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Tributes of the Heart — Nancy Sporborg

Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone.

Over the years, we've all accumulated a treasure chest of life experiences—daring adventures, funny stories, poignant connections, crazy antidotes, heart-breaking days and moments of great joy—amounting to lessons learned, sage advice and accumulated wisdom that begs to be communicated with future generations. Sharing your story is one way to do that. Your story is about your life; your accomplishments, regrets, struggles, triumphs and tragedies and who you have become as a result. That's the essence of life…how you became the magnificent being you are!

I help you tell your story. I interview you, deeply listening, and craft your story, from your own words, as if writing from your heart. Then I design a booklet, or a book, or a slideshow that looks and feels like you, combining your narrative with favorite photographs. The process as well as the outcome is rewarding, healing and life-affirming. Sharing your story with me can be a meaningful journey for you and leave a legacy for your loved ones. Depending on your circumstances, Tributes of the Heart may memorialize a special time in your life, commemorate a meaningful life experience or draw a well-lived life to a close.

What is your story?

How?

Why?

I sit down and give you the space and time to share your life. By asking open-ended questions and being a fully-present listener, I encourage you to tell your stories of struggle and success, your joys and sorrows and the lessons you've learned. I honor your feelings and attune to the deeper meaning in your words. I interview friends or family, if asked, to get a more rounded picture of your life. Once the interviews come to a natural close, whether that's after an hour or a series of get-togethers, I take your words and pictures, and craft your story, celebrating you.

The process of sharing your life with someone who you do not know can be life-changing. Hearing yourself say the words out loud with another person listening is a powerful experience. To feel heard and seen is an experience many of us long for. And then to see your story in color pictures and print in the form of a book or booklet can be extremely fulfilling and gratifying. I act as a loving witness, converting your sharings into meaningful prose. Your story becomes a legacy to cherish and to help you and your family always remember.

How much?

I do not charge for my time—it is a gift. I get as much out of the experience as you do. I find it incredibly meaningful when I am with people who are willing to share their triumphs and tragedies. I learn something from everyone I am lucky enough to interview. You pay for the printing of the booklet (usually $10 a copy) or book (about $50 a copy) and any travel expenses if you live outside Keene, NH, and choose an in-person experience instead of virtual. If you are delighted with the outcome and want to express your appreciation monetarily, I accept whatever feels right to you, with gratitude.

When is the right time to tell your story?

Birth or adoption of a baby: Memorialize the experience for you and your child. When your child gets older, she will have the story of her beginning and what it meant to you as her parents.

Wedding or Anniversary: Look back on your married life for the meaning and magic the years have bestowed. Or create a wedding video for the reception that starts in childhood and brings you and your partner to the altar.

Life Review, Life Achievement, Milestone Birthday, Retirement, Life Transitions: recount and remember the rich and rewarding experiences you've had on the planet.

Memorial Tribute: Memorialize a loved one in a Tribute, bringing together family members' and friends' observations and loving memories, with favorite photographs, into a heartfelt presentation of his or her life.

Terminal Diagnosis, Hospice: The experience of sharing your life at the end of your life with another human being is extremely valuable and meaningful to many. Having your story to leave behind for loved ones is of great comfort.

What is the final product?

Hard-cover Book: This is a more intimate way to share your life story. Although more expensive to print, it is a more permanent way to memorialize your life.

Booklet: Full-color booklet 8-20 pages in length. This is a great option to choose if you are want a large quantity printed for an event or to share with many family and friends. You pay only for the printing, estimated at $5-8 per copy.

Slideshow: Your life put to your favorite tunes so you can share it with others on a screen. This is a great choice if you have lots of images that are important to you.

Testimonials

GEORGE SCOTT

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the article you just completed on George. He thoroughly enjoyed the many hours you spent with him. As one of the people you interviewed, I can tell how you encouraged him to speak his mind by your open questions and frequent chuckles. I speak for the family in saying you captured him, including his voice, the way he tells stories. The process was part of what meant so much to him. I know George was thrilled. He is showing it to anyone and everyone he comes in contact with. I was taken aback but I think he's right on target. You 'helped him know himself.' For those of us who love him, it is a marvelous legacy story we will always treasure." -- Charlotte Guyer

It has been a gift to interview and write about George. When my mother was dying of ALS, she chose not to talk about her life, her struggles or her accomplishments. It was a loss for both of us. Interviewing George has been a healing and a blessing. -- Nancy Sporborg

JEAN NELSON

"Working with Nancy on the Tribute was easy, relaxed, and fun! It seemed like re-tracing life’s journey and gathering treasured pictures would be a major challenge. But Nancy made it easy by her thoughtful questions during our interviews, sorting through and picking the perfect photos, and then putting it all together with her outstanding writing skills—Nancy created a beautiful story. She is not finished until everything is perfect. I was so pleased and proud to give this treasured Tribute to our family and friends. -- Jean Nelson

Oh my gosh…..Nancy! I absolutely….love the Tribute to Jean Nelson! You did such a beautiful job! It is truly a work of art! You captured her life in such a way that even those of us who thought we knew everything about her….learned more! What an amazing gift to pass down to Jean’s children and grandchildren." You are amazing!" -- JOJO Mead, Jean's dear friend

MARGARET KIMBALL

"I sat in the comfort of my home, along with daughter Patricia, and told my story to Nancy in one hour segments. She asked occasional questions as helpful prompts which made it easy to share my story. I found this experience to be both enjoyable and a challenge. It was a gift to look back at life, honor some issues, and celebrate with gratitude my very good fortune." -- Margaret Kimball

"I had the opportunity to sit in on Nancy interviewing my Mom for a Tribute. I learned so much about her gained insight through the tremendous wealth of family memories my mother shared. Amazing time, learning about her and myself." -- Pat Piper

JANE SHAPIRO

"As a surprise 50th Anniversary gift to my husband, Nancy created an amazing slide show to music that captured our relationship and our family over five decades! She patiently and skillfully guided me through photo and music selection and organization to create a treasure that we have have shared with family and friends, and are deeply touched each and every time we see it. Nancy has a true gift which she shares from her heart, thereby enabling others to open their hearts to create a lasting treasure." -- Jane Shapiro

About me...

I am a writer of the heart. I love listening to people share their life stories and find it rewarding to ask questions and understand people in whatever way they are willing to let me in. I allow a person's words to simmer inside me until I can transfer them into writing, letting the person's heart shine through the prose and onto a printed page.

I have written two published books. It's Not About the Hike is about my journey with my hiking partner, Pat, up and over the 100 highest mountains in New England. It was published in 2011 by Bauhan Publishing. Pumpkin Festival—25 Years, is about the 25 year history of the event, which I started in 1991. Proceeds from the book, which was published in 2016, went directly to the Keene Pumpkin Festival.

Writing a person's life story is where my heart is leading me these days, so I offer myself to you. If you are interested, send me an email (nancy@ne.rr.com) and we can talk about the process. I work on one Tribute at a time, which allows me the freedom and energy to be fully present with you. I look forward to hearing your story.