“Give me a call when you are settled”, I responded. Lou’s life has been an open book to us. Her life story was full of challenges and resilience. 

Months passed and never heard from Lou. One day my sister called. She relayed our older sister was admitted in the hospital with serious illness. 

She was too weak to undergo chemo. We spent more hospital visit. We shared our stories when we were young, our Winnipeg days, etc. We were all thankful for her sharp memories.

Weeks later Lou’s call registered. “Manong, I’m at the Foothills Hospital, sick.” 

The following week with my sister we shared new stories. We didn’t tell her  about our visit to a friend one floor below.  

We slid the curtain and Lou said, “Hoy Manong and Ate, missed you so much.” “We feel the same”, we responded. 

“I only have few months to enjoy life. I planned my burial. I’m ready” Our eyes wetted and throats restricted that no words came out. My sister and Lou were at the same situation. We spent our time reminiscing our friendship. Our holiday trip with our spouses to Minalungao and Pantabangan was her most unforgettable one. 

That year my sister passed on March and Lou two months after. Up to this time, their memories (life stories) linger in my mind. 

Our life stories create lasting memories worth remembering and sharing. One constraint was how to journal them. If great people have their memoir written, why couldn’t we have one, too?  

When we spend time and money to prepare our last will and testament, we should be able also to spend time and money writing our life story that will last for generations.

My-moir. My Life Selfie is my fourth book (guidebook). It helps one write his/her life stories (from birth up to present life in Canada). As an immigrant writing our life story is worth pursuing. 

If you believe your life story is worth writing, give me a call. A percentage of your donation ($20/copy) will greatly support both the Allbertans Mindfulness Society and Diary of Allbertans Society. You can reach me at 403 816 7983 or e-mail romyhonorio@gmail.com.