Posted by KarenB on January 07, 1999 at 07:18:42:
I am not sure how to handle this....
We have lost three loved ones during 1998. (This was not a good year for us. Thank goodness 1999 is finally here.) I have pitched in and handled funeral organization and medical and insurance records, etc.
But now I am puzzled over what to do with the sympathy cards, flower cards, memorial notices, newspaper clippings, etc. Is it appropriate to put these in a scrapbook of sorts? Should I box each one individually and put it away and deal with them sometime in the future?
Right now I have each a plastic sheet protector for each person containing their respective clippings and cards. Would it be inappropriate to put all three (who are totally unrelated except through my nuclear family) in the same book?
As well, my collection of cards, etc. is not the only collection. My parents and uncle each have a collection from my grandmother's passing; my mother-in-law has a collection from my father-in-law's passing; and one collection is for a dear friend & teacher.
Should I give my collections to the closer relatives or keep them for my children and me?
I know this is a delicate matter that needs to be handled tastefully and lovingly. I want to preserve the good memories and not dwell on their deaths, but I don't want to discard the items related to their funerals/memorial services.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you-
Karen B