Dozens of community leaders and Ishpeming residents attended a meet and greet with historical architect Jessica Flores on Thursday at the Mather Inn. Flores is conducting research which will culminate in the city’s downtown commercial district being nominated for a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

By CECILIA BROWN

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Sharing stories, hopes, wishes and values with loved ones is an important task that can easily get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. The “Share Your Story” program at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 19 will offer a setting for older adults to share their stories and communicate with loved ones. The program will be hosted by Upper Peninsula Health Plan and Grandparents Teach Too at the U.P. Children’s Museum in Marquette.

The program focuses on older relatives sharing their stories and personal histories with younger relatives, such as grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The stories will be compiled into an illustrated storybook, which the family can take home to keep as a valuable record and precious keepsake.

“The personal and family history is the leading piece of the event,” said Kate LeBeau, advanced care planning manager for UPHP.

LeBeau explained that having someone share their experiences, culture, faith and values can be a great way to bond with family members, as well as get the conversation started about important health care decisions.

Professional interviewers will facilitate the process by asking the storyteller structured questions. Interviewers will also transcribe the answers, so family members can focus on listening to the storyteller and illustrating the storybook.

There will also be advance care planning facilitators available to translate the storyteller’s wishes and experiences into medical terms, which can aid family members and health care professionals in times of crisis.

LeBeau notes this event can serve as a valuable first step in planning future care and making values, wishes and personal history known to family members.

“Many tell us they really feel loved and supported … the person has a sense that everyone is listening,” LeBeau said. “In a situation and place where we’re at ease, we can be more truthful about what we are hoping for.”

The time and location of the event will help facilitate a fun and relaxed setting for all family members. The event will be held on the second floor of the U.P. Children’s Museum on President’s Day, which ensures children will have the day off of school, allowing them to accompany storytellers to the event.

While UPHP has been facilitating events based on advance care planning across the U.P. for several years, this is the first event of its kind, LeBeau said.

“One thing we wanted to do was be creative and have some fun with it,” LeBeau said. LeBeau also noted she hopes to partner with other agencies across the U.P. to make this type of event possible in other areas across the region.

Registration for the event is not required, the program is free of charge and attendees will not be charged admission to the U.P. Children’s Museum. LeBeau encourages storytellers to bring one or two young loved ones to illustrate and listen. Storytellers are also welcome to bring an advocate who is 18 years of age or older.

Cecilia Brown can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is cbrown@miningjournal.net.