Over the decades as I've witnessed my older relatives gradually passing on, I've been reminded to ask the survivors their recollections of their lives and the world they experienced. For example, WW II was before my time, and I am curious how my family in the states experienced it. I'm thinking they might tell about which family members served, gas rationing, memories of the general mood, etc.
Instead for the most part they tell me very little. When I ask if they feel uncomfortable about sharing memories they report not, but at best they only speak in generalities, for example, "During the war I was in high school," or "There was no TV in those days." If instead of open questions I ask specifics, they usually shrug, offer scant information, then change the subject. Otherwise these are people who are normally conversant and not suffering from memory problems.
I'm wondering if it's just my family lacks story-teller and history-minded types, or whether this is common. As a result I have very little feel for what life was like for my ancestors before the middle 20th century. Though books and TV documentaries can supply information they lack the personal connection. Maybe I'm asking poor questions?
Instead for the most part they tell me very little. When I ask if they feel uncomfortable about sharing memories they report not, but at best they only speak in generalities, for example, "During the war I was in high school," or "There was no TV in those days." If instead of open questions I ask specifics, they usually shrug, offer scant information, then change the subject. Otherwise these are people who are normally conversant and not suffering from memory problems.
I'm wondering if it's just my family lacks story-teller and history-minded types, or whether this is common. As a result I have very little feel for what life was like for my ancestors before the middle 20th century. Though books and TV documentaries can supply information they lack the personal connection. Maybe I'm asking poor questions?