How to Make a Memory Book for a Loved One

It's easy to make a memory book

You can make a Memory Book for anyone you love, living or dead. A Memory Book helps you to preserve memories about your loved ones. I've made two Memory Books; one was made about a year after the death of my husband. I wanted to capture snippets of him for our three children. The other book was made for the happy occasion of my mother's 80th birthday party. Family and friends had an opportunity before the party to write their own cherished memories about my mother and to celebrate her life. Frequently, we forget to tell people what we love and value about them while they are still living.

Things You'll Need

• Paper, stamps, envelopes
• Plastic page protectors
• Notebook

Instructions

1. Gather the addresses of family and friends that you hope will contribute to the Memory Book for your loved one. Mail the letters (by regular mail or E-mail).

2. As the letters are mailed back to you put them in a large manilla envelope or file folder so they won't be misplaced.

3. When you ready to make your Memory Book; if you want multiple copies of a letter it is easier to type it on a computer. However, you could go to a printing store and make copies of the original letter. I made several copies of both of my Memory Books so I typed the letters and copied them unto patterned paper.

4. Take each letter and insert it in a clear, plastic page protector and insert it in a notebook in a logical order.

Tips & Warnings

• When I made my books I added a couple of meaningful poems that I liked that fit my loved one. I placed these in the front of the book My books were arranged by relationship to my loved one: When I did my husband's Memory book, my letter was first, then the three children's and so on. Letters from friends and co-workers went in the back of the book following family members.

• Don't be disappointed if everyone doesn't chose to send back a letter; compile your book from the letters you have. You can always add more at a later time.