Memory Cards
Suggest Group(s): Young, Middle, Teen, Adult
Purpose: To give group members the opportunity to preserve memories of their loved one
Task/need: Converting the relationship … to one of memory, living on the grief spiral, developing a new self-identity
Activity Setup Ideas: Discuss ways to share memories of your loved one. Ask the group, "How can we treasure those memories?"
Materials:
- Card stock paper
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Magazines
- Pens
- Clip boards (Optional)
Description: Fold the paper in half like a greeting card. Either write the name of the loved one or decorate the front of the card. Invite the group members to record memories regarding their loved one on the inside of the Memory Card. On the left side write, "I remember you as … " and on the right side write, "I remember when we … " (Pre-made cards are available from staff).
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Give each group member the opportunity to share their memories from this activity and discuss other ways to stay connected to the person who died.
Suggestions: Group members can keep the completed Memory Card in a Memory Box if desired. This activity promotes ideas for the Quilt Square and provides a lasting memory of their loved one.
As an on-going project, this activity may be completed in 2 or 3 steps over several sessions.
- First Step: The front of the card can be decorated or the Anagram activity may also be used. Offer the group members the opportunity to share their results. Collect the Memory Cards and save for a future activity prior to Quilt Night.
- Second Step: Ask the group members to record their thoughts on the inside of the Memory Card. Once again, offer the group members the opportunity to share their results. Collect the cards and save for a future activity. (If time allows, proceed to Step 3).
- Third Step: Ask the group members to create a Quilt Square like collage on the back of the card. Magazine pictures, drawings, stickers or stencils may be used. Offer the group members the opportunity to share their results. Cards may be given to the group members at this time or collected and returned to group members at the final session. Teens and Adults may discuss the correlation of each segment of the Memory Card and the movement through the grieving process (acknowledgment, memories and integration).
