My Legacy Video Experience: How Sharing My Life Story Brought Me Peace, Even Though I’m Not Done Fighting

I first heard about the legacy video program from my oncologist. At the time, I wasn’t stage 4, but the idea of a service that helped people record their stories stayed with me.

I already knew how meaningful a video could be. When my grandpa passed away, the county historical society sent us a video interview they had recorded with him weeks earlier. Hearing his voice again… seeing him talk about his accomplishments… it meant more than I can explain. That video became a treasure.

I realized: I wanted my family to have a gift like that someday.

Finding the Courage to Begin

When my cancer diagnosis progressed, I knew I wanted to make the video, but getting started felt overwhelming. How do you sum up a life? I worried I wouldn’t know what to say, that I didn’t have enough stories, that I’d forget something important, or that being on camera would feel awkward. I didn’t tell my family—not because I’m giving up (I’m not), but because I didn’t want them thinking this meant I was.

Talking with my Legacy Coach throughout the process helped more than I expected. She helped me think through the moments that shaped me—my childhood, my brother and sister, meeting my husband, stepping into motherhood, the career I loved for 36 years. She helped me realize my loved ones would want to hear me tell any and all of my memories, even the ones they may have already heard a million times.

What It Felt Like to Sit Down and Tell My Story

The day of filming was a roller coaster of emotions. Even though the space was warm and inviting, the lights and cameras felt intimidating at first. What quickly steadied me were the two people behind them, my Legacy Coach and the videographer, whose calm, encouraging presence helped me settle into the moment.

Once we started talking, I relaxed. I even enjoyed it. My Legacy Coach’s body language helped me feel comfortable and confident. She was right there with me, encouraging me with a thumbs ups, a nod, a smile, a tear, a chuckle.

We laughed about my childhood antics. We cried when I talked about my brother, my angel watching over me. We sat with the emotions of saying goodbye to a career I wasn’t ready to leave. We celebrated the joy of becoming a mom.

Sharing my life out loud reminded me that I’ve lived a full, meaningful story.

The Peace That Came Afterward

When the session ended, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Gratitude washed over me—for the Amadora Legacy Project, for the chance to share my story, and for the peace of knowing my family will have this piece of me someday.

My husband is the only one who knows about the video. My plan is for them to receive it after I’m gone. I’ve tried to watch the full video myself, but the emotions are still too strong. And that’s okay. It wasn’t made for me.