Ordering your Own Steps – Joseph M. Showell

Patient: Anonymous (*All names are pseudonyms) Residence: A Hospice Facility in Missouri Volunteer’s Note Marcus is one of those rare people who can turn an ordinary room into a place of warmth just by being in it. When I first met him at his room inside the hospice facility, he was listening to blues music…

Interviewer’s Note This speaker has been a joy to talk to. She’s proud of the life she’s lived and has a lot of gratitude for the great people she’s had in her life. I’m still amazed that she made it a point to continue visiting Paris for 30 years. Talking to her was a reminder…

Interviewer’s note: Cathy Baer is an extraordinary woman. She doesn’t give herself nearly enough credit for the life she’s lived. Writing this legacy letter was a challenge because she just wouldn’t acknowledge all of her accomplishments and the impact she’s had on others. That unwavering humility is what amazes me most about Cathy. It has…

Interviewer’s Note James “Mike” Aaron is a kind-hearted realist. As a former journalist, he committed himself to uplifting the perspectives of marginalized communities in Maryland, advocating for different people in society to treat each other as equals. When I talked with Mike about creating his own written legacy, I learned that he is unafraid to…

Interviewer’s Note This anonymous speaker really does care for her family and has kept quite a level head given all of the crazy adventures she’s had. Not to mention, how sharp she is. Her memory of some of these details is remarkable. It’s been an absolute pleasure to hear her story and I hope you…