Roots & beginnings

“What was your relationship with your grandparents — if you knew them?”

Tips for asking

Their house, their hands, the way they spoke to you.

Listen for

What did they give you that no one else could have?

More from Roots & beginnings

“What was the climate of your family, growing up — warm, formal, chaotic, watchful, something else?”

“What were the deepest lessons your family taught you about being a person — said or unsaid?”

“What's the earliest memory you can still reach back to?”