Last month, we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada. Since I was a young girl, our family has begun Thanksgiving dinner by taking turns sharing something we are thankful for. Some years, it was harder to find something to be thankful for. Yet, with a pause for reflection, there was always something to be found.
This simple ritual reminded us that gratitude can shift our perspective, and sharing these moments as a family builds a sense of belonging around the table. Gratitude is often found in the stories we tell – in unexpected connections, dreams fulfilled, family traditions, and the ordinary moments that leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, it takes looking back to recognize just how much these experiences have shaped our lives.
Through digital storytelling, we have the opportunity to revisit these memories, preserve them, and share them with others. Each of the stories featured here was brought to life through the collaboration of a storyteller and a Common Language Facilitator.
Visit commonlanguagedst.org to discover the facilitators who make up our collective and learn more about their unique areas of focus.
Celebrating the Unexpected
Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments in life that take our breath away and stay with us long afterward. We may meet hundreds of people throughout our lives, but some connections hold a special place in our hearts. Such was the case for Grady, one of our featured storytellers.
In her story, “That One Moment,” Grady shares the story of an important person she met in a completely unexpected moment. With the help of her facilitator, Angie Turner, she transformed that memory into a beautiful and touching digital story.
As you watch, consider what resonates with you and the unexpected connections that have made a difference in your own life.
Celebrating a Dream Come True
When Deb Dachwitz was invited to create a digital story, she wasn't sure which story she wanted to tell. She initially considered sharing a different experience, but as she talked it through with her facilitator, Jen Siran, another memory began to emerge.
Years earlier, Deb had fulfilled a dream, and the idea of turning that experience into a digital story struck a chord. Her story, “Mount Kilimanjaro,” holds so many beautiful treasures and reminds us that revisiting a meaningful experience can reveal new discoveries – even years later.
Preserving Traditions and Connecting Generations
Podcast: “How to End the Loss of Tradition: Recording Personal Histories to Build Connection Across Generations”
What happens when we lose the stories, traditions, recipes, and memories that connect us across generations?
In this episode of Essence for Care, host Lisa Joworski speaks with Anika Chabra, co-founder of Root & Seed, a platform designed to bring storytelling back into everyday life – around kitchen tables, in workplaces, and through connections between caregivers and elders.
After two decades in the corporate world, Anika recognized the importance of finding better ways to preserve the essence of who we are: our cultures, traditions, relationships, and personal histories.
As we reflect on gratitude, this conversation reminds us that the stories passed between generations are gifts worth preserving. Taking the time to record a loved one's memories today can create a meaningful connection for family members tomorrow.
Celebrating a Life Lived
Facilitator Feature: Getting to Know Heather Alicia Knox
Heather Knox is a multi-talented storyteller who has a gift for helping people recognize the value of their own experiences. From co-founding a children's project in Guatemala to photography and digital storytelling, her work has always been rooted in connecting with people and their stories.
Heather and her husband, Greg Kemp, moved to Ajijic, Mexico, in 2023 after running their children's project in Guatemala for 13 years. Looking for a new way to contribute to their community, they trained as Guided Autobiography instructors, helping people explore and write their life stories. Through six-week classes, participants use thoughtful prompts to recall memories, write about their experiences, and share their stories with a group. Heather has witnessed how the process helps people feel seen and heard, often building meaningful connections along the way.
“I feel so honoured to be a witness to people’s stories,” she shares. “After every single class I look at Greg and say, ‘How are we so fortunate to be able to do this work?’”
Heather also brings this passion to her work as a digital storytelling facilitator. She sees digital storytelling as a natural next step, allowing people to bring their written memories to life through their own voices and personal photographs. One of her favourite moments is watching someone see their completed digital story for the first time. “I think it’s this moment when they understand how valuable their story is.”
One example is Maureen Cameron’s digital story, “My Mother’s Hands,” facilitated by Heather. It beautifully illustrates the importance of preserving and sharing our family stories.
Heather’s passion for preserving stories is also deeply personal. After losing her beloved father, who had been the family historian, she became even more aware of the stories that can disappear when someone is no longer here to tell them.
“I so wish I had been able to do this with him,” Heather reflects.
That loss has become a catalyst for her work. She wants to help others recognize the importance of preserving their stories while they still have the opportunity. She is also creating digital stories of her own, knowing how much they will mean to her daughter and family in the years to come.
Heather’s experience reminds us that we don't always recognize the value of a story until we wish we could hear it one more time.
A Final Thought
Gratitude can be found in unexpected connections, dreams fulfilled, family traditions, and the stories we wish we had preserved. Sometimes, we only recognize the significance of these moments when we pause to reflect on them.
As you move through your own days, consider the stories that have shaped your life - an the ones you might want to preserve for someone else.
