United in our Grief Forum.

Yes, keepsakes give comfort, whether tangible or otherwise. My mother used lavender in any possible medium and I find myself doing the same, slathering myself with lavender scented soap brings her nearer.

My Dad had some authors he enjoyed a lot and wanted to read some of their rarer works, but those books were just not available for sale in our country. With the advent of e-books and Kindle many of them are even free today. I carry him around with me everyday and have just to turn to one of his old favourites to bring him back to me.

But, one of the most evocative ways to being them into sharp focus, not just for me, but my children too ... was writing stories about them. My kids loved hearing about the childhood experiences of their grandparents and now perhaps someday their kids can read and know them too!

I am in the process of making a large album, with the tales and interspersed pics.

I made one for my kid brother on his 50th, with fifty incidents from his childhood, which was greatly appreciated, especially because a good number were about Dad, who passed away more than 30 years ago.

Did it make him cry? Yes, but he said it didn't make him sad.

Jyo