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The following example is drawn from an actual Memoire© Life Story™ (MLS). The material in this example was drawn from interviews with family and friends. The MLS was presented as a surprise birthday tribute. Names and events have been changed to protect the privacy of the subject. This example is 1,071 words in length. Your MLS will be no less than 1,000 words, unless you request otherwise.

Ginny
Virginia Edith Smith (nee Jones)

A snapshot view of a fabulous lady
On her birthday September 9, 2004

No one would argue if you described Ginny Smith as saucy, spunky, or sophisticated. Nor would they quarrel if you said sweet, sincere and stimulating. She's all of these and more.

So, how does a nice young girl born in sleepy old Bloomfield, New Jersey get such a dynamic reputation? No one can say for sure, but there is general agreement that Ginny is largely responsible for putting some of the Roar in the Twenties.

The eldest of the four children of Joe and Edna, and the only girl, Ginny ruled the roost as a child and had little difficulty passing the blame for her saucy behavior off to her brothers. More than once, she watched with gleeful satisfaction as her dad, Joe, pursued brothers Robert or Richard or Joe, Jr. up the front steps, down the back steps and around the dining room table seeking to rectify some misbehavior she'd initiated.

They affectionately called her DeeDee most times, but when she got them in trouble she was "dumb, dirty DeeDee."

Bloomfield, to Ginny, was the center of the known universe - a small town where her father was postmaster and everyone knew everyone else. She was a happy child, and by all reports one of the prettiest girls in town. No one could explain why she missed out being elected "best looking" in her class. Hey, Ginny - a staunch Democrat in Republican Bloomfield? Do the math.

She still remembers the cross-country trip she took with the family as a teenager. Her Dad, a grand poobah in the Knights of Columbus (State Deputy), packed them all into the family Buick and set out for the KofC convention on the west coast.

Along the way, Ginny and her brothers toured Yellowstone National Park, drove through Glacier National Park on the Going to the Sun Road and spent time on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Life was good for the Jones. Sure there was the occasional dustup with grandpa, fondly known as "Jake the Ripper." But all in all, Bloomfield provided a warm, friendly environment for young Ginny who was growing up bright, pretty and opinionated about important things.

Like other smart teenagers in high school, she was concerned about the world beyond Bloomfield and the USA. Long before graduation, the War had started in Europe and eventually the US was drawn into the conflict. Times were tumultuous when Ginny graduated in 1942 from Bloomfield High.

The world was at war and Ginny was thinking about the love of her life.

Ginny met tall, good-looking, fun-loving Dick Smith at the Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove. They met while on a double date, not with each other. She was attracted and he, of course, was smitten. A first date on Memorial Day weekend of 1942 quickly followed. Soon, Ginny was visiting the soda shop where he worked just to torment him. Their happy times were soon interrupted when Dick answered the call of duty and entered the U.S. Navy.

Ginny and Dick had gotten engaged on her 19th Birthday and had planned a yearlong engagement. But, with overseas duty looming, they decided not to wait. Dick was stationed in Miami and asked Ginny to join him there. She wasted no time. Selecting a wedding suit and shoes, she booked a train to Florida and on December 1, 1943 she became Ginny Smith.

Dick shipped out into the Pacific Theater and was within 50 miles of Japan when Americans dropped the A-Bomb, which won the war.

Meanwhile, Ginny got a job at Grumman Aircraft in Long Island. She still cherishes the certificate she earned for her war contributions.

The happy couple settled down after the war and began the serious business of raising a family. Richard, Jeanne, Bobby and Adeline were the focus of her careful attention. Asked what were the most important lessons Ginny taught, the kids replied:
"Obedience…"
"Behave and follow the rules, or there will be consequences."
"The importance of a sense of humor. Both my parents taught me this and we sure do have some laughs."
"The importance of volunteering."

Dick stayed busy building a career in automotive equipment sales and Ginny was fully involved raising four energetic children, but when time permitted they took advantage of opportunities to travel.

Dick used to tell the story about a trip to Paris with Ginny wherein he went to a local wine merchant and asked advice on a bottle of wine pour l'amour d'ans le après midi (for love in the afternoon). Dick proudly reported that the wine served its purpose.

To anyone who ever met them, it was clear that this was a couple deeply in love with one another.

As her children grew toward maturity, Ginny grew in grace and style. A successful wife and Mom, she also found time for serving at the Fair View Nursing Home, the Montclair Baby Clinic and Senior Citizens Clinic, and the Lake Garden Club for many years.

Pretty and bright as a child, Ginny blossomed into an elegant woman determined to keep her mind and body sharp and poised.

She loves current events and politics and stays well informed on both. Not surprisingly, Ginny is usually happy to share her opinions with other bright people.

Staying trim and fit is important to Ginny. In addition to a hectic social schedule, gardening and volunteering, she makes time for Yoga and exercise at the YMCA. One friend noted that she is often pictured in Montclair YMCA brochures. "She looks great and always has a terrific smile. She's like a YMCA calendar girl.

" While her appearance and charm project class and distinction, Ginny's kids report that Mom retains her devilish sense of humor and is always ready with a joke or a saucy story. And, as her Granddaughter Katy could testify, she's not above a raucous sight gag. One of her favorites is "sea food," in which she puts food in her mouth, opens up, and asks if you see food.

Six-year-old Katy, was born in Morristown. And, of course, Ginny was there to witness the event.

Ginny's had a full measure of both joy and sorrow. But to those of us who know and love her, she has shared only her joys and in the process brought a richness and friendship that we will always cherish.

Happy Birthday Ginny.

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