Column: Finally, a place for your stories

The greatest legacy we can pass onto subsequent generations is our story.

Have you ever noticed that the greatest family conversations begin with a good story? Sometimes though, we may forget about the amazing lives and experiences of those whose broad shoulders we stand on today. We often draw blanks when called upon to tell a story about our families. It’s not because we lack experience. Rather, it’s because we haven’t had the opportunity nor the confidence to commit those memories to writing.

Although we recognize the importance of effectively passing our wealth from one generation to the next, we often forget about passing on our values, those places in the heart that can so easily be unlocked through the power of our story.

I recently caught up with an old friend, Jackie Lee-Son. She shared with me a project that can touch all our hearts. She has published a workbook that will guide you through the process, step-by-step, of creating and sharing your family stories.

Jackie has authored two excellent books over the years. In 1994, she published Richmond: Secrets and Surprises, a collection of over 100 personal tales. I had the honour of writing one of the stories about why I choose to stay in Richmond. In 2012, she also published Secrets & Surprises: Good Work, Happy Lives of Interesting Characters. When she originally approached people to include their stories, many did not think they have a story to tell but Jackie convinced them that every story matters. Once they told that first story, they were inspired to continue but felt overwhelmed by the task. That motivated her to write A Place for Stories: Preserving Precious Memories.

What I love about “A Place for Stories” is how Jackie shares dozens of fascinating stories and, after each one, challenges us to write our own stories in the same way. Every author in her book leads us by example!

I have just begun to read through the many amazing stories in this guide and every single one is triggering a desire to record our family’s stories so that we can share them with our loved ones today and when we are gone.

Jackie has always had a heart for our community and, this year has decided to give us an opportunity to finally write our own story and, at the same time, help struggling families throughout the coming Christmas season through The Richmond Christmas Fund. When you make a $200 donation to The Richmond Christmas Fund, you will receive Jackie’s thank you gift: A Place for Stories: Preserving Precious Memories. You’ll also get a charitable donation tax receipt! I’ve already made my donation and have started writing my own story. I invite you to join in this generous project.

You can make your Richmond Christmas Fund donations online. or by dropping off your donation to The Richmond Christmas Fund at #190 – 7000 Minoru Blvd (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).

Richard Vetter is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of WealthSmart Inc.