Saturday, May 12, 2007
Story Corps
Brian and I went to downtown Detroit today to record an interview with Story Corps. Brian was the interviewer, and I responded to his questions, which were primarily about my illness and what I see for the future. Our session, forty minutes long, was recorded and will be sent to the Library of Congress.
What's a little bit embarrassing is that we got a Story Corps interview with something called the "Griot Initiative," which is dedicated to recording the stories of African Americans for posterity, with a special emphasis on World War II veterans and people involved in the Civil Rights struggle. The interviews in Detroit will also go to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History. We don't exactly fit the sought-after demographic for the Griot Initiative, but were advised to come to the appointment anyway.
Brian had a list of questions which he prepared in advance based on suggestions from the Story Corps site. At first he asked me who the most influential person in my life was, what my most memorable moment with him was, and then he asked me about what I see in the future.
I don't think the sound engineer was prepared for what he heard.
I don't know how much "future" I will have. I certainly don't see children in my future, or adoption. I talked about being diagnosed years ago, how shocking it was, how "lucky" I had been told I was, and about the fact that even before we met I had told him over the phone that I was healed and would not have to worry about cancer again. When I got my official diagnosis and had to tell my family, I called my mom from the parking lot at the doctor's office, and then went home to tell Brian I had essentially lied to him before we met. I was afraid I was going home to tell him news that would make him pack up and leave; I'm not sure I would have blamed him.
He tells me not to worry that I "lied."
We talked about how afraid we both were when I was hospitalized. I remember having a conversation with my mom (at this point Brian was looking for apartments without stairs to move into) about how I always thought that when the time came to move out of my apartment, it would be to move into a house or a condo, and that it didn't seem that signing a 30-year mortgage would be possible. My horizon loomed very close and my life today was unimaginable to me then, wracked with pain, unable to walk, and in a hospital bed surrounded by bins to vomit into.
I am happy to be wrong. I'm happy to feel better and am happy to be less afraid that I will die soon. I have to make it at least nine more years because Brian has promised me an anniversary diamond.
We have a copy of the interview on CD. The recording engineer was very moved; he told us that both of his parents have cancer, so he at least knows what it's like to be the other person in that situation. He also pointed out that our being a part of the Griot Initiative, well, it didn't matter that we are white because what we talked about was really universal.
I wish cancer wasn't universal and that it didn't touch on almost everybody's lives.
What's a little bit embarrassing is that we got a Story Corps interview with something called the "Griot Initiative," which is dedicated to recording the stories of African Americans for posterity, with a special emphasis on World War II veterans and people involved in the Civil Rights struggle. The interviews in Detroit will also go to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History. We don't exactly fit the sought-after demographic for the Griot Initiative, but were advised to come to the appointment anyway.
Brian had a list of questions which he prepared in advance based on suggestions from the Story Corps site. At first he asked me who the most influential person in my life was, what my most memorable moment with him was, and then he asked me about what I see in the future.
I don't think the sound engineer was prepared for what he heard.
I don't know how much "future" I will have. I certainly don't see children in my future, or adoption. I talked about being diagnosed years ago, how shocking it was, how "lucky" I had been told I was, and about the fact that even before we met I had told him over the phone that I was healed and would not have to worry about cancer again. When I got my official diagnosis and had to tell my family, I called my mom from the parking lot at the doctor's office, and then went home to tell Brian I had essentially lied to him before we met. I was afraid I was going home to tell him news that would make him pack up and leave; I'm not sure I would have blamed him.
He tells me not to worry that I "lied."
We talked about how afraid we both were when I was hospitalized. I remember having a conversation with my mom (at this point Brian was looking for apartments without stairs to move into) about how I always thought that when the time came to move out of my apartment, it would be to move into a house or a condo, and that it didn't seem that signing a 30-year mortgage would be possible. My horizon loomed very close and my life today was unimaginable to me then, wracked with pain, unable to walk, and in a hospital bed surrounded by bins to vomit into.
I am happy to be wrong. I'm happy to feel better and am happy to be less afraid that I will die soon. I have to make it at least nine more years because Brian has promised me an anniversary diamond.
We have a copy of the interview on CD. The recording engineer was very moved; he told us that both of his parents have cancer, so he at least knows what it's like to be the other person in that situation. He also pointed out that our being a part of the Griot Initiative, well, it didn't matter that we are white because what we talked about was really universal.
I wish cancer wasn't universal and that it didn't touch on almost everybody's lives.
Labels: Brian, condominium, detroit, hospital, mom, story corps
Comments:
Someday I hope I have the privileged of hearing the interview.
I've realized lately that I might have more then a master's equilivant in all sorts of things because of public radio. They are the most amazing community education resource and they have helped so many of us to live better lives.
Janet, you are a bright light in my life. Very bright!
Without a doubt, you will always be my favorite little sister! ;-)
(Check out my new blogging too!)
I've realized lately that I might have more then a master's equilivant in all sorts of things because of public radio. They are the most amazing community education resource and they have helped so many of us to live better lives.
Janet, you are a bright light in my life. Very bright!
Without a doubt, you will always be my favorite little sister! ;-)
(Check out my new blogging too!)
I like the idea that someday, some Elkins is going to be researching the family genealogy, and will be very surprised to find our interview at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
"Was she....? Oh my."
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"Was she....? Oh my."
