One of my all time favorite movies is “Out of Africa”. The opening scene of this contemporary classic shows Robert Redford sitting at Meryl Streep’s feet, imploring her to “Tell me a story”. The movie is the true story of Karen Blixen, a strong willed woman who runs a plantation in Africa around 1914. The movie is a visual feast but equally engaging are the Blixen’s stories as told by Meryl Streep. While this is a usual request from a child, there is something innocent and engaging to hear an adult say, “Tell me a story”.
I use stories in my work. When working with a new corporate client, I interview multiple employees in the organization to hear and collect the stories they tell. This helps me understand their culture and values so I can better tailor my services to their needs. Some of the stories are inspiring and some less flattering though equally telling in the overall climate and mission. With the recent death of Steve Jobs, many people are posting memories and stories pertinent to him that often paint a larger, more engaging personal picture than the PR spun news releases. There are sure to be biographies emerging in the coming months with even more stories of his achievement and means to an end.
I teach and volunteer for hospice. The most interesting part of my volunteering is hearing stories from patients about what their life included prior to their current health circumstances. They share the most amazing memories about family, career and life experiences. While this is engaging and interesting for me, it also can serve as a life review for them. I also visit patients with my therapy dog Pearl , a black lab, shepherd, cattle-dog mix. They often ask about Pearl – how she got her name and other questions. I say she’s been with me for three years and that she was rescued from euthanasia from the dog pound on her last day and came to me on the birthday of my dead dog Bunny who is a close look alike! Pearl has been ‘working’ for a year and a half. This invariably leads to their telling me about the dogs they have had and what made each of them so special. It also gives me the opportunity to let them know that their family is welcome to bring pets to visit them in the in-patient facility which is very comforting. When people are telling stories about their life, they almost always relax which means, less discomfort and more connection. I LOVE hearing what they tell me and Pearl enjoys all the attention and petting that she gets plus an occasional treat!
There are stories everywhere, even at the end of life. I am also an 11th Hour volunteer which means sitting with patients who are unconscious and actively dying. Usually I am alone but sometimes family is there. They almost always want to talk about their loved one and share memories and stories. This too, is part of a normal life review for the family and helps to bring people together for the times ahead.
So long as one remembers, the story continues.
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