My grandpa and I have always been inseparable. He is my mentor, storyteller, and source of inspiration. Our bond was built on countless hours spent sifting through his solo travel photos, hearing his war stories, and absorbing his business anecdotes as we drove through the rustic landscapes of rural China.
In 2016, I moved to Corby, UK, and began visiting Kathleen, a spirited 90-year-old woman who delighted in recounting how she and her late husband communicated during the war. There's nothing quite like a firsthand WWII love story to stir the heart.
When I later relocated to London, I continued my volunteering journey with the Alzheimer's Society and What the Tech, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills to older adults.
Through my work, I met many remarkable individuals. Rusty, who found a long-lost video of his younger self at the gym on YouTube, his face lighting up with youthful pride. Lesley, who, despite her battle with dementia, shared how she found strength in her family's unwavering love. Each story I heard was a precious thread, weaving together the rich tapestry of their lives. I carried these stories with me, cherishing them deeply.
In 2023, after my grandpa passed away, I found myself drowning in sorrow. I turned to my favourite podcast for solace, and it struck me like a bolt of lightning—I could never hear his stories in his voice again. All I had were a few scattered voicemails, fragments of a life that meant so much to me. How could my children ever know the man who shaped my world?
Beyondhood is a service dedicated to capturing the life stories of older adults in their own voices, creating unique, personal podcasts. It’s a way to ensure that their wisdom, their laughter, and their love live on, resonating through the generations.
Through Beyondhood, my grandpa's stories—and the stories of so many others—will never fade away. They will be cherished, remembered, and celebrated forever.
Go beyond Elderhood, One Story at a Time
Nicole
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