What’s in a Life? -by Lynette Reiling
I recently attended the memorial service of a dear friend and mentor, Carol. She lived 92 years and, as we learned that day, filled those years with remarkable experiences, meaningful relationships, and hard-earned wisdom. Before her passing, she left us pages she had written about her life—her memories, reflections, and impressions of the events that shaped her journey.
As I listened, another loss surfaced—one that has echoed throughout much of my life.
When I was 32, I was busy raising a family and doing all the things 32-year-olds do. In the midst of that busy season, both of my parents died unexpectedly. Along with the grief came a realization: I had never taken the time to ask about the stories of Ed and Inez's lives.
What I have learned since then are bits and pieces—facts, anecdotes, and family tidbits shared by relatives long after my parents were gone. What is missing are their perspectives. I never had the opportunity to hear how they experienced their lives, why they made the choices they did, or what meaning those experiences held for them as individuals and as a couple.
Over time, I have come to appreciate how important life stories are to our sense of identity. They connect us to our roots, provide context for the present, and create a bridge to the future. I often wonder what might have been different if my parents had shared some of their tender, joyful, or even difficult stories. How would I have understood them differently? What deeper appreciation might I have gained for the people they were beyond their roles as my mother and father?
There is an important lesson here for all of us.
Capturing your stories is a gift you give yourself. Reflecting on your life allows you to recognize patterns, understand how certain traits developed, and gain insight into the experiences that shaped you. Through storytelling, you may discover why you made particular decisions, how your values evolved, and what lessons continue to guide your life today.
The bonus is that your stories become a gift to others as well. They provide those you love with a richer understanding of who you are and where they come from. Your stories can help future generations understand family patterns, appreciate their heritage, and gain insight into the people who helped shape their lives.
If you haven't already begun, start now.
Pull out old photographs and record the memories attached to them. Sit down with someone you trust and share the stories that come bubbling to the surface. Write them in a journal. Record them on your phone. The method matters far less than preserving the stories themselves.
Your stories matter.
They matter to you, and they matter to the people who love you.
So, have you told a good story lately?
Lynette Reiling is an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate for purposeful living in life’s second half. She is the creator of the book Your Encore Life: Take Center Stage for Life’s Second Half, where she inspires older adults to design meaningful next life chapters. Through her writing, workshops, and outreach, Lynette empowers individuals to embrace transition, lifelong learning, and personal growth as pathways to fulfillment. She is passionate about helping people turn experience into impact and live their “encore” years with intention and joy.
