“Tell me a story!” From the time we are young, we seek narrative. We look to stories to help us make sense of the world, to more deeply understand ourselves and others, and to expand our knowledge. We also enjoy the connection we feel in the story-sharing process: the warmth of a parent’s lap as they read us a book, the secrets shared with best friends at school, the emotional strength of knowing our loved ones’ stories and having them know ours.
Family stories — the intergenerational sharing of family history — have a special importance. We belong first to our families, and our experience as members of this particular group is potent. The content of family stories and the process of telling them are both important in identifying who we are and where we come from.
Family stories about challenges — including illness — help family members process painful events. Putting words to difficult experiences gives a sense of control and understanding (Trees & Kellas, 2009). Telling the painful story together is a relational experience in which family members grow closer.
The chronic illness of a family member affects the family as a unit. While the person living with disease has her narrative of illness, the other family members — parents, spouse, children, siblings — have theirs. These........