TimePieces Personal Biographies

"This book really is a kind of model of how such works should be done. "—Ralph Crandall, Emeritus Director, New England Historic Genealogical Society, reacting to our book about a medical missionary to Korea in the 1920s

"My children have told me how much they like the interview [on CD] and how well you conducted it. Even my little grandchildren seem to have got a kick out of it. The four year old complained that I wouldn't stop talking so he could ask a question. Louise and I treasure it, and I trust my descendants will too. Hamlet's last words were: 'The rest is silence.' That won't be true in my case--thanks to you! "—From a client in St. Petersburg, Florida, whose memories were recorded onto CD

"Steph, you have no idea what the book and cd set of the interview of my dad means to my family. We all now have a copy of the family photos and a recording of his voice telling wonderful stories. It's like he's right there with me every time I listen to the cd and I never grow tired of it. My family cried when I gave them their copies and each one of them treasure it like one of their most prized possessions. I can't wait to do my mother's book too."—Lisa, Baltimore, Maryland

"I am so very pleased with the book--the content, the layout, the cover and the box to put it in. It is well worth the time and money involved. Families come together around an elder's life story. I like the memories it stirred up in Ron and I and everyone who has read it. It has been a lot of fun to talk about with our family. And so many said, 'I didn't know that.' So we achieved what we wanted to do. This book will always be there to read again and again and tell the stories to our future generations of our family." —Joan, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

"My parents have suddenly become 'real' people to me. Reading their life stories has given me a chance to step into their shoes from childhood through a 60-year marriage. Every Life Has a Story waiting to be told. Being the oldest child, I lived through much of it but never saw the tapestry laid out in such entirety. I learned things about them I never knew before. It was thrilling, poignant, and even heart-wrenching at times. I found also great courage, sacrifice, joy and love that really touched me. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for sharing yourselves so completely. And thank you, Stephanie, for the exceptional gift of weaving all of this into such a fantastic read! It is a real treasure for me to hold on to and to share." —Karen, St. Petersburg, Florida

"As you know, our family is approaching the anniversary of Rachel's death. Although this time of year will continue to be a reminder of our tragedy, we are incredibly grateful to have Rachel's biography to put the focus on the person and not the event. At the times I miss her most it is comforting to open the pages and visit in a way that my memory alone isn't able to create. I would like to thank you for the time you spent with our family. Our experience through the interview process is a positive influence in our grief work. To have the opportunity to introduce Rachel to someone, talking with a compassionate listener, sharing photographs brought back happy memories." —Robin, Belleville, Michigan

"Thank you for taking on the project of Mother's life story. It had a profound effect on me. Not only did you do a splendid job, but the way you did it, with quotes of Mother's comments presented as she would have said them, made her and the life of my father come alive. Long after they are both gone, their lives will remain fresh in my mind."—Richard, St. Petersburg, Florida

"Who is this woman you wrote about? Surely not me! I appreciate every word. You are a great writer. Our contacts have been great, and I hope they will continue." —Kay, Lake City, Florida

"Thank you for writing such a wonderful piece on my father. I was thrilled at how you managed to put it all together. Thanks to you, my Dad is feeling very special and deserving so. Great job!" —Becky, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"Stephanie—How did you do it? You took accurate notes of many dozens of disjointed bits of info and wove them into a coherent narrative. And I was concerned that I wasn't in top shape that day; it doesn't show! You have a gift for taking complicated explanations and simplifying them without losing the meaning."—Rich, Ann Arbor, Michigan (regarding profile in magazine)

"Stephanie, you did such an excellent job that I feel very honored by your story. Thank you for taking the time to interview me, but mostly for really hearing me. Your thoughtfulness truly shines through your writing." —Andrew, Ann Arbor, Michigan (regarding profile in magazine)