CREATE A MEMORY BOX - by Katrina Lopes

“Precious memories are jewels of the heart and richer than gold because no one can take them away. Love lives when we remember." - the Me Two Co.

Revisiting a favorite memory can be a wonderful way to uplift you during a difficult or challenging time. When you're down, feeling lonely or sad, having a special memory can make a world of difference. 

Creating a memory box is a great way to honor; the contributions your loved one has made to your life, and the footprints they’ve left in your heart. By identifying and celebrating these memories, this activity will assist you in building a collection of positive experiences and blessings that can be called upon at any time to remind you of the many beautiful moments you shared together. And, since each memory you add to the box is a memory you share with your loved one, it is not only a reminder of the impact they had on your life but the impact you had on theirs as well.

Creating the Box

1. Choose a fancy box, vase or other container that you like... or get creative and decorate an old cardboard box exactly the way you like it!
2. Begin writing down recollections of the moments you shared with your lost loved one. You may want to can sit down and think of memories and record a bunch all in one sitting... or... you may find it easier to collect them over time.
3. You may want to write them out by hand on paper you like (colored paper, or scrapbook paper) or you may want to print them from your computer.
4. Fold up the pieces of paper and put them in your memory box!

Now, anytime you wanna celebrate the good times just reach into the box! You may even wanna ask other people to write the memories they have of your loved one, so you can add them to your box. 

Q's to Spark Your Brain
Having a hard time remembering your memories? Here are 20 questions to spark your brain...
What I enjoyed doing most with you was....

1. Some interesting things you introduced me to were ... (i.e. sports, ideas, art, activities, cultures, hobbies etc.)
2. 3 lessons I learned from you...
3. 3 lessons I think you learned from me...
4. The nicest thing you did for me was...
5. What’s the nicest thing you did for them? How did they respond?
6. The best advice you ever gave me was...
7. When I think of you, the image that comes to mind is...
8. Did you ever take a memorable trip together? Describe it.
9. The funniest moment I can remember sharing with you was...
10. The most fun we had on my/your birthday was... (or at a school dance/on Spring break etc.)
11. The last time I saw you...
12. Is there a song they used to sing that makes you smile just thinking of it? What is it?
13. One thing you always used to say was...
14. We have so much in common! The ways we are alike are...
15. When I think about you and winter (summer/spring/fall/ Halloween/exams etc.) the first thing that comes to mind is...
16. What did this person teach you about being a young man/woman?
17. If I was to describe you in one word it would be...
18. What qualities/skills did your loved one nurture in you?
19. I remember one thing that always made you laugh was...

Those are just a few to get you started. Hopefully they will spark numerous memories you can add to your memory box. You may not be ready to remember some memories, and other memories may come flooding back to you. Either way and anywhere in between is cool. You are your own navigator on this journey and any way you want to create your memory box will be personal to you.