“I have lived so long, learned so much, and have so much to say,” Esther lamented, “but nobody is taking time to listen.”

 

Doulos Legacies exists for Esther and others who share her desire to be known.

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By the way, "Doulos" (pronounced DOO-loss) is a Greek word that means "bond servant."

 

We interview people over a span of two days to collect stories, pictures, videos, songs, and whatever someone wants to capture about themselves and their lives. This is compiled and shared with the person and, once they approve a final version, their content is published to this website and accessible via a Key Code the person can share with others in their loving circle.

 

Throughout my life, it has been a strong passion to give a voice to the elderly.

 

As a child, my mother brought me to the nursing home she worked at when she couldn’t find a babysitter. I would wander the halls and visit the residents who wanted company. We would play cards, I would listen to their stories with wide eyed focus, and sometimes hold their hands as they passed through the final, wondrous wisps of life with no one else to hold hands with.

 

In 1979 I was a student at Clintonville Senior High School in Wisconsin. My best friend was Beth Reuter, an 84-year-old retired schoolteacher. I would stop at her home on my walk back from school each day. We would talk over tea at her kitchen table, watching birds in the trees outside, and sometimes even singing together. Several times she was my “date” to high school basketball games. She was far more concerned about what others might think of this than I was.

 

Beth had so much to say, and I remember feeling sad and bewildered that I was the only one listening. 

 

So, I dedicate this initiative to Beth because I loved her and how she invested in me during a painful season of my life.

 

Doulos Legacies equips those who want to tell their stories. They can share their early years, challenges and obstacles they faced, victories they enjoyed, lessons learned, and any guidance they wish to share with others.

It is their adventurous story and their wonderful voice.

 

Oh how the years go by, I can't believe my eyes.

Maybe my skin is wrinkled, but I still feel young and vibrant inside.

Now that these legs won't move so fast I think I might

Find that old horse of mine

And braid his mane and dream those plowboy dreams again.

And ride him like the wind!

from the song "Plowboy" by Tim Lemmens. Used by permission.

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Please feel free to contact me for more information.