In 2006 my grandfather passed away. Though it was painful to have him go, he gifted my family with a rich legacy. He left his home littered with stories and photos so we may never forget our history. My grandfather made sure we would never forget, but no one had ever heard from my grandmother.

Armed with a camera, tripod, and list of questions, I began listening to Babushka's Spoken Story. World War II, Nazis, and the Soviet Union were just a few of the awesome details she spoke to me about. After an hour of intensive interviewing, I had my babushka's story. Cutting it together with all the photos I have of her allowed for me to create a digital diary. I possessed a visual autobiography, one that would never fade, rip, or tarnish like every other medium. My babushka's story was now immortal in digital form.

Now my grandmother has come down with severe dementia. No longer able to recognize her surroundings or the people who love her, she is in need of 24-hour care. Her memory is gone, but her stories aren't. My recordings all those years ago have saved her in time forever.

One day my grandchildren will sit and listen to my grandmother as I once did. This is what My Spoken Story is about: Saving today, what we may not have tomorrow.