Page 3 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Jan 5, 2022

CHASING THE LIGHT
with Jane Marshall Goodsill
The sun, sloping through morning freshness, cast a glow on her front door. Into this soft light stepped the woman I did not yet know, chanting a Hawaiian welcome. I was struck into stillness as “chick- en skin” rippled over me. I was enchanted. And so we be- gan the oral history interview for which we were meeting. My attentive listening re- leased her passions and joys, and we became wrapped in a cocoon of mutual connection;
Gathering oral history in- volves sitting together where you will not be interrupted, and asking progressive- ly deeper questions: How did your family get to Hawai‘i? Tell me about your ancestors. What do you remember about your grandparents? Where did they come from? What were their talents? What do you re- member doing with, or learn- ing from, them? Tell me about your life, schools, life experi- ences, successes and failures.
This sort of interview with children can make them feel special and will reinforce bonds with them. Speak as if they are little adults: What is the most exciting thing in your life? Who makes you feel safe, and why? What are your dreams? What “super power” do you possess?
Treasures From Oral History
Generous listening is powered by curiosity ... (and) involves a kind of vulnerability — a willingness to be surprised, to let go of assumptions and take in ambiguity. — Krista Tippett
become a close friend. At a recent party, she and her hus- band dedicated to me and my husband a song whose lyrics were “Our hearts are holding hands across the miles.” And no matter how far I travel from those I have encoun- tered on this oral history jour- ney of mine, I, too, feel as if our hearts are holding hands across the miles.
Jane Marshall Goodsill is the author of “Voices of Ha- wai‘i: Stories of the Gener- ation that Shaped the Aloha State.” Visit voicesofhawaii. com.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
Walk-In Medical Care
Immediate non-emergency care for illnesses, minor wounds, or injuries from work, sports, home and auto. Physical Exams. X-Rays. Most Insurances accepted, including Kaiser.
Don’t be afraid to get medical care.
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I was loving her story, and she was loving being heard.
enthusiasm with enthusiasm and shyness with shyness, we create an environment of empathy which enables in- terviewees to share freely. We then become a catalyst for them to create a precious trea- sury of their life experiences.
More than questioning, re- sponsiveness is key — laugh- ing with those who say some- thing funny, or grieving if the story turns sad. Tracking
Generous listening can bring the unexpected. The woman who enchanted me with a Hawaiian welcome has
JANUARY 5, 2022
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 3
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