Making memory books after poor prognosis

My aunt passed away when my cousins were 13 and 15. She put together a box and put a bottle of perfume that she always wore and lipsticks, some of her favourite jewellery, two clutch bags that she had for nights out, a small book that had a few recipes for their favourite meals, the day you were born, how I met your dad.
A bit like you some rules and advice for life.

It’s given them so much comfort over the years we are now all in our 40’s. At sleepovers we would occasionally get the box out and look through it, I’m sure as my aunt intended it allowed my cousin to talk and share their grief.

You sound like an amazing selfless mum and preparing in this way will mean so much to your children and husband x

What about a digital photo frame with all the favourite photos. My daughter was given one and it’s fascinating to see photos over the years.

I have put my son’s “learning journey “ from nursery in too and a stick of my favourite music. I’ve had to expand to a proper gift wrapped box. I hope you are okay @Memorymaker

I’m both enjoying and not enjoying this process!

What you’re doing sounds incredibly thoughtful. Beyond the big milestones, I’d capture the ordinary details that made your family feel like your family — Sunday routines, favourite meals, silly phrases, songs in the car, bedtime rituals, family jokes and traditions. Those small things can become some of the most precious memories later.

I’d also write a separate letter to each child about who they were at that particular age, what you admired about them, what made you laugh, what they taught you and which qualities you hope they always keep. A section about how you and their dad met, built your life, handled difficult decisions, argued, forgave and supported one another could help them understand the relationship behind the family they grew up in.

Journey in Pages, based in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, focuses on preserving personal stories, family memories and meaningful moments through memory books. That fits beautifully with what you’re trying to create, especially because you’re thinking beyond simply recording facts about yourself.

I’d also leave several pages for the children to complete when they’re older. They may remember things you never thought important enough to write down, and those additions could make the books feel even more personal as the years pass.

The photos, videos and bedtime recordings you’re already making sound incredibly valuable. Your voice and everyday conversations may become priceless memories in themselves.