Recently my wonderful MIL has had to make a difficult decision to retire early from a job she loves and has been doing for a very long time. Several months ago she found out that she has a rare disease that has quickly caused her to become legally blind. She is a nurse at a children's hospital and has made a great impact on all those she has worked with, the children and their families. The family is putting together a retirement party for her and I would like to have something set up for people to share with my MIL a token of appreciation for her work and make a keepsake for her to have to reflect upon. In the past I have seen people write letters but in this situation I am not sure if Mom will be able to read them in the future. Maybe some type of recording is possible I am not sure. Please share any ideas you might have. Thank You
I went to a wedding where someone walked around with a video camera and everyone got the chance to share a special memory they had of the couple.
You could designate someone to do that at the retirement party or even hire someone to do it.
By the way, it is so nice to read a postitive post about a MIL on here for once. It seems like everyone is always complaining about theirs and I always think "am I the only one who likes my MIL."
What about a CD??/ The DVD idea is great, but she may?? or may not?? be able to "watch" it in the future. A CD she can listen to forever.
My brother had one done. He went to everyone's houses before the event and in some cases he met with a bunch in one location. Anyway, he ahd everyone tell a favorite story or memory on a recorder and then had them pick a song that reminded them of the person or the memory or story.
The finished product was the person saying their name and their story and then it played the song. Then the next person and so on. It was very touching to everyone!! The person still listens to it to this day!
I am sure whatever you decided will be great though!
Good luck!
What about a quilt?
Have people bring in a square or two (or three!) of fabric. Either you could do plain fabric and have each person's name embroidered on it or you could do different types (fleece, flannel, cotton, etc) so it all feels different. Sew it into a quilt or get someone to do it for you. I think a lot of craft stores would have resources to either help you do it or find someone to do it.
With plain fabric, kids could draw with fabric paints or color fast pens. I know she might not be able to see it, but I would imagine that just knowing she is wrapped in a creation would be amazing.
With the wonders of today's technology I think an audio keepsake would be a great idea! You could have each participant complete a sentence about your MIL (e.g. Susie touched my life when......) and them make sure they include their name and maybe a memory or personal note could be added.
Just set up a video camera in the corner somewhere and have all the guests go over one at a time and tell a funny story or send a warm thank you. Similiar to what they do at weddings, best wishes, etc.
She will have a keepsake, and when she feels lonely or wishes she could work, she could watch/listen to the video.
I was going to suggest that you make a quilt with lots of texture on it. I notice climbermama had the same idea. Embroidering peoples names in each square would be nice because she could feel the letters. Each person could describe their square as she runs her fingers over it . I think a quilt would be more personal than a CD or audio tape because she could touch and feel the quilt and the presence of the people that participated in it. She could cuddle with it when she is feeling down and keep warm with it when she is cold. Also, In my opinion, the time, effort and thought going into a quilt like that is so much more than a CD or audio tape. Another option is to make a quilt and an audio tape or CD.
I say the quilt idea is a great one, she can cozy up with at at night and will be able to fell the diffrent textures and meanings.
I love, Love, LOVE the idea of a DVD recording of guests favorite stories/expriences with her!
You could also look into starting some type of nursing scholarship fund.
Do a DVD recording, that way she can see it now and listen to it later - make sure to include lost of those little kids voices!!! Record with a video cam, upload onto the computer and then burn a DVD.
why not try a memory book with touchable things related to her job along with an audio cd
Many prayers for your MIL. It would be great if you could try to find some former patients, families, and co-workers that SHE remembers well and have them record something nice. Of course have anyone you can get whose life she has touched. I just think to have someone that she remembers well would be something extra special.
You could try to get the recordings put together before the celebration and play it for her there.
I wish you and your MIL all the best!
