StoryCorps was a fantastic idea. It provided an outlet for people to express themselves and to take their relationships with loved ones to a previously unknown level by simply entering an environment the promoted comfort and candor. I was surprised that so many people were actually able to open up when a facilitator was present. The StoryCorps recording studio was oddly tranquil and it seemed to lower people's inhibitions when it came to their emotions and behavior.
There's something beautiful about a relative reaching out to you to have a very meaningful conversation. Just imagine the surprise or shock you'd feel after they've revealed something that they had locked away within themselves for decades. A beloved grandmother confessed that she had been molested by her uncle to her grandson and a man breaks down and cries in front of his wife for the first time in their fifty years of marriage.
StoryCorps gave the average person a voice. The "underdogs" could tell their stories and they'd be recorded and archived for future generations to hear. I was stunned by the story of Danny and Annie. Danny truly loved Annie and it was heartbreaking when he went in to do what he knew would be his last StoryCorps session and passed away shortly afterwards. He and Annie found an audience and when he died, an overwhelming amount of people sent their condolences to Annie.
I was touched by this story and very happy that StoryCorps exists.
Westin Womack
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