Rabbi Elka Abrahamson and her siblings arranged for their parents to

chronicle their life stories.

 

Here's what she said about the experience:

What do you give your parents, the people who gave you everything and need nothing, when they are celebrating 60 years of marriage?  When I heard about Chronicle Your Life Story the answer to what otherwise would have been a difficult question, was a snap.  Together with my siblings we decided to give our parents the gift of their own story, preserved forever in a highly professional package.

 

 While my parents were hesitant to accept this perfect gift, they came around easily and warmly thanks to Naomi’s remarkable sensitivity, genuine concern for their well being and comfort, and a rare talent for drawing information even out of initially reluctant interviewees. 

 

The finished product is, in a word, a treasure.  Sitting with my family and watching my parents watching themselves on the DVD was a memorable occasion.  And we have already watched it over and over..  Naomi’s attention to each and every detail, to the video recording, the sound, the music, the editing and even the setting was of the highest quality.  She was, first and foremost, concerned with my parents and their story. 

 

I never imagined such a perfect outcome given the early reluctance of my mom and dad.  Today, at the end of a thoughtful process, they are deeply touched that their life story is chronicled not only for their children and their grandchildren, who have so enjoyed deep learning about the lives of their grandfather and grandmother, but also for generations yet to be.  What a gift.