“She Was Here”: Research as Resistance to the Loss of “Culturally Uncomfortable” Identities

Abstract

This essay traces a co-exploration into understanding aging, memory, and purpose through the analysis of elders stories told during varying stages of memory loss. Responding to the prompt, “What are the memories you don’t want to forget?” participants told stories of “culturally uncomfortable” identities they worried no one else prioritized remembering. As the researchers, we were faced with the struggle to continue human connection beyond vulnerable, inescapably mortal bodies. We analyze our reactions within our analysis of their stories to offer a dynamic means to make sense of data, ourselves, and shared cultural responsibility through telling and listening to personal narratives.