Are you one of the many adult children who is looking for a
“place for mom or dad” (or other loved one) to live during the last chapter of their life?
If so, one of the first steps will likely be to “downsize”, i.e. sell some
things, give away some things, pack some things, and throw away a lot of things
… a tough decision and process.
As you are packing and saving and throwing away, what if
there was a simple way (fast forward 6-12 months) to ensure your visits with your
loved ones were meaningful? What if, during your visits, you had more to talk
about than what they had for lunch or what episode of “Andy Griffith” they watched that day?
What if, during the downsizing and packing process, you had
thoughtfully considered packing items that held special meaning? It takes just
a little extra time … really, and
will provide hours of future meaningful conversation and a legacy for you to
treasure forever.
Grab a suitcase or trunk or even go to Walmart and buy a plastic tub with a lid.
During the packing process you
may find:
- Hand-written recipes
- Bible
- Pictures (especially the old ones)
- Videos (probably the old reel to reel tapes)
- Sheet music
- Awards
- Old greeting cards with hand-written messages
- Hand-written letters
- Old tools
- Old gloves
- Military keepsakes
- Old jewelry or medals
These are the kinds
of items you will place in the suitcase or trunk.
This suitcase/trunk
filled with keepsakes will go with them wherever they go (independent living,
assisted living, nursing home/care center). Please do not “store” these
keepsakes in your basement but DO send with them.
When you visit,
pull out the trunk, select an item and ask questions, “Grandma, tell me about
this recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.”
When did you make them? Are there any “secrets” … etc.
Finally, it is so
important that you “document” (in
something as simple as a spiral notebook) the stories that are shared with
you. Keep the notebook inside the trunk
so that anyone visiting can add to the book.
Celebrating Personal Treasures helps people write their life
stories in the Legacy of Life
program. People have attended our
workshops who want to leave their legacy by writing their life story but have
lost track of their special memories and keepsakes. They leave feeling sad and lost.
Please help
your loved one keep their memories close by taking just a few extra minutes to
“sort and set aside” their keepsakes into a special trunk or suitcase and then
send it with them wherever they may go. It will be the beginning of a heartfelt
experience and hopefully many warm and enlightening discussions between you and them.
If the time comes when your family has an interest in
putting together a coffee table book with their story and keepsakes, we would
be honored to assist you in that process.
