Memory Boxes - A Beautiful Way to Capture A Memory

Memory Boxes are a beautiful way to capture a memory. Coping with the death of a loved one is a very individual process. There are no guidelines, and no one can ever tell you how you will feel.

Over the years various ways to rember someone special have evolved. These are things that have provided comfort to people. Sharing these ideas can provide the support that others have been seeking. One such idea is to create a memory box.

A memory box is a loving collection of items that hold memories of the loved one. Everything about the box should be personal. From the style of the box and its colour to the contents within. This enables loved ones to sit with the box and feel closer to the person who has passed away. They can go through and hold and look at the things within.

Campaigning to support neonatal loss

Baby Ava’s Support Foundation is a charity that promotes the use of memory boxes. Specifically when parents have lost their child or, their child is born sleeping. Many babies pass during the neonatal and birth period. Many more pass before their first birthday. This is one of the hardest things we can endure as a parent, and there will never be an easy way to find peace. Ava was the daughter of founders Adele and Richard Atkinson. She was born with massive medical issues. Despite all efforts, the doctors were unable to save her. Her parents made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support. Ava grew her angel wings, and the charity was born. The team now aims to supply memory boxes to neonatal units across the UK.

The Baby Ava team explain that inside their boxes they provide:

“A hand and foot print cast kit, to make a mould of the child’s hand and foot. Two identical teddies one to remain with the child and the other for the parents. An Angel candle to be lit every year on the child’s birthday. A small plastic bag within a keepsake bag for a lock of the child’s hair. A star on a chain for the mother to wear. (We added this to the box as we told our son his sister was a big star in the sky). An in the hands of angels key ring. There are also forget me not seeds that once planted will flower every year. The last thing that is in the box are two blankets one a fleece one and a hand knitted one.”

Memory Boxes are for everyone

Even with a limited memory of a child the box can be a real comfort for grieving parents and family members. Memory boxes are not only for those who have lost babies or children; they are in memory of any loved one. If a child has lost a parent a memory box could be perfect. You could include items of jewellery or sports memorabilia. Include their funeral order of service, photographs and any video to help the child have a tangible memory. It is perfect for them to sit and look at with other family members on the loved one’s birthday.

As with all things relating to grief, there are no rules. If you want to create a memory box for a loved one you can fill it with anything. Things that remind you of them or brings back treasured memories of your time together. You can use any form of container but will find a range of memory boxes online if you prefer. Your funeral directors may well be able to help you find a suitable box if you are struggling. They are ideal for moments of reflection and a perfect way to cherish their memory.