From the editor

When a co-worker told me about the new life review program at Southeast Hospice, it hit close to home. I have not yet had a family member in hospice, but I did a few family history and life review projects for my sociology courses in college. During my junior year, I interviewed my grandparents on both sides of the family. When my Grandpa Gautschy passed away a year or so later, my parents printed copies of my report so the rest of the family could read it. It was a difficult day for all of us, but reading what Grandpa had to say about dating Grandma back in the day (he ran into a pig with his car on their first date -- welcome to rural Illinois) added smiles to our tear-stained faces.

The following year, I interviewed my mom for another project. By this time, my parents had bought me a digital voice recorder (if I was going to be a journalist, I should have one, they said), so I recorded our interview. I still have that recording, and I've been thinking lately I need to transfer it somewhere else so I don't accidentally delete it. I also really, really wish I had recorded the interview with my grandparents so I could hear their voices for many years to come.

Southeast's life review program puts volunteers to work making video recordings of hospice patients so their families will always be able to see and hear their stories, memories, last messages and whatever else they have to say. I think this is such a wonderful idea. Even thinking about it makes me want to run home and hug my grandparents and parents as tightly as I can, because I know someday I won't be able to do that anymore. But if I can see and hear them on video after they're gone, I think that would be the next best thing.

We don't have to wait until our loved ones are in the end stages of life to record memories. We can start making videos and journals at any time. Read ideas on how to do this, and more about the Life Review Program, in my story on page 6.

On a lighter note, happy fall! Aren't these cool breezes heavenly? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the fall, and you'll read about some of them in our roundup of October fairs and festivals on page 18. We've also included a guide to volunteering in the community, and features on two very active and entertaining ladies: Martha Wilson and Bonnie Overbeck.

Hope you enjoy!

~Robyn Gautschy, TBY editor