"Your past is your story up to now. The future is the story yet to come. The present is where you live with that experience, your hopes and your dreams."

Opening Remarks: I'm Back

In the past couple of months much has happened. From the Boston Marathon bombings to the death of celebrities like former Prime Minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher (The Iron Lady), film critic Roger Ebert, actress Annette Funicello and country music icon George Jones. Life has also continued and I've been thinking a lot about the bookends of our earthly existence – birth and death. Just a couple of days ago my 88-year old Aunt Liz died. So this issue has a feature article, In Passing that reflects on death and how it is part of our stories.

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Thanks for reading. – Tom

Featured Article: In Passing - Death as Transition

I've often wondered at the analogy some use about dying, that it is like the passing of a baton. We are carrying the "baton" of this life and when we die we pass it off. I must admit I like the image of our carrying something through life, be it our gift, our personality, or our essence, that is left behind as we pass over to the next life or plane of existence.

I fully recognize that some people don't believe there is something else after this life. I respect their viewpoint. But my life experience, particularly being around dying family members, tells me otherwise. I feel it in my heart that there is another place we go when we die. We leave this life and step into the next.

In passing - it's a phrase that is with me again. Death is a natural part of our journey and our story. It accompanied me when my mom died and six years later when my dad passed away. Two days ago my aunt died. She was 88 and lived a good life, full of adventure, travel and a variety of experiences. She was modest and quiet, didn't like to talk about herself, but she knew a lot and loved to read books on history. She was passionate about the Egyptians. The last book I saw her working her way through a few weeks ago was about the early Hopi civilization.

Continue reading this article here.

Featured Resources

Bringing memories to mind from your past can sometimes be a struggle. That’s why The Memorygrabber by Michael Boyter is such an excellent tool. This extremely informative and helpful e-book will guide you through you various times in your life, and help you compile lists that you will refer to time and again as you construct your life story. Grab those memories with the extremely affordable Memorygrabber from Family History Products. Go here for more information.

My Words Are Gonna Linger

An excellent anthology from the Association of Personal Historians. My Words Are Gonna Linger contains a number of life stories from various members of APH. You can order the book online through the APH website

Closing Information

Any comments, ideas or feedback is greatly appreciated. Just reply to this ‘zine and tell me what you think!

Until next time, – keep your story alive!

Tom Gilbert