Writing YOUR Memoir Characteristics of Memoir q The

Writing YOUR Memoir

Characteristics of Memoir? q. The writer tells a personal story based on the truth q The story is significant; it shows the importance of a relationship q A story is shared about the relationship between the author and: § an object § § § a person a place an animal.

Characteristics of Memoir? q A memory, a description from the past q Focused on a relationship

PREWRITING Activity: Using the Graphic organizer brainstorm 3 -5 ideas for each box. PERSON PLACE ANIMAL THINGS

PREWRITING -example PERSON • Dad • Siblings • The Connolly’s • Liz, Silvia, Laura, Mena and Me • Snowball Paddy • Molly • Lilah Bear ANIMAL PLACE • Ireland • Independence Park • Governor Dodge State Park • My Block – Hamlin Ave THINGS • Nelly • Whoffer Bear / Scruffy • Claddagh ring • Datsun car • Blankie

ST 1 DRAFT PARAGRAPH 1 Introduce person, object, place, or animal: • Where is the person now? • Where do you keep the object? • What is the place like today? • Where is the animal today?

ST 1 DRAFT Example: The smell of bonfire and fire pits always triggers the memory of Governor Dodge State Park. Although I will probably never walks its lush trails, canoe and kayak on its clear and expansive lakes, or spend time floating peacefully for hours on my favorite bright green inner tube while watching sand castles being built by the younger family members on its warm sandy beaches, I will always remember the times I spent camping each and every summer from the time I was young until just five short years ago.

ST 1 DRAFT Example: Located just a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin is a State park called "Governor Dodge State Park". Although I have not gone camping there in 5 years my brother continues to keep the Ripka family tradition alive by bringing his family there every August for the annual camping trip. He still walks the trails, fishes, kayaks, and swims in the lakes, and sits around the camp fires in the evenings waiting for the occasional raccoon visit. He always returns and tells us all of any changes that may have taken place.

ST 1 DRAFT PARAGRAPH 2 • Describe the who, what, where, when, why and how you came to: • Know the person • Receive the object • Go to the place for the first time • Receive the animal • Introduce the person with whom the person, object, place, or animal is connected: • How your relationship with the person began and how you felt about them at this time • Who gave you the object and how you felt about them as a result

ST 1 DRAFT Example: I grew up in a family where mom stayed home and dad worked. . a lot. With 5 children and little education, my dad worked the nightshift driving a bus for CTA and the day shift for Lakeview Bus Lines. Extravagant vacations were out of the question in our house, until one fabulous day during the summer when I was eight. My dad announced he had bought a Popup camper and informed my siblings and I we would be camping for a week at "Governor Dodge State Park" in the far away state of Wisconsin.

ST 1 PARAGRAPH 3 DRAFT Describe an early event and explain how it affected your relationship with the person

ST 1 DRAFT Example: We had our dad for a whole week and although our first camping trip was memorable, it was also quite disastrous. My dad used gasoline to start the fire the first night and when he lit the match it exploded, releasing a fireball into the sky that caught several branches on fire. Luckily they were close to the ground and easily extinguished with a pitcher of water. It was quite an eye opening experience but was not to be matched by the yard dart incident involving my brother being impaled in the hand by a yard dart and having to be rushed into town for stitches.

ST 1 DRAFT Example: Little did the kind doctor know when we left the emergency room we would be back the next day with my brother John who was running a fever of 103 degrees. I was actually a little surprised when my Dad told we would be returning for round two the next year. Little did I know at the time, but it would be these camping trips that would bond my family members together over the years.

ST 1 DRAFT PARAGRAPH 4 Describe a recent event or one occurring after the paragraph above and explain how it affected your relationship with the person

ST 1 DRAFT Annually for over 30 years our camping trips continued. It came with the discussion at Thanksgiving. When could the most family members arrange for a week off, followed by announcement by Dad of the official week. We rushed to the website to make our booking for the best and closest campsite to my mom and dad. As the years progressed my dad spent most of his time in the campsite doing what he loved, cooking and spending time talking with those who came by for a chat. He especially loved to spend time with his grandkids and often lured them over each morning with his pancake and bacon breakfasts. Our camping trips grew from our seven member family unit to at times over 25 family members camping. It was during these times our family bonds and love for one another grew exponentially…my dad the center of it all.

1 ST DRAFT PARAGRAPH 5 Reflect on your present relationship with the person connected to your person, object, place, or animal: o What lessons about life have you learned by knowing this person? o How has owning the object and knowing the person affected you? What lessons have you learned about life? o How has visiting this place and knowing the person affected you? What lessons have you learned about life? o How has the owning and caring for the animal affected you? What lessons have you learned about life?

1 ST DRAFT Our final trip to Governor Dodge State Park came just four short years ago. My dad was fighting colon cancer but insisted we all go camping between his Chemo treatments. With heavy hearts we all turned out. For one last time we hiked the trails, we ate moon pies around the camp fires, kayaked on the lakes and ate pancakes and bacon for breakfast that my dad insisted on making. Then, when his campsite was empty I came by and sat down for my turn to chat. "You're not going to fight anymore are you? " I asked my dad with tears in my eyes. “No sissy, I wanted to camp with the family one last time, and now I want to go home to Jesus, " my dad replied quite matter of factly. “You kids will be fine, just make sure you take care of your mother. "

1 ST DRAFT With all the strength I could muster I replied, " I don't think I will be fine daddy but I respect your decision and don't worry we will all take care of mom. " With that I sat on my dad's lap one last time and wept. My dad held me close and I realized just how much I loved and respected the man who was my father. I have never returned to Governor State Park, nor do I ever plan to, but I will never forget the lesson learned there. It's not how much time you spend with those you love. . it's the quality of time that builds a loving lasting relationship.