Hello, my name is Renata.

I’m a mom, wife, sister and friend. I am also a granddaughter to Baba Nina, who is 97. I live in Newton, Massachusetts, but I am a proud Canadian, born in Toronto to Russian Jewish immigrants. I spent the majority of my childhood with Baba Nina and her friends. My happy place was bingo or a matinee with 65-year-olds.  Each one with a personality and a story. I loved this group so much and believe this is why I have such a fondness for the elderly.

 

My dad, the king of anecdotes and wisdom, got sick at 59. We lost a piece of him yearly, then monthly and so on. I miss my dad and do my best to keep his memory alive, but my story retelling is far from accurate and colorful. My children don’t know my dad personally and look to me with questions.

 

Shortly after losing my dad, my 68-year-old mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. We lost the essence of mom throughout her later stage journey leaving my daughters with a distant memory of their grandmother. Pictures and cell phone video clips can only do so much.

 

During my mom’s illness, we were introduced to Dignity Therapy, an evidence-based and clinically effective psychotherapy for terminally ill patients. It provides them with an opportunity to speak about their life accomplishments, experiences and share advice and personal messages. The conversation is transcribed and edited into a legacy document that can be shared with loved ones.

 

Dignity Therapy captured my attention and got me thinking. Don't we all want to leave a legacy behind? Here is your opportunity. 

 

Everybody has a story.  Let's talk about yours.
 

Yours Truly,
Renata

Legacy Developer