Legacy activities are a way for families to share special moments together when someone has an advanced illness, and provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the events and people who have shaped it.
Legacy activities can include painting and arts-based projects, recipe binders, collecting stories, etc. The completed item serves as a reminder of the person, what they loved, and what was important to them. No matter what form legacy takes, be assured it will be a timeless extension of oneself, that family and friends will cherish forever.
Legacy Activities For Individuals And Families
Click On The Links Below For Detailed Activities That Can Be Used With And For Children
Below Is A List Of Legacy Activities That Families Can Do Together:
- Create a scrapbook with pictures/keepsakes related to a particular time in your life, a loved one, a favorite vacation or celebration
- Create a photo album of favourite photos with accompanying captions
- Compile a binder of favourite recipes
- Compile a collection of favourite songs or hymns
- Create a quilt made out of your favorite T-shirts or other fabric items
- Handprints of you and/or your loved ones in plaster
- Write cards or purchase gifts for a future birthday, holiday or special occasion
- Write a poem or a song created specifically for your loved one(s)
- Plant a tree
- Ethical Wills – write a letter to your family that shares your personal/family values, beliefs, spiritual values, accomplishments, hopes/wishes, life lessons, forgiveness etc.
If you would like assistance from a volunteer to help you complete a legacy activity, please contact Hospice Waterloo Region at 519-743-4114.
Resources To Guide You As You Create An Ethical Will Or Legacy Message:
Adams, Gemini
Ashe, Arthur and Arnold Rampersad
Baines, Barry
Callanan, Maggie and Patricia Kelley
Cebuhar, Jo Kline
Edelman, Marian Wright
Frankl, Viktor E.
Freed, Rachael
Geary, Marilyn L. and Jacqueline Janssen
Nerburn, Kent
Padgett, Ann
Pillemere, Karl, ed
Poitier, Sidney
Riemer, Rabbi Jack and Nathaniel Stampfer
Strassfield, Sharon
Need More Information?
Sometimes, starting the process of legacy work can seem daunting or a little overwhelming. Here are some resources that might help guide you: