Each LifeBook is a unique piece of family history, a handcrafted treasure for generations to come. It started with my father, Jules, who had so many stories to tell but for whom I had no time – I was far too busy with my own life. In his final years, Dad had become blind and was starting to shut down, to the point he felt he no longer had anything to contribute. He tried to talk to me but I wasn’t
listening; after all, I had heard it all so many times before. I felt guilty and had to come up with a solution – what then happened turned out to be the precursor to LifeBook. I arranged for a family friend, Kathy, to visit Dad every week for an interview in which he could talk as much as he wanted about his precious memories. Of course, it was all new to her and he welcomed her enquiries as his story unfolded. A further advantage was that between interviews he was able to prepare by reminiscing and writing notes, which gave him something positive to occupy his time. Once he had started, he found (as he put it) he was remembering things he hadn’t realised he had forgotten. The end result was a precious LifeBook containing all his stories, including some that were new to me. For example, I now know that one of my ancestors was King of Poland, although apparently only for one night! But more than that, I have a permanent reminder of Dad, now, sadly, deceased, that I will treasure forever. Roy Moëd – Founder
