A Special Memory

Why this story is important

Special memories are often soaked in vivid detail—sensations, smells, sounds, faces, small gestures. By sharing a special memory, you let others into your inner life. It offers a window for family, friends, or future generations to understand something intimate—why that memory matters and how it affected you.

Sometimes special memories are joyful; sometimes bittersweet. Writing them can bring healing, acknowledgment of loss or gratitude, and perspective on how far you’ve come since that moment.

Preparation checklist

• Gather your thoughts and materials. Review your journals and notes that might help you remember details.
• Browse your photo albums to stimulate memories and choose the photos you might want to use in the story.
• Decide who you’ll share the finished story with. Just yourself? Family? Friends? Public post? Thinking about your audience in advance will help guide what memories and details to include and which ones to leave out.

How to use the Times of My Life App to capture your story:

*The Virtual Biographer has instant access to similar stories written and shared by millions of other people. It knows what questions to ask and in what order. It can help you relive events, thoughts and feelings. It can help illuminate the essence of your experience and then craft a story that is uniquely yours. If a question doesn’t seem relevant to your experience, just skip it. Answer at least five questions. Tap “Next” and tap “Additional Details” to speak or type from memory.

Add media, save and publish as a printed piece, audiocast, and/or video

Insert photos and video clips wherever you want them to appear in the story narrative. Add voice narration and background music if you want to create an audiocast or video, in addition to a printed piece.

Share and revise as desired

After the story is written by you or your virtual biographer, you can “share” it through he app with friends and loved ones. Their feedback can provide valuable perspective and help you improve your story. After you get their feedback you can go back and edit the story as desired — or ask the Virtual Biographer to rewrite it with the feedback!

Related Stories

• In Memory Of
• Witness to History
• Obituary
• Remember Me
• Unexpected Loss

Write the Story Yourself: Suggested Outline

1. Introduction / Hook

• Begin with a vivid sensory detail (a smell, sound, or image) that anchors you immediately in the moment.
• State which memory this is (a birthday, a trip, a day with someone you love, etc.).
• Give a one-sentence “why” — why this memory stands out as special to you.

2. Context & Background

• When & where did this take place (date, season, location)?
• Who else was present? (family, friends, strangers)
• What was happening in your life around that time (mood, situation, expectations)?
• What had been on your mind just before the event?

3. The Moment Itself

• Describe the sequence of events: what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, felt.
• Note small details — gestures, expressions, timing, surroundings.
• Share your immediate reaction (emotional, internal thoughts, physical sensations).
• Were there surprises, tensions, or contrasts?

4. Meaning & Significance

• Ask: Why is this memory special? What makes it different from everyday memories?
• What did it teach you — about people, life, yourself?
• How did it affect you afterward (in the short term or longer term)?
• Does it connect with other memories or themes in your life?

5. Reflection & Growth

• How have you changed since that moment?
• In what ways does this memory still influence you (choices, values, relationships)?
• If someone else reads this — what do you hope they feel, understand, or remember about you through this memory?

6. Closing / Return to the Present

• Return briefly to “now” — how you think of this memory today.
• Maybe tie back to your opening detail or sensory image.
• A final small reflection or “takeaway” sentence (gratitude, lessons learned, enduring affection).

Tips & Suggestions

• Include (if possible) a photo or object tied to that memory — the app lets you attach media, which strengthens the memory’s impact.
• Let the details carry you — sometimes a small sensory cue can unlock rich recollection.
• Don’t worry about chronological perfection — sometimes reordered or descriptive structure works better than strictly linear.
• Use emotional honesty — include doubts, complexities, or mixed feelings if they were there.
• Don’t over-explain: allow space for the reader (or your later self) to feel and imagine.

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