret. This is your storyteller’s story. The person telling the story is the boss every step of the way. Write down the story and read it back for your storyteller to hear.
Therein you’ll find the joy. The storyteller will give their stories to you, to all of us, and you give the stories back, in smoother, more connected forms than a dying person is capable of creating at the end of life.
They love it.
Don BatyLife Stories Task Force Member