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Original poster

Memory box

19 replies

realhousewifeofoc · 10/12/2022 06:58

Hi. I have stage 4 cancer and I have bought boxes to make memory boxes for my teenage sons. I am struggling with what to put in. So far I've decided on photographs, a framed photo, a Christmas tree bauble.

I am really struggling with what else may be appropriate. Has anyone else been in a similar situation or has any ideas? Thanks

OP posts:
littleHen84 · 10/12/2022 07:07

Morning that sounds like a lovely idea, what about anything from when they where babies? Baby grow or your favourite outfit they had, or certain CD or music that you liked around that time? Any family pet stories and photos? Any tickets or favourite days out memory written on the back of a photo taken of the day? Xxx

KangarooKenny · 10/12/2022 07:22

How about a letter for them to open in the future.
Then some baby clothes/blanket.

Original poster
realhousewifeofoc · 10/12/2022 07:26

Thank you. I don't have any of their baby clothes. I think I would like to write them a letter if I can manage it!

OP posts:

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mrstea301 · 10/12/2022 07:28

I always think something like this would be a nice idea: Gran Tell Me Your Story: 101 Questions For Gran To Share Her Life And Thoughts. Gran's Journal Gift, Her Untold Story. A Little Book About My Amazing Gran. amzn.eu/9YDJRTl

People always want to hear stories and it can be lovely to have those memories!

otherwayup · 10/12/2022 07:37

I'm so sorry you are going through this Flowers
Would you consider recording a few words for them? That would be a treasured memory for them.

Oncemoreforluck · 10/12/2022 07:41

What a lovely thought.
How about writing down funny memories of them as children? When they used the wrong word and made you laugh, or the time they got stuck up a tree etc.

also, going forward, write on a post it note any thoughts that come into your head about them in every day life. ‘ you woke up this morning and your hair was stuck out on end -you looked so cute ‘ ‘ you told me you love me today - you made my day with that one sentence’

ShaunaTheSheep · 10/12/2022 07:50

Bless you, this sounds lovely but an emotional task.

A card or notes to open on forthcoming milestone birthdays, wedding, first grandchild?

And, as a previous poster suggested, something about yourself and your life, experiences, memories. What would your DC be curious about?

MadeForThis · 10/12/2022 08:27

A gift for the future, wedding or graduation ?

CoastalDream · 10/12/2022 09:41

So sorry u are going through this.

There is a post somewhere on MN possibly in Classics about advice for a grown up life on a big milestone birthday.

I would also write down any addresses where u all previously lived as well as any grandparents and memories of them.

Anything around family Christmas or other big days traditions.

Original poster
realhousewifeofoc · 15/12/2022 22:44

Thank you all for your replies. You have given me some really good ideas

OP posts:
Ihatethenewlook · 15/12/2022 22:58

ShaunaTheSheep · 10/12/2022 07:50

Bless you, this sounds lovely but an emotional task.

A card or notes to open on forthcoming milestone birthdays, wedding, first grandchild?

And, as a previous poster suggested, something about yourself and your life, experiences, memories. What would your DC be curious about?

This. The op knows what memories are precious to her. What will be precious to the children imo is birthday/milestone dates for the future. I’m so sorry this is happening to you op

formulatingAresponse · 15/12/2022 23:31

A video, lots of videos, that they can watch again and again

GoT1904 · 15/12/2022 23:40

Sorry if I'm not on the right track here - are you looking for things to leave to them if/when you pass?

If so, I decided that if I were ever in that situation, that I'd write them cards for their future birthdays. One for each birthday would be great, or even for the big ones. 18th, 21st, 30th etc. Maybe insert a memory to share from when you were that age.

I'm so sorry and sending you lots of love xxx

DiddlyDoris · 15/12/2022 23:46

I'm so sorry you are going through this xx

I think an item of clothing - a close relative did this, the scent of the Clothes provides comfort in those raw days and, in time, perhaps use this clothing to make a memory bear or suchlike.

A letter, personal to each. That will be really hard though and there'll never be enough words, I hope you find it cathartic too. X

Sparrow91 · 15/12/2022 23:49

realhousewifeofoc · 10/12/2022 07:26

Thank you. I don't have any of their baby clothes. I think I would like to write them a letter if I can manage it!

I would actually buy some baby clothes for their future children - something neutral, in a 0-3 month size, that a future child could wear. I know I found my parents clothing presents the most ‘special’ out of those I received, and I’ve kept them for my next baby too.

CrownTheTurkey · 15/12/2022 23:50

I'm sorry to read of your illness op.
I made a memory box for each of my children when they were born and kept adding stuff to them.
The last thing I added was a book called ' mum, tell me ' by Elma can Vliet.
Maybe you could add that to yours.
Sorry, I can't link it, but it comes up on Google.

GoT1904 · 15/12/2022 23:53

CrownTheTurkey · 15/12/2022 23:51

That is a gorgeous idea.

CrownTheTurkey · 15/12/2022 23:57

@GoT1904 it's a lovely book. I bought one for my mum to fill in and give back. She loved it and I loved reading it. 🙂

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