Grandpa was funny. He always acted so strong and in control. He was the man of the family. The one who wore the pants. Sure, he loved my Grandma but he made most important decisions. I always wondered if it was him or his generation? Maybe it was both. But when Grammy died, I am sure part of Grandpa did too. See, in many ways she died slowly. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was a slow painful disease. We all watched her turn into someone she wasn’t. So when that first Christmas came where Grandma was with us physically but the disease had stolen most of who we knew her to be it was hard for all of us. But especially for Grandma
Grandma loved Christmas. She cherished it. I can still picture her Santa shaped sugar cookies, her beautiful table, and I can’t forget about Christmas Eve Soup night. It hurts to actually recall those things. Time changes things. And while it was inevitable, Grandpa needed our sympathy gifts that first Christmas more than anything else.
It was hard to know what to give her or him. The Grandma we knew had changes so much and most of her time was spent sitting and staring. It was heart breaking to watch and yet if we were hurting I can only imagine what Grandpa who always seemed so self assured must have felt. We decided to help him through this first holiday but keeping Grandma’s memory alive. We made a blanket with all of the great grand kids pictures on it. Both would enjoy it and Grandma always was cold before she was sick.
We made a sympathy gift for Grandpa. It was a basket of all of his favorite things that reflected Grandma. Her sugar cookies, her silly hats she made for Grandpa, a framed photo of their wedding day with an embossed love note I found in a drawer.
These sympathy gifts were hard to see. But meant the world to Grandpa at the same time. And while Grandma may have only been aware for a moment I am sure I saw her smile as Grandma held close their wedding photo as if it were tugging at his heart.
Helping of all of us walk through the pain Alzheimer’s can bring is heart wrenching. But offering a sympathy gift during the holidays can help heal and mean hearts.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Memorial Gifts...How Can You Choose What To Give?
A memorial is a time to pause and reflect upon a life that was lived. It is a time to seek and look for all that was good in the precious life that was lived. A memorial is also a celebration of life. It is a time to rejoice and remember. A memorial gift can help keep those memories close to ones heart. It can help heal, bring joy, and continue the celebration of a person’s life. There are many different types of memorial gifts one can give. Here are some ideas and tips when giving a memorial gift to celebrate a loved one’s life for all of time.
*Choose a gift that reflects the person who has passed away. Sympathy Gifts for Men can be simple. If he loved fishing then a fishing photo personalized with his name would be a wonderful gift for a family member.
*Choose a gift that can be well used and often remembered. A blanket can be an everyday item but a blanket personalized with the date of life to death of a favorite grandmother will become a cherished item and not just a blanket.
*Remember those who are sometimes forgotten. Children can have a hard time expressing their emotions when death comes. A gift basket that is filled with items that reflects the person who has passed away is a great way to show love to the child and also respect for the lost. It is fun for kids to go through a gift basket and discuss how the items remind them of the person who is no longer in their lives.
*Memorial gifts should be positive. All life ends at some point. Seek to give an inspirational gift that encourages and focuses on the good. Prayers, poems, and inspirational messages coupled with beautiful artwork can do wonders for a grieving heart. There are many different items that can fill this need and constantly be a reminder of the life that was lived.
*Include a personal message. If you are not sure what to say than buy a book that helps one walk through the stages of grief. And write a small note on the inside. Actions as always speak louder than words.
There are just a few hints when choosing a memorial gift to celebrate your loved one!
*Choose a gift that reflects the person who has passed away. Sympathy Gifts for Men can be simple. If he loved fishing then a fishing photo personalized with his name would be a wonderful gift for a family member.
*Choose a gift that can be well used and often remembered. A blanket can be an everyday item but a blanket personalized with the date of life to death of a favorite grandmother will become a cherished item and not just a blanket.
*Remember those who are sometimes forgotten. Children can have a hard time expressing their emotions when death comes. A gift basket that is filled with items that reflects the person who has passed away is a great way to show love to the child and also respect for the lost. It is fun for kids to go through a gift basket and discuss how the items remind them of the person who is no longer in their lives.
*Memorial gifts should be positive. All life ends at some point. Seek to give an inspirational gift that encourages and focuses on the good. Prayers, poems, and inspirational messages coupled with beautiful artwork can do wonders for a grieving heart. There are many different items that can fill this need and constantly be a reminder of the life that was lived.
*Include a personal message. If you are not sure what to say than buy a book that helps one walk through the stages of grief. And write a small note on the inside. Actions as always speak louder than words.
There are just a few hints when choosing a memorial gift to celebrate your loved one!
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