My first husband, Richard, prepared me for his death. After he died, I looked for ways to process his absence and keep him present. Attending Death Cafes, joining Pittsburgh Community Deathcare and writing memoir are ways I’ve kept him present. With my writing expertise and over 25 years of graphic design experience, I’ve also begun creating digital stories. I’ve come to love this format and I’m excited to help others record their own or their loved ones’ stories in this way. A digital story is a 2–5-minute video comprised of three elements:
a visual story (images and/or video)
a spoken story (voice-over)
a sound story (music or other audio)
The application options for digital stories are myriad. Looking for an addition to slide shows and framed photos at memorials, funerals, or celebrations of life? Wanting to introduce the deceased to those who never had the chance to meet them? Trying to create a time capsule to be shared with those who were young children when the death occurred? Consider adding a digital story to your memorabilia. I collaborate with clients over the phone or internet to create unique electronic legacies that can be saved, shared, and viewed from a smartphone, tablet, or computer and passed onto future generations.
When not engaged in professional pursuits, I enjoy: actively participating in the second-hand economy; practicing gentle and restorative yoga; talking with my young adult daughters over a meal; gluten-free baking with my husband, Markus; learning German, Markus’s mother tongue; reading memoirs in the company of my indoor companions—two dogs; and gardening with my outdoor companions—four chickens.
You can reach me via phone at 412.266.4656 or email at zuleikha@alumni.cmu.edu.