HOW TO FIND THANKSGIVING

Stories of Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

Story Corps provides people across the country with the opportunity to record and preserve the stories of their lives. Its first recording booth opened in New York City’s Grand Central Station in 2003. The concept is simple: Two or three people in a recording booth talking to each other about the things that are important to them.

memories

 

Discover Amazing Family Stories

You can discover some of the most amazing stories from regular people. All you have to do is ask them about their lives and listen. It’s simple. We can learn so much about the people around us — even the people we already know — just by taking the time to have a conversation. If you pay just a little attention, you’ll find wisdom and poetry in their words.

Most people love to be listened to because it tells them how much their lives matter. Listening closely is simple when you’re curious, treat people with respect, and have the courage to ask the important questions. People will reveal amazing stories if you care enough to listen.

No matter your circumstances, find reasons to give thanks!

Thank God for Family

This brief conversation (2 minutes) between mother and daughter made me cry. Tina Vasquez grew up just outside of New York City in the 1980s. Her mother, Sonia, raised her with little help, and money was often tight for their family. At StoryCorps, Sonia told her daughter, Tina about how she’d take on several jobs to pay the bills. She was so tired she felt she had little left to give Tina. But, she was giving her more than she could ever imagine.

 

No matter what you want — if you want the shirt off my back — it’s yours.”

— Sonia Vasquez, to her daughter Tina.

 

Spend some time this Thanksgiving asking a few questions and sharing your stories with each other. Record them, if you can. You will never be sorry you did. Start with these questions:

  • What were you like as a kid?
  • Where did you grow up and what was it like?
  • Who is the most important person in your life?
  • What are you proudest of?

No matter your circumstances, find reasons to give thanks!

Find more stories at Story Corps.