Suffering, Survival and Legacy: Author Debora Annino on Giving Back After Cancer
When Barry Annino set out to write a book on life after a terminal diagnosis, his wife embarked on her own writing journey. Their new memoir chronicles their experience in “suffering, survival and legacy” from two very different perspectives—two sides
Artful Remembrance: Sculptor Michael O’Keefe’s Tribute to Van Cliburn
The act of commemorating the life and legacy of another, whether through words or deeds, calls for an artist’s eye. In this Q&A, artist Michael O’Keefe shares his experience of working to capture the likeness and spirit of renowned pianist
How to Conduct ‘Trauma-Informed’ Life Story Interviews
Chronicling your family history is bound to lead to laughter and reminiscing, but not all memories are rosy. In the course of any life there will be painful chapters. Your family member may have endured a difficult childhood, a tragic
Self-Written Obituaries Help Set the Record Straight
Writing your own obituary can be an important act of service to your immediate family, and a meaningful contribution to posterity. To the genealogist, a well-written, factually accurate obituary is an invaluable resource for documenting a family's history. Your willingness
Earth Day Is 50 and Fabulous. Here’s a Different Way to Celebrate.
Turning 50 is a milestone in any lifetime. It’s a time to celebrate how far you’ve come, to think about what comes next, and to consider the legacy you hope to create. To quote my favorite Franciscan teacher Richard Rohr,
8 Fun Ways to Beat the Quarantine Blues
The challenges of navigating life in a coronavirus pandemic can make even the most positive person slip into a melancholy mood. There is nothing uplifting about having to substitute socializing with social distancing and being bombarded with doctor’s warnings. There
Visits with Barry: Hope and Healing in Terminal Illness
Life has its milestones. Graduations, marriages, and births are classic markers along the highway of human experience, and these are the events we celebrate, organize and publicize. And then there are those private moments when a spontaneous connection grabs a
Commemorate Civic-Minded Women in Your Family for Women’s History Month
Forty-two years ago, in March 1978, a group of women in Santa Rosa, California decided to host a week-long celebration at a local park.to recognize the historical accomplishments and contributions of women in society. Their event inspired women in other
Goodbye, Max
He didn’t need to talk to convey his message. His sweet brown eyes always twinkled and his floppy ears perked up when he wanted our attention, which had far more impact than the yapping his little mate did to distract
Rosa Parks and Me
During my career as a newspaper journalist I covered a wide variety of subjects and events. But when left to my own devices, I gravitated toward stories about the Black experience. My intention as a writer was to raise awareness,