How to Create Memorable Moments with Crafts?

Is it possible to create crafts that can generate everlasting memories?

Yes, all we need to do is first identify those that are special to us and develop something that will have a positive impact on their lives. Pleasure is not a zero-sum game. Just because we find something that triggers joyous memories for us doesn’t mean it can’t do the same for others.

Harry, who was my beloved Father-in-law, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about five years ago. At first, it was only a minor distraction for him, but within a year, his condition advanced and became more serious. Of course, there were moments in which all seemed to return to normal but as time passed, those moments became compressed. By way of example, I can remember how excited Harry became when he talked about his days working as a professional pilot for a major airline. Flying to Honolulu was by far one of his most joyous memories.

Initially, the level of detail, Harry shared with us about those trips seemed almost unlimited. No matter how much detail he gave us when describing his trips, the next time he told us the same story, he would insert a few additional nuggets of excitement.

One quote I will never forget is when Harry would say, “As soon as I get off the plane, I noticed that the air I was breathing was different than the air I left back home.” For this reason, we could all understand why Harry couldn’t wait to jump off the plane once he had successfully navigated one of his flights into Honolulu.

Although the level of detail, Harry provided diminished as his diagnosis reached its latter stages, his level of excitement and shining smile when talking about his travels to Honolulu never ceased to amaze us! I cherished those moments since I went through a similar experience with my mother who lived with dementia and Alzheimer’s for many years before passing on. As a result, I would always ask Harry questions that I knew would trigger his favorite memories!

As a bonus, I would ask Harry similar questions several times per day and generate the same level of excitement each time as he felt (as my mother often felt too) that he was describing his experiences to me for the very first time.

As a result, both I and my wife decided to embark on a craft project that created a collage of restaurant menus from Honolulu. As a bonus, the menus featured some of his favorite dishes favored by both the locals and tourists visiting Honolulu. It quickly became a tool that stimulated many of his favorable memories. It is amazing how impactful a pair of scissors and cardboard can become in a person’s life.

Receiving notice that one of our loved ones has departed is always very painful but I can assure everyone that the pain is easier to absorb when we know that we did everything we could to put a smile on the faces of our lost ones during their most difficult periods.

The pleasure that this collection of menus gave Harry during his final years is something that we will never forget. The experience was so special to both of us that we keep digital pictures of the collage we created to remind us of our precious time with Harry. During those special moments, we were able to successfully help him forget his medical limitations and ignite joyful moments that we will never forget.

We should all be lucky enough to create crafts that are capable of providing memories that put a smile on our face knowing that they made an even bigger difference in the lives of those we touched with our creation.