A memoir is a gorgeous gift to honor someone's life.
We are delighted to offer memoirs written by Leaning into Light founder and lifelong writer, Jessica Rios.
Featuring heartfully written stories that celebrate a life, our memoirs honor the most significant people and places, and purpose in an elder's life. The memoir experience and book itself are a gift both to the person who's featured, and their loved ones. Elders deserve to have their stories written down for their children, grandchildren and others they leave behind.
As said by Peter Cahill, "Memories are our greatest inheritance."
Our four memoir offerings range from Mini Booklet to Full Memoir book. Two of our offerings include custom illustrations, including a portrait, drawn using a photo you provide. Project duration ranges from eight weeks to eight months. Scroll down for details on our four offerings.
What makes a memoir such a special gift?
A memoir honors a life.Contrary to what our society conveys, the life of an elder matters. Elders have given a lot in their lifetime. It is important that their life stories, work and meaning are captured in writing and shared. A memoir is a gift for the elder who it's written about — helping them feel seen, heard and treasured, not discarded and forgotten.
A memoir deepens connections with loved ones.A memoir is a gift for the elder's family and community. We often hear from our clients about how much closer they feel to their family, thanks to the memoir process. Our memoirs are written in 1st person, so readers can "hear" the elder and feel their presence in the stories. Some loved ones learn new things about the elder through the memoir. Others are reminded of the important lessons they learned, and the special memories they shared.
kind words from a memoir client
Jessica is awesome, smart and has a fantastic approach to her work. What she does is so positive and meaningful for families by making the next generations proud and part of something! — Gregorio G.,San Diego CA
Our Four Memoir Offerings
STAR Mini Memoir 15-20 pages, featuring:
2-3 photos
3-5 letters from loved ones
SUN Short Memoir Book 50-80 pages, featuring:
3-5 photos
5-10 letters from loved ones
GALAXY Memoir Book 100-125 pages, featuring:
a custom portrait illustration
5-10 photos
10-20 letters from loved ones
COSMOS Full Memoir Book 150-200 pages, featuring:
two custom illustrations (one portrait and one of a special place or thing)
10-20 photos
20-30 letters from loved ones
Here are some Kind Words people have shared about our work. Email Jessica to schedule a free consultation about your Memoir!