Why I Do What I Do
What I Wouldn't Give to Hear Their Voices Again: Why Your Family's Story Deserves to Be Recorded
The Quiet Regret That Stays With Me
Every Thanksgiving, without fail, someone pulled out the same worn stories. The childhood vacations, the wartime stories, that one ridiculous family road trip we all swore never to repeat.
I remember rolling my eyes thinking, “I’ve heard this one a thousand times.”
But then one Thanksgiving it started. It happened again next year. One more empty chair.
Sometimes we filled the spot with a bit of laughter, sometimes with quiet glances and memories unspoken. I’d give anything just to hear that story one more time - told in their voice, with their laugh, just saying my name.
Something happens when a loved one passes, and all we have are stacks of photographs that no one wants to go through. The sound of their voice, their quirks, their stories - those vanish far too easily.
This is exactly why I do what I do.
The Challenge Few of Us Are Prepared For
We don’t plan for our family legacy. We take tons of pictures, sure. But we don’t organize them. We don’t label them. We don’t ask insightful questions while we still have time. And we certainly don’t press “record” when our parents or grandparents start to talk about the past.
Instead, we get overwhelmed. We hide the boxes of old slides in closets and the photo albums in basement bins. We tell ourselves, “I’ll get to it someday.” Until someday turns into too late.
If this is hitting close to home, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about choosing to start.
And starting can be both easier and more meaningful than you think.
How to Start Preserving Your Family History in a Way That Feels Real
Remember, every step is success. It’s a little more saved for the next generation…saved from being lost and forgotten. Saved for everyone to enjoy and reminisce over and over.
Here are a few gentle ways you can begin:
1. Ask Loved Ones to Label Photos Now
Pull out an album, sit next to your parent or grandparent, and ask them to label each image.
• Who’s in this photo?
• What’s happening here?
• Why was this picture taken?
Even a Post-it note or quick scribble on the back can be enough. Years down the road, this kind of context becomes priceless.
2. Digitize the Shoeboxes
Every family I meet says the same thing: "We've got boxes of photos and slides in the attic. No idea what's in there."
Digitizing doesn’t just preserve them from damage, it creates the opportunity to make something beautiful - a curated album, a slideshow, or better yet, a story film that brings those still photos to life with narration, video clips, and music.
This is something I help guide clients through step by step. It can be overwhelming, but with the right support, it’s cathartic.
3. Write or Record the Stories Now
It doesn’t have to be a fancy production. Pull out your phone or a pen and record or write. The stories they love to tell. The stories only they can tell.
Why This Matters (Now More Than Ever)
It’s not just about organizing your visual clutter. It’s about preserving connection. From one generation to another.
When we capture someone’s story on video, when we hear their voice and see their face light up, something shifts. Emotion rises to the surface. Hearts soften. Families connect better to their roots, and to each other.
These recordings and files become heirlooms. Not just for you, but for your kids, and theirs after them.
There is something deeply grounding and healing about this process. And that voice you miss? It doesn't have to disappear forever.
Ready to Start Capturing Your Story?
At Via Muse Videos, I blend heartfelt interviews with photos and home video clips to create personalized legacy films - ones that preserve and celebrate your family history so it never fades.
Whether you're organizing family archives, recording your parents’ life story, or just wondering where to begin, I’m here to walk with you through this.
Let’s schedule a Family Legacy Film together. You’ll leave with more than just a video - you’ll have laughter, stories, gratitude, and a keepsake that will matter forever.
www.viamusevideos.com
What story will your family tell tomorrow, because you pressed "record" today?