Maureen Pollock and Anabel Rodriguez worked together to create a meaningful legacy for Lee to pass on to her daughter Brenda – and to future generations of her family.
Lee, who resides in a local facility, was given in-depth interviews by Maureen and Anabelle. At 100 years old, Lee had plenty of details to share from her life’s history.
Her Legacy of Hope included details about her childhood in a whaling town of Massachusetts, sharing a basement toilet with three other families in their neighborhood, and her first time seeing a Model T car with a hand crank start. It describes her experiences working as a seamstress and later moving to California.
This one-of-a-kind memory piece will be treasured by Lee’s family for many years to come.
About Legacy of Hope
Throughout time, old age was revered and rare. The stories of a community’s past were treasured for their wisdom. Oral traditions were valuable history, and writing helped preserve even greater detail. In western culture, individuals would give testimony to their beliefs and values – in written form – to be read along with news of an inheritance. It was called a “Last Will and Testament.”
Hope volunteers help the individuals in our care pass on their values, affirmations and stories. They may give a message to family, friends, coworkers or anyone who attends their memorial service. The format can be completely customized for individual preferences. Some may wish to use a journal, a handwritten note, a video or an audio message.
They may want to tell stories about their lives. Some may have a proverbial saying they want to be remembered by. Or, someone could choose to leave messages in envelopes to be opened by their loved ones on important dates in the future.
Hope volunteers meet to help with these ideas, listen and write down or record stories. They help with editing and presentation, as needed. Finally, they ensure that the messages reach their intended audience.
Anyone is Hope’s care may choose to participate in a Legacy of Hope project.
