Have you heard a story today? Have you told a story today? You most likely have heard many stories, and told many stories, without even realizing it. Every time you say, "You won't believe what happened to me at ....," or "I remember when...," you are telling a story. When you are on the phone or visiting with a friend, telling them about the funny thing that happened last week, you're telling a story. When you're at work, telling your coworkers about the fabulous time you had on your vacation, that's a story. At dinner you share your day with your family, telling a story about the events of your day. Stories are there, in our every day happenings, in the little snippets of our life.

Think of a zoom lens, zooming in on a section of your life timeline. Zoom in close, then closer, and you will find a story there. Have you ever had a pet? Do you have children, grandchildren? What do you do for a living? What do you do in your spare time? What's your favorite song? Just thinking about these things and people probably sparks a story in your mind. We love to talk about our pets, our family, jobs, our interests. When we do, we usually tell little stories. Don't get me started talking about my granddaughter, because the Nana persona will kick in and I will go into full storytelling mode. Like the time she - well, you get the idea. We tell our stories, and we hear other's stories, every day.

Some stories make us laugh, some make us cry, some pass along information, and others entertain. Those of us who are fortunate have heard stories from parents, grandparents, and other special people in our lives. These stories are rich with history and information, and give us glimpses into different times and places. I didn't know my paternal grandfather, as he died when I was a baby. I do have a strong image in my mind, however, of the kind of man he was. My grandma, my dad, and my aunts and uncles have told me about him, making him real to me through their memories of him, their stories about him.

Stories can bring comfort. At my parents' funerals, people shared their stories with us of how my mom and dad touched their lives, the things they did with them, the places they went, the jokes they played, the interests they shared.. There was so much healing in these private little stories. I learned things about my parents through these stories, glimpses of them from other people's perspectives. I cherish those stories still today.

A story can help drive home a point. Often our pastor will relate his homily to something in his personal life. This personal story or insight not only strengthens his message, it give us something concrete to relate to. It makes his message all the more lively and memorable.

Whenever you have a gathering of people, there will be stories. Parents tell stories to their children, who tell the stories to their children. Lovers tell each other their stories. Friends share stories. Families have their stories.

My aunt has been telling me her stories. I cherish these stories. They give me insight and appreciation of what it was like for her growing up in our family. The stories speak of the good times, the bad times, hardships, celebrations, struggles, and love. They help me understand the personalities that make up our extended family. Her stories have enabled me to see my family's unique place in history, and where we came from. They have helped me appreciate our customs and traditions. Her experiences, for me, bring a personal connection to a time before I was even born. What a powerful gift, this insight into where I fit in my family's history.

My aunt is encouraging me to write these stories down, even if only for myself. I think, however, they should be shared and passed along to other family members. This will keep them alive for generations to come. Little by little, one by one, I am gathering the stories from my memory, from her accounts, from the things people have told me, and from my own slices of life. I am writing them down to share with my loved ones. In doing so, I am honoring a dear aunt, and anchoring our family's place in history.

What are your stories? What are you doing to preserve them? Memories fade, and things you thought you would always remember get cloudy or even lost forever. Start today to write your stories. You do not have to be a 'writer' to get these stories down. Just write them as if you were talking and sharing them in person. Remember the last time you got together with friends. Did you say "Remember when" during your conversation? If you did, there is a story! You need only write it down just like it happened.

Here are some memory prompts to get you started thinking about your stories:

• Is there a special person in your life who has influenced you? How have they impacted your life? Describe him or her, and your relationship.
• Are you married? How did you meet your spouse? Describe the setting and circumstances. Describe your spouse and what you love about him/her.
• Recall a humorous recent event. Who and what was involved? (see my hub on how I learned to knit socks -  http://hubpages.com/_quhng16s2trb/hub/Yarn--Knitting-Needles--and-Socks--Oh-My
  
• What are your hobbies? Why did you choose them, and what do you enjoy about them?
• Think about moments in your life that were unusual, difficult, especially fulfilling, joyful, sad, life-changing. Describe these moments and the effect they had on you.
• What is your life's work? Do you enjoy it? Why did you go into this field?
• What are you most proud of in your life? Why?

Your stories are unique, and they reveal so much about you. Your memories shape who you are, what you stand for. You don't need to be a 'writer' to record your stories. Simply tell them as you would if you were talking to someone. Don't lose another precious story to fading memories. Whether your stories are about family, or friends, yourself, your children or pets, get them written down so they are documented.

Here are some ways to write your stories. Choose one, or develop your own vehicle:

• Write your memories and stories in a notebook. Hand write, or type them. Be sure to date your entries.
• Make a scrapbook with captions and written journaling.
• Write your stories on index cards, and file them chronologically, or by category.
• If you have a computer, start a folder of your stories. There is software available for documenting your memoirs. Be sure to back up your work and save it to external files so you will not lose it.
• Speak your stories into a recorder, or dictate them for someone to transcribe.
• Make your story collection plain, or decorate it. Call it a story book, memory book, ramblings, or just plain memories. They will become your memoirs, and you can be sure they will be enjoyed and passed on by generations to come.
• Keep a small pocket size notebook with you at all times. You never know when you will remember a piece of information, or have a thought you don't want to forget.
• Choose to document those areas of your life that have significance or interest. See the list above for some ways to spark your memory.

Whatever form your memoirs take, just be sure to get them down. You will be leaving the greatest gift you can give to your children, grandchildren, and family.

Remember, each day of your life is a page of your history.