Asking the Important Questions (Or... If booths could talk)

I'm the first to admit that I can be a bit of a sap. One of my favorite things about this job is that I get to be a part of life's important events. I love seeing the look on a new bride's face when she first sees her guest book, overflowing with silly photo strips and heartfelt messages from her dearest family and friends. Looking through my own photo strip guest book, I get to relive some of the special moments I shared with my wife on our happiest day (so far).

When I came across StoryCorps and their StoryBooths I was completely enthralled. StoryCorps is a non-profit project and their goal is simply to "celebrate one another's lives through listening." People schedule appointments to visit the StoryBooth with someone they know, like a grandparent or a neighbor. Inside the booth, they record a 40-minute interview. It's an incredible opportunity for children to ask their parents the really important questions that just haven't yet come up. Questions like, "What are you most proud of?" or "What is your favorite memory of me?" and "Is there anything you've never told me that you want to tell me?" The answers are as diverse as the people who enter the booth. At the end of the session, two CDs are made. One goes home with the pair and the other is archived in the Library of Congress as a way to permanently document the stories.

You can listen to some of the stories here. One of my favorites is the description of a surprising exchange between a young man and the mother of his fiance. I still don't know whether to laugh or cry.

If you're planning one of life's important events, it's easy to get swept up in the details. Don't forget to enjoy your time together. Take a break from the planning, find a coffee shop somewhere or a quiet place to sit and ask someone you love the important questions.