Reminiscence and Memoir Writing‏

Reminiscence can be an activity used with the elderly to promote the telling of memories and the sharing of stories, and helps people connect to one another and practice self-expression. It is helpful as an exercise to stimulate the parts of the brain that are used for long term memory, and can be an extremely helpful activity to prevent / or assist those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Reminiscence allows a person to reflect and tell a story about the past, and allows someone to reveal individual characteristics and personal details. In a group setting each one may bring in photographs, music, audio recordings or personal objects that prompt the person to talk about issues, decisions and events of their life and a facilitator may be a counselor who is able to help the person examine their life’s events. In a group setting like PAGASA, it may begin as a social Pabidahan/sharing…until they can be held to concentrate and think deeper. Thereafter, the introduction of memoir writing will be received positively.  Then a writing workshop follows.

Dr. Carmencita Fulgado, NYC (2015)

Stories Told and yet to be....everyone has a story to tell

DATE LINE:

• Consuelo Almonte ( The Way Back Home)
• Cora Mahinay (Walking Tall)
• Ethel Romm ( The Unimaginable Power)
• Lita R. Solis ( The Baby Dragon)
• Lumen Castaneda (The Silver Lining)
• Mrs Todd ( The Miss Universe's Daughter)
• Nilda Berguido (Crossing the Panama)
• Phoebe Andes ("Im Ready!)
• Sheela N.P. ( A Mother's Prayer)
• A Soldier's Story: Captivated!
• Antonio Taguba: Tough Guy with a Soft Heart
• Gerry Baranda ( My Love Story is the Story of my Life)Where Do I Begin?

The Wall Streeter

I was a young thirty something and fresh from the service after getting 2 bullets run through my arms in France. I was working as a barber in a shop in front of Wall Street’s Stock Exchange. After 5 years with my employer, he wanted to sell the barbershop. I bought it, put 5 barbers, a manicurist and a shoe shine man. We took care of the busy business men, groomed their hair, their nails and shined their shoes. We work from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening, from Monday to Friday, all year long for 20 years, except for holidays and weekends. I enjoyed my commute to Staten Island via the ferry boat.

I was happy and contented, I brought in the “whole” bacon to my family, sipped my glass of gin before every dinner, enjoyed the ballgames and my boys. I was a contented man. What else do I need after all these years at 96? I only wanted to be home with my family and the usual sip of gin with my dinner; after all, I’m an Italian. Carpe Diem!

~MDS, 2016