Since the time of the Stone Age, storytelling has been an essential thread in the fabric of human connection. It’s how we share our experiences, bond, and make sense of the world around us. The magic of storytelling lies in its ability to bring us together, make us feel part of something bigger, ignite our imagination, and create empathy. From the early days of Panchtantra to the legendary tales of freedom fighters, we’ve grown up hearing stories that shape our understanding of life.
In today’s digital age, storytelling continues to evolve, with businesses using it to connect with their audiences. And with that, it's safe to say that “stories are everywhere.” Each one of us has a story waiting to be told.
And that’s exactly what we did... Read on to find out for whom and how.
P.S. Get ready to feel all warm and happy :)
Table of Contents
- The Project Offer: A Heartfelt Request
- The Zoom Calls With the Grandmother
- The Writing Process: Crafting Her Story
- Creating a Graphic Video with a Voiceover: Adding a Personal Touch
- The Emotional Impact: How the Family Received the Legacy
- The Importance of Preserving Stories for Future Generations
- Conclusion
The Project Offer: A Heartfelt Request
It was the chilly winter of February 2023 when I received a notification on my phone at 8:00 am. I happened to be online at that moment, so I replied right away. But when I saw the message, it was so heartfelt that I knew I had to respond. Here's exactly what it said:
“Hello,
I have a Ba who is 84 years old, She has lived a very eventful life. I wanted to know if you could potentially get on the phone or Zoom with her, talk to her, and tell her stories in both English and Gujarati. I wanted someone talented and it seems like you have done a lot of writing. I speak Gujarati but not that well, and I cannot read or write. I understand that this is more than your normal offerings I think there are a few ways to do this, but I wanted to know what you think would be
Best,
thank you”
Such a thoughtful request! I agreed immediately. After a few "professional" questions to better understand the client's needs—(puchna padta hai: it helps creative people define tone of voice and other details)
The grandkids wanted to know more about their grandmother’s upbringing, the struggles she faced, and how she overcame them. They wanted to preserve her wisdom and life lessons, and in doing so, inspire future generations. They realized that at 84, she wouldn’t be around forever. This was their way of creating something meaningful, a piece of family history that her future generations could treasure.
I was moved by their thoughtfulness and excited to bring this project to life. We agreed that Zoom would be the best way to connect, and though coordinating with the family in the USA proved a bit tricky, we managed to set a date. I couldn’t wait to hear her stories.
The Zoom Calls With the Grandmother
The first Zoom call with her was such a heartwarming experience. At 84, she radiated positivity and warmth, and the conversation felt less like an interview and more like a cozy chat with a wise, loving soul.
She spoke fondly of her parents, her marriage, and the unwavering support of her husband. She shared the values she instilled in her daughters, and reflected on the pivotal moments in her life that shaped the person she is today.
Every word she spoke was filled with love, wisdom, and a deep sense of gratitude for the life she had lived. It was an absolute privilege to hear her stories.
The Writing Process: Crafting Her Story
The challenge wasn’t just capturing her life story but making sure her essence came through in the writing. Since the grandkids couldn’t read or write Gujarati fluently, I knew the story had to be in English. But I was determined to preserve the emotions and nuances of her words. After all, our conversations had been in Gujarati, and it was important to carry that emotional weight into a different language.
I carefully transcribed her stories, structuring them in a way that would take the reader on a journey—one that felt as real and intimate as if they were sitting there listening to her themselves. I used storytelling techniques to make her memories engaging, while also ensuring her voice remained authentic.
One of the challenges I faced was capturing her voice in words. The depth of her experiences, the warmth she exuded, and the lessons she had learned were things I wanted to convey as faithfully as possible. It was about more than just telling her story; it was about honoring her life’s journey in a way that felt true to who she was.
Creating a Graphic Video with a Voiceover: Adding a Personal Touch
As I was putting the story together, I realized there was an opportunity to make this project even more special. So, I decided to create a graphic video with a voiceover to accompany the written story. This would give the family something even more personal to treasure.
I offered this as a complimentary service, knowing it would add a unique touch to their grandmother’s legacy. The process involved selecting key moments from her life to highlight visually, creating a beautiful narrative that reflected her upbringing, values, and the journey she had walked. Then, I synced the voiceover with the visuals, making sure it flowed seamlessly. The end result was something that truly captured the essence of her life.
The Emotional Impact: How the Family Received the Legacy
When the family saw the completed project, their reaction was nothing short of emotional. The granddaughter said, "We didn’t know how to express just how much this means to us. We can feel her presence in the words and visuals. This will be a piece of her we can hold onto forever."
It was such a moving moment, knowing that this project would help preserve their grandmother’s legacy for generations to come.
The Importance of Preserving Stories for Future Generations
This project wasn’t just about telling a life story—it was about preserving the values, lessons, and wisdom passed down through generations. In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget the importance of documenting our family histories. Yet, stories like these are the ones that shape us, connect us to our roots, and remind us of where we come from.
The need to capture these moments is more important than ever. These stories aren’t just about the past; they’re about creating a bridge to the future, ensuring that the values and lessons of our elders continue to guide and inspire the generations that follow.
Conclusion
This project was an emotional journey for everyone involved. It was about more than just writing; it was about preserving a legacy, capturing a life’s essence, and giving future generations a piece of their history to cherish.
If you have a family history or life story you’d like to preserve—something meaningful that will live on for years to come—let’s talk. Whether it’s a written legacy or a multimedia creation, I’d love to help you bring your story to life for the generations that follow. Reach out today at yourjazzbaat@gmail.com, and let’s create something unforgettable.