A few years ago, Lynda Angelastro, Studio Product Manager at Heritage Makers, decided it was time for her to create a storybook about her father—a keepsake that would preserve his history, memories, sentiments and photos. Lynda’s plan was to publish and give copies of the book to her father so that he could gift them to his grandchildren. So Lynda began the process of organizing pictures and information, then took advantage of a Christmas visit to interview her father and put the finishing touches on the storybook, titled Before I Was Your Grandpa. |
“Listening to Dad’s stories was the highlight of my trip to England that year,” Lynda recalls. “As he recounted memories of his childhood and meeting my mother, I realized Dad was telling me small and important details I’d never heard before.” Lynda’s father was delighted to participate in creating the book, and finished by dictating a personal message to each of his grandchildren, to be included on the last page. Sadly, within weeks of her visit, Lynda’s father’s health fell into rapid decline. “Even at 88 years old, my dad was so self-sufficient and young for his age that I thought I still had lots of time with him.” Lynda remembers. “And while I should have been better prepared, the news of his death came as a huge shock to me.” “I’m so grateful to have gotten my father’s story written,” she told her friends before traveling to her father’s funeral. “I’m taking the personalized copies of his book to England with me to the funeral. It will be a much bigger surprise than he had anticipated, but what a priceless legacy for him to leave his nine grandchildren.” The last page of the storybook shares this message: “I hope this book will let you know that of all the parts of my life, becoming your Grandpa has been one of the best of them. Love you lots, Grandpa.” | In her Heritage Makers role, Lynda produces many custom home decor, holiday and children’s projects. “I love designing super cute, fun things to inspire Heritage Makers,” she says. “They are the “desserts” of my professional life and they ARE important, because they shape today’s memories and strengthen family relationships. But nothing will ever compare to the deep satisfaction, the sustaining “main course,” of having made Dad’s “Before I Was Your Grandpa” book.” If you’re ready for a deeply meaningful experience of your own, we encourage you to start a life tribute or family history storybook of your own today. There are plenty of excellent templates to help you get started. As Lynda Angelastro knows only too well, you can never be certain how much time you have left to get your important family treasures made. by Don Lehnhof |