Bringing Family History to Life: Marcie's Keepsake Story of Love and Strength

Anonymous, British or American, 19th century British or American, ca. 1875, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most powerful things about writing is that it helps us carry our family’s stories forward—across time, generations, and even continents. In my course Keepsakes, we spend four weeks shaping a personal or family story into something meaningful that can be shared with children. These aren’t just stories. They are heirlooms—emotional touchstones, legacy pieces, bridges between the past and the future.

Today, I want to celebrate one such story from a recent Keepsakes student: Marcie.

Marcie joined the course with the intention of capturing a story that had been told in fragments around the dinner table for years—the story of her great-grandmother’s escape from Nazi-occupied Poland. It was a story of fear and flight, of grit and resilience, and ultimately of a young girl who's bravery led her and her family to freedom.

Because of her great-grandmother’s journey, Marcie’s family was able to build a life in the United States. But the question Marcie had was: How do I share this story with my grandkids?

Over the course of four weeks, Marcie shaped her story into something honest but hopeful. She used metaphors that could resonate with children, and focused on her great grandmother's bravery as a point of inspiration. But Marcie didn’t stop there.

After the class ended, she partnered with a local high school student in her town—an aspiring illustrator—who brought the story to life through visual art. Together, they created a picture book version of the story. Marcie then used blurb.com to print copies of the book for her grandchildren. Now, her family has something tangible they can hold in their hands. Not just a book, but a keepsake—a story of where they come from and the strength that flows in their veins.

This is just one of the many beautiful ways you can bring your story to life after taking Keepsakes. Other options include:

• Bedtime rituals, telling the story orally, chapter by chapter, as part of their evening routine

• Audio stories or family podcasts, recording yourself or loved ones reading the story aloud

• Interactive games, turning a family memory into a scavenger hunt or a storytelling board game

  
  

There’s no “right” format—only what feels true to your voice, your story, and the people you’re sharing it with.

Marcie’s story reminds us that even the heaviest histories can be shared with grace, and even the smallest voices can carry powerful truths forward. I’m so proud of what she created, and grateful that her grandchildren will know where they come from.

If you have a story you’ve been holding onto, a piece of family history you want to pass down but aren’t sure how—I hope you’ll consider joining Keepsakes. Whether you create a printed book, a recording, or a moment shared at bedtime, your story deserves to be told. And your kids deserve to hear it.

Ready to start your own keepsake? I offer the course twice a year, in July and February. Enrollment for the next session is open now. Let’s make something lasting, together!

Keepsake: Your Story as Family Heirloom

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