Keeping Your Loved One’s Story Alive: The Healing Power of Sharing Their Story

Losing someone you love can feel like an unbearable weight. The memories you shared—their laughter, wisdom, and the little quirks that made them them—can sometimes feel just out of reach. But what if there was a way to keep their story alive?

In this episode of Comforting Closure—Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli talks with Matt Jacobson, founder of LifeBooks, about how we can preserve the stories of those we love. They discuss the concept of life review, why it matters, and simple ways to get started.

Whether you're grieving a loved one, supporting someone at the end of life, or simply wanting to document your own story, this episode is for you.

What is the Concept of Life Review?

A life review is the process of looking back on your experiences, reflecting on what has shaped you, and sharing the lessons you’ve learned. It’s commonly used in end-of-life care and grief support, but it’s something anyone can do—at any stage of life.

More than just reminiscing, a life review gives people a chance to make sense of their past, celebrate their achievements, and leave behind something meaningful for future generations. It’s a way of saying, "This is who I was. This is what mattered to me."

What Happens in a Life Review?

Life review can take many forms, and there’s no right way to do it. Some people choose to:

Write a journal or memoir
Record their stories on audio or video
Create a LifeBook—a collection of memories, photos, and reflections

For Matt Jacobson, this work is personal. He started LifeBooks when he realized his father’s story might be lost forever if he didn’t take the time to capture it. Now, he helps others do the same—ensuring that families have a way to pass down stories, values, and memories that might otherwise fade with time.

What Questions Are Asked in a Life Review?

When guiding someone through a life review, end-of-life doulas and family members often ask questions to help bring memories to the surface.

Here are a few powerful ones:

What are some of your happiest memories?
What challenges shaped you, and what did you learn from them?
What advice would you give your younger self?
How do you hope to be remembered?
What life lessons do you want to pass on to future generations?

These questions aren’t just about preserving history—they help people process their emotions, find meaning, and feel seen.

Why Sharing Stories Matters

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with those who are still here—and with those who come after us. It’s how we keep love alive.

Taking the time to document a life, whether it’s your own or a loved one’s, can bring comfort in grief and a sense of purpose to those reflecting on their past.

Some of the biggest benefits of life review include:

✔ Helping families process grief in a meaningful way

✔ Strengthening bonds across generations

✔ Providing a sense of peace and closure

✔ Making sure stories and life lessons are never lost

If you’ve ever wished you could hear a loved one’s voice just one more time or ask them a question you never got to, you understand how valuable these stories are.

Take the Next Step in Preserving Your Loved One’s Story

If this conversation resonated with you, don’t wait. Memories fade, but the stories behind them don’t have to.

Learn more about LifeBooks and start documenting today – https://www.lifebooks.io