People often ask, “Just how did you decide to become a personal historian?” A bit of my story answers that question . . . I earned my Ph.D. in the psychology of aging. My research focused on older adults finding meaning in life through telling life stories. During this incredible experience, my participants taught me the power of life stories. I learned one’s story reveals the essence of a life. Because stories give meaning to the human experience, people have a deep need to tell their stories. But there is more. Life stories link generations. They pass on values, traditions, hard-learned lessons, knowledge and wisdom. Life stories ensure heritage. A life without its story told is a life lost. During the months I devoted to writing my dissertation, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This incredible woman lived her life giving to other people. Her legacy was a legacy of unconditional love. Her story, though ordinary, was extraordinary. It was essential to celebrate her life by telling her story. Thus, I put my academic work on hold to write my mother’s story. Writing a life story was suddenly much more than a scholarly achievement. It reached the level of a deeply personal passion. I recognized that writing life stories is my purpose in life. It is my way to make a difference in this world. From there my decision was easy. I finished my Ph.D. and began a second career as a professor of interdisciplinary studies and psychology at Hodges University in Naples, Florida. This was the ideal opportunity to combine my love of teaching with my long-time goal of owning my own business. I realized that the interviewing skills I developed during my 15 years as a Fortune 500 human resource director, my 10 years experience writing for professional publications, my listening skills, my ability to understand what people are really saying, my creativity and my zeal for making a difference in lives is a perfect combination for a personal historian. The Memoir Shoppe was born. I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida with my husband, Chuck Schwabe. My daughter, Erin Hoffmann, is a human resource professional who lives in Michigan. Along with my interest in people and devotion to my craft of writing, I enjoy jazz, the beach, snorkeling, travel adventures and reading. I am an active member of the Association of Personal Historians. It is my privilege and pleasure to travel anywhere in the world to write your story—a story that will delight and inspire generations who follow—a story that will touch lifetimes.

- Photos by Jim Hardesty