Sunday, February 1, 2015
Keeping Memories Alive
I smile every time I recall the smile on Joe's face when we asked him if he would be Ryleigh's (my Granddaughter) Godfather. With 3 sons, Joe absolutely adored her and would often ask if she could come over and he could tell everyone that she was his little girl. I would laugh and tell him no, but we could share her. As Joe became sicker and sicker and it was obvious that he was loosing his battle I promised him I would never let Ryleigh forget who he was and how much he loved her. My question is this, how do you keep memories alive when she is only 2 1/2 years old?
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April,
ReplyDeleteWhat a tough question! It is so hard to have small children remember the true personality of someone so special. At our hospital we create legacy gifts to give to the children of a loved one. Thumb prints, hair, or hand prints, anything we can make for them to treasure for the years to come.
Sue Matson
Suzanne,
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea and thing to do. Joe's birthday just passed and his wife Angela asked all their facebook friends to post stories and their favorite memories which she then read to their kids over dinner. She said that it made the day easier as the kids laughed and got to see how much their dad is loved.
April,
DeleteI would suggest to Joe's wife that she somehow create a book, or folder in Facebook of these wonderful stories to always treasure. I would hate for her to be unable to locate them years later. Although your blog is an emotional one and some may find it sad, I find inspiration in each comment.
April,
DeleteI would suggest to Joe's wife that she somehow create a book, or folder in Facebook of these wonderful stories to always treasure. I would hate for her to be unable to locate them years later. Although your blog is an emotional one and some may find it sad, I find inspiration in each comment.
Lynette,
DeleteI agree that these stories will be priceless one day as memories of Joe's presence, the sound of his voice and the exact look of his face in person start to fade. I might add that storing them in the "cloud" would also be a good place to ensure they are always around. Thank you for the great suggestions, and kind comments.
-april
This is a great idea and will hopefully be kept alive for his children to help remember the man he was and about his fight.
DeleteAngel,
DeleteMy plan is to keep his memory alive through stories of his life. This blog is one way for me to do this.
-april
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea! Do you do this predominantly for the neonates?
Dawn
April,
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to lose someone you love. I would say, keep the memory alive with photos and always share the memories they had together, so the child never forgets.
I agree, working in pediatrics I have often seen siblings struggle with the loss of their brother or sister and I think it is nice when parents share memories and talk about their sibling rather than acting as thought they never existed in order to avoid pain.
DeleteKaylan,
Deletesometimes the memories are painful, especially at first. As time goes the sadness turns into smiles.
-april
Gala,
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been hard. I agree pictures really help. Ryleigh (granddaughter) recognizes Joe when she sees pictures of them together. He passed a few days before her 2nd birthday so I do not believe there will be concrete memories that she can recall as she gets older. However, every time she wears the bracelet I remind her that Joe and Angela got it for her and always name him when looking at pictures. Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
What a beautiful, and inspirational blog. It is important that the memory of your loved one is shared and remembered. Keeping him in your conversation, pictures, and stories can help. Even though she was to young to have her own memories, the ones others share will help keep him close in her heart forever.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to following your blog!
Keeping alive a loved one for family members who were either too young to know them or not even born yet is a privilege. My grandfather was a major baseball fan who always took me and then my oldest son to Dodger games. I always get satisfaction knowing that on the opening day of baseball my oldest son has a beer (he's 35 so he's allowed) in my grandfathers name due to the memory association he has with baseball and my grandfather.
DeleteRebecca, your suggestions are excellent! Stories, pictures, and videos are all great ways to keep someones memory alive and provide memories to those who were too young to have them. Great suggestions!
DeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteThank you I hope you like the content posted. I continue to work on it and want to add links to additional medical information that will help describe all there is to know about esophageal cancer. I also want to post a survivors link were his wife Angela can post how she is coping with his loss. There is such power in knowing you are not alone in your fight!.
-april
All of my brothers and sisters and cousins had to remember my grandfather so that our children could "meet" him. Losing a loved one at any age is hard. Knowing that someone would keep Joe alive for his child must have offered some comfort.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI agree as loved ones pass on to a better place it is up to the older siblings to keep their memory alive so the younger ones including the grandchildren a able to have a sense of who they were. Joe's wife was unaware that I was creating the blog and when I had her view it, she loved it. This gives me such a sense of satisfaction knowing that people who never knew Joe can appreciate what a wonderful person he was. Although the ending is tragic his story will hopefully make others aware.
-april
April, your blog is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that you have had such a rewarding experience at the end of your program. I am sure that it is something that you will carry with you throughout your career. I was about 7 when I lost my first loved one. I can remember them easily. I don't know that I would know how to keep memories alive in a 2.5 year old. I suppose you could fall back on the oldest method of remembering....story telling. Congratulations of finishing up your masters program!
ReplyDeleteMarissa,
DeleteThank you for your kind comments. I am really glad to be finishing up my Masters program. I am looking forward to having more of my life back to spend with my grandchildren. This blog will help Ryleigh understand the great person Joe was and hopefully become someone she "remembers".
-april
What a touching story. I believe personal experience is a great way to educate and to evoke dialogue on a subject. This is a unique way to share with others.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute and touching story. I am so sorry for your loss, but I am glad you found a way to make this assignment so meaningful and rewarding.
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
DeleteThank you. This assignment continues to be one of great enjoyment. I look forward to learning new ways to make the blog better and more informative.
-april
April,
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough blog to digest, after just loosing my father two months ago; however, a perfect place for someone to come to and write down memories of their love ones for safekeeping. Reading stories to help them get through the day or put a smile on their face. Thank you!
Dianna,
DeleteI am sorry for the loss of your father. I cannot even begin to think of the day that I loose one of my parents. Although I do not speak to them daily I have comfort that I can pick up the phone and call them anytime. I do not know what I will do when the day comes that they never answer the phone again. May you find peace in your memories and shared laughter.
-april
Great blog in memory of someone who was so young and battled an awful disease. The font explaining this site might be changed to a different color, but the black font stands out nicely. This was definitely a site that you posted about something you felt passionate about and it shows.
ReplyDeleteAngel,
DeleteI took the suggestion of another classmate and changed the font of the blog description to black from white and agree that it stands out better.
-april