Creating a Personal History

Douglas Andrew, Utah, USA

Our ward holds a monthly empty-nesters’ family home evening for elderly couples, widows, and widowers in the ward. Every other month, we ask someone from the group to talk about their life for 45 minutes. We give them a list of questions beforehand to help them prepare. Here are some examples of questions we ask:

Was there anything unusual about the time, place, or conditions in which you grew up?
What are fond memories you have of your childhood?
What did you study for professional training and employment?
What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
What are some fond memories of your courtship, marriage, and child-rearing years?
Share your feelings about your Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, and the gospel.

On the day of the family home evening, we bring a recording device to preserve the presenter’s life sketch. Then we make copies of the recording for his or her family and for the ward. This practice has become a wonderful family home evening activity and has helped those who attend feel more a part of the ward.