I heard a Fresh Air interview today with a man who lived in an extended care home while middle-aged. He realized that the new residents would come in without bringing a context of their previous life He decided to do video interviews, letting them talk about anything.   It turned out to be a good thing to do, and their families benefited.

This idea appeals to me — interviewing seniors who have little support systems, perhaps give them something to pass down. Cousin Lois has been doing something like this for many years.

These days I think of many questions I wish I had asked.   Mom, how did your mother/aunt relate to you when you were young, and when you were older? Was she cold or warm? Dad, what led you to each big decision to do something new, like starting psychiatry or buying an airplane? I was always surprised by each new adventure. Grandpa JC, how did your father get into taking pictures?   Did you try to interest me in your darkroom?

I have enjoyed it when I took the time to videotape relatives — Albert, Henry, Mildred, Mom, Dad.   It’s not easy to ask questions to take things deeper.   I think I would enjoy being ‘video interviewed’ at some point by my children or grand-kids, like Allegra’s taping of Fran or all 3 interviewing Albert. I ‘m such a self-documenter, but still we might learn something.

9/19/2012