Creating a Memory Box

Memories are the most precious treasures we gather in life. They are the puzzle pieces that come together to create the whole picture of our experiences, joys, and relationships. In the journey of hospice care, the importance of capturing and preserving these moments for the loved ones who remain becomes more important than ever.

A fun and beautiful way to preserve these memories is in the form of a memory box. A memory box is a meaningful way to honor and preserve these memories and legacies, and can be composed of a variety of physical objects, audio and/or video recordings of stories, old letters, and more.

Let's discuss the concept of the Memory Box.

A memory box can be as unique as the individual who’s memories are being preserved! It can be as plain or as fancy as you’d like. You can choose to include things like photos, letters, personal items, and more.

While the friends and family members of the hospice patient will be doing most of the work of assembling the actual box, the whole process revolves around the patient. The process of figuring out what to include, gathering the contents of the box, and even designing the box iteself can create a beautiful bonding time for everyone involved.

Getting Started

1. Choosing the Box

The first step is to choose a box that matches your loved one's personality and preferences. It can be a well-crafted wooden box, a carefully decorated shoebox, or something in between. The size should be suitable for the items you want to include and also easy to handle and view.

2. Gathering Memories

Start by collecting objects that represent important parts of your loved one's life. This can be a group effort, with discussions and explanations about the significance of each item. You may want to include:

• Photographs that document various moments, milestones, and everyday experiences.

• Correspondence exchanged between family and friends through letters, cards, or notes.

• Cherished personal items, such as jewelry, a watch, or a pocketbook, may be valuable to individuals.

• “Artifacts” from the patient’s daily life, such as a skein of yarn from someone who enjoys knitting, a paintbrush, or golf tees.

• A music playlist consists of favorite songs, whether in digital or CD format.

Making The Memory Box Special

Personalizing your Memory Box makes it special, and both honors and elevates the contents. Everyone involved can contribute something special to the project, like designing the outside of the box, thinking of special objects to place inside, and even documenting the creation of the box itself.

1. Memories Start on the Outside of the Box

Decorate the outside of the box with personalized decorations that reflect the tastes and personality of your loved one. Utilize various craft materials such as paint, decoupage, fabric, and more to add a personal touch. Perhaps you have a carpenter in the family who can make something special out of wood, or perhaps the best you can do is to add some colorful paper to a shoe box. Whatever you can do, just try to create something that reminds you of your loved one at a glance.

2. Include Written Memories

Family members and friends are encouraged to write down their favorite memories, anecdotes, or messages and fold them to be included in the box, creating a collection of shared experiences and affection.

3. Record Stories

If possible, consider recording audio or video stories of your loved one sharing memories associated with the items in the box or other significant life stories. These recordings can serve as valuable oral histories that capture their voice and spirit. This can be very easy to do with apps available on your phone.

Why Create a Memory Box?

Creating and revisiting a memory box can be a helpful activity for both patients in hospice care and their families. It can provide comfort, healing, and a sense of peace as it reaffirms the patient's life and significance. Additionally, for families, the memory box serves as a cherished heirloom that keeps the loved one's memory alive.

What To Do With Your Memory Box

The memory box can be shared with family and friends after completion, either in private gatherings or during memorial services. This allows others to connect with and celebrate the life of your loved one, contributing to a collective process of remembrance and healing.

You can even start a tradition with your memory box by sending it around from family to family during the holidays, or in remembrance of your loved one’s birthday.

Creating a memory box can be a beautiful experience for the hospice patient and their friends and family members. It can help the patient to feel loved and valued during their last days, and give those left behind a special object to cherish for years to come.