[Ailist] Appreciative Questions to Celebrate Life

[Cheri Torres]

Bill,

How about:
People live on in our hearts and memories long after they leave us.  Think
back over all your relationship with Jean and scan for one that truly stands
out as one that captures the goodness and joy of Jean.

Or As you think about Jean and her life, share one of your fondest memories
of being with Jean.

Recall a time when you witnessed Jean at her best; what did you value about
her at that time?

How has Jean contributed positively to your life, a way that will continue
to support you even though she is gone?

Hope these will help.  I am sending love, light, energy, and prayers for
your whole family,
Cheri

-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Bill Scott
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 9:30 PM
To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: [Ailist] Appreciative Questions to Celebrate Life

Hello all,

 

I am hoping you can assist me with a very personal request.

 

My mother-in-law is in the final days of her battle with cancer.
Unfortunately, a
funeral service is not far off.

 

Everyone deals with their grief in different ways. My way is to come up with
some way
that will allow all of us to celebrate Jean's life rather than mourn her
death. About
5 years ago, before I really knew a lot about AI, I did a similar thing when
my
father-in-law died. I created a PowerPoint presentation that celebrated the
many
stages and facets of his life. It consisted of text typed into the
presentation and
old pictures that were scanned into it. It was the best way I could think of
to
celebrate his life and honour his memory. Too soon afterwards, I am looking
at doing
something similar for my mother-in-law.

 

Two things are different this time. First, the technology available to me
(for
example, digital cameras and camcorders that can be melded into a PowerPoint
presentation) will allow me to do interviews and take pictures that I can
immediately
incorporate into the presentation. Second, and this is where this list can
assist me,
I am far more familiar with AI and the positive impact that the philosophy
and
approach can have - even at a funeral? At least that's my thinking.

 

So my request of you is this: what good appreciative interview questions
might I ask
of family members, friends, fellow volunteers, acquaintances, and the like?
How can I
get them to tell me about "the good, the better, the best" of my
mother-in-law's
life? I have one or two ideas (eg. What did you value most about Jean?), but
I'd like
a lot of different questions that I can ask people.

 

Anyone that can assist me with this request will have my eternal gratitude.

 

Regards,

Bill Scott 

Vancouver, B.C.

 

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