stories within november 4, 2025

Each of us has lived a story.* Personally, there is nothing I like better than to hear a friend open up about her or his life. People are fascinating, and I am always curious to know someone a bit better.

Sometimes as I am driving, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I picture each car being driven by a book full of life experiences, culminating in this traffic jam. Thousands of stories all around me! The contemplation makes me smile and makes the time spent more interesting.

My favorite part of NPR is Story Corp on Fridays. A short segment in which two people talk about their connection resulting in appreciations of each other. When we can glimpse into another, we can’t help but appreciate who they are.

My friends know this about me, I am always asking questions. I am always struck by the incredible resilience and stamina of the human spirit. It is why I think of each of my friends as a gift, a treasure.

David Isay, founder of Story Corp, also fostered a ‘Day of Listening,’ for the day after Thanksgiving. When families and friends have gathered rather than politics or anything divisive, asking one question of an older person may open an unexpected world.

Listening with open curiosity rather than expectation is essential.

Some of my favorite questions are:

Tell me about a place you loved as a kid. Did you have a pet? What kind of teenager were you?

What kind of house did you grow up in? Where was it? What do you remember about your grandfather or grandmother?

I imagine you have had a question about a family member or friend you have never asked, why not ask them this year?

I hope this inspires you to have different kinds of conversations with friends and families in the holidays of November and December. Let me know how it goes.

Friends are blessings to be cherished – Love Elizabeth

*Hence the name of this blog 😊