by Mary K. Clark
Imagine that your job is to record, edit and produce a story – the “last story” of a person who has entered hospice. This story will be shared with family and loved ones. How would you handle the interview? What types of techniques would you use? Equipment? What about editing? What can we learn from Joe and Justin Pehoski? Their project now has a new blog, Life Oral Review. They hope to expand this work and write . . .
Each of us is on an epic journey, rich in potential stories for the guidance of our fellow travelers. What happens to these stories when we have finished our journey? Will they be left for others to tell, embroidered with their own interpretation of how our life was led? Or, can we tell our own story long after our natural voice is stilled?
Responding to the belief that each of our stories is important, Joe Pehoski of Salado, Texas, created a venue he calls Life Oral Review. Since 2008, as a volunteer, he has recorded the “last story” of nearly one hundred hospice patients. The method he has developed combines a reverence for the dignity and privacy of the speaker while at the same time respectfully evoking memories that capture the essence and values of their life. . .
Due to positive response, Joe and his son, Justin, have created the Life Oral Review website, where you can join the ongoing conversation, as well as consult the tips and technical information provided for conducting a Life Oral Review.
If you have an interest in hospice, storytelling, digital storytelling and more this blog may be of interest. If you have similar resources we would love to hear about them.
A big thank you to Diane Rooks for sharing this resource with our community!
– Mary
©Copyright 5/7/2013 by Mary K. Clark. All Rights Reserved.