How to Create a Meaningful Keepsake for Your Child or Grandchild
One ordinary afternoon, as my aunt and I, were leisurely shopping at a Phoenix strip mall, I received a call on my cell phone from an unknown number. Since I was in a good mood, I went ahead and answered it, oblivious to the life-changing truth I was about to hear.
It wasn’t the random sales call I thought it would be; instead, it was the nurse from my gynecologist’s office letting me know that my recent appointment results were not good. The tests had detected cervical cancer, and it was at a stage that would require an immediate hysterectomy.
One minute, I was leisurely searching for healthy snacks for my kids’ school lunches, and the next minute I was preparing for surgery. How could this be possible?
Because this is life, and anything is possible.
Those next few minutes, weeks, and months were a blur. Me? Cancer? I had always been a healthy person overall, so being told in 2011 that I had cancer came as quite a shock.
During this unsettling period, I pondered if I had prepared the keepsakes and mementos that I wanted to leave behind for my children if this disease were to take my life.
Our lives can and might change in an instant.
I had saved various material items for my children but I had not taken the time to write out important moments and memories from my life. I want my children and future grandchildren to know who I was before I was a mom and who I’ve become since.
Because of this, I created a new journal- 100 Questions for Mom– to help all of us, moms, easily tell the stories that have made up our lives. I want to slow down today while I am healthy and take the time to write about my life and what I’ve experienced.
We must take the time to write out the stories of our lives while we are healthy and able.
The memories we share with loved ones are an invaluable treasure. My guided journal, created just for mothers and grandmothers, is full of thoughtful writing prompts that encourage you to record your stories. When you have put your memories to paper, this precious memoir can be passed down to your children and cherished for generations to come.
Your Handwriting Matters
Who doesn’t recognize their mother or grandmother’s handwriting when they see it?
Unfortunately, our precious handwriting may not be as familiar to our children as it has always been in past generations, thanks to the digital world we are living in.
I created this journal as a way for busy moms to write out their thoughts and stories turning this guided journal into a priceless treasure.
Who wouldn’t love a journal full of handwritten memories and stories from their grandmother or mother?
Insightful questions on every page invite you to delve into topics both lighthearted and momentous. You’ll explore recollections of your childhood, the wisdom of motherhood, and your hopes for the future. With short questions and plenty of space to write your answers, it’s easy to capture the moments that have shaped your life.
Share your story with my 100 Questions for Mom Journal that is:
- In your own words―Explore deep, thought-provoking topics or share funny anecdotes in a Q&A format that lets you use your unique voice.
- Practical and elegant―A classic design and roomy lined pages make this guided journal a joy to use and a delight to read when you’re done.
- For mothers of all kinds―Share your experiences and one-of-a-kind perspective through open-ended questions that suit any age and family structure.
Amy,
I absolutely LOVE this book and can’t wait to get my hands on it. I’ve already pre-ordered multiple copies to gift to family and friends. Every expectant mother should own a copy of this book and it will be my ‘go-to’ baby shower gift along with your Parent on Purpose book. Thanks for being an authentic advocate for great parenting and now legacy building.
Thank you so much Syndy for your encouragement and orders! I appreciate you!
I have a 12 year old girl. I have a lot of questions but not quite sure what. So I hope I’ll win this book:-) Thank you so much in advance.
I’d love to win a copy of this book ! I’d send it to my mum in england for her to fill in. Sadly with covid I don’t know when they will be able to travel to see us again.
Then I could go through it for my own enjoyment but also go through it with my kids taking about their grandmother.
If there’s space then maybe I’d add my own comment so it’d be an all in one book for the kids to look at .
This is amazing! The first time I got on a plane after having our first daughter (I know have 3, plus 1 son!) I wrote her a long letter “just in case!” I love that not only are you guiding moms with specific questions, but the point about recognizing the handwriting is so true. You can “feel” the person more that way. Thanks for this incredible book 🙂
This looks wonderfully designed! As a father with sole physical custody and a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, I hope to slap a ‘Dad’ sticker on top of this and roll with it as long as I can. Grandma will chip in no doubts too!
Awesome!
Aaron! You are making me want to design one of these for you rockstar Dads. Hmmm….. How amazing to have one of these filled out by your Dad who doesn’t care that the thing says Mom on it.:) What a blessing you are to your child/ren! Thank you for being here
Aaron, that is awesome! And Amy, this also made me think about a “parents” one, where you could tell your kids about your love story pre-kids and how the story of creating a family together unfolded. Most kids don’t think of their parents as “real” people until they are older!
Great idea Janice! Maybe we can incorporate a little of that story in this journal too. My wheels are turning. Thanks for reading and commenting!
This is brilliant! As a mother of four young children I rarely make time for sharing bits of my childhood and certainly haven’t made time to put pen to paper. The prompt to write and the opportunity to share with children (and one day, grandchildren) is a wonderful motivation.
I love how you said that you certainly haven’t made time to put pen to paper! Isn’t this the truth for most all of us! Yes, the prompts make it easier for us to tell our stories and memories rather than staring at a blank piece of paper wondering where to begin! Thanks for reading and commenting Natalie.
When I think about my childhood, I had grandparents on both sides who were able to share stories an information about their upbringing, my parents’ young experiences and life in a different time. They shared their beliefs, values and convictions. My children do not have any grandparents who are still living. They have missed out on those opportunities. In a busier age we don’t necessarily make the time to share and discuss these things. This sounds like a wonderful way to foster that conversation. Thank you for crafting this book to offer those moments.
Candace
I love how you said your grandparents shared their beliefs, values, and convictions! Yes, it’s so important that we do the same so our children and grandchildren will understand us and themselves better. Thanks for reading and commenting Candace.
I would love to give a copy to my mother (grandmother) of my kids. She has so much wisdom, insight, and stories to tell. She is a huge part of their lives and I would love for them to know more about her past life too! The book is such a neat idea! I would love to start a copy also for my kids.
I think it is very important to document things for your children. And having a guided journal would help incorporate things you didnt think about. Conversation you never had etc.. as a “boy mom” not all Conversations lead to the feels and joys of parenting.. things you want them to know… having this would help me to ensure they do know and it’s in my own writing.. so awesome
#boymomof5
Now that I’m older and my kids are starting to leave the nest, I have realized that these years with my kids has gone by in the blink of an eye. Only God know how many days we have left and when I’m gone, I want my kids to feel like they really knew me.
Thank you for your inspiration. I loved your book and have shared it with many of my patients and used the tools and tips in my own parenting. I try to be intentional with my children and so appreciate your words of wisdom. I have four children (ages 9 to 3) and love to journal and reflect on how I see them growing and changing for the Lord. I want to pass on Godly wisdom to them and hopefully one of them will actually read it (my daughter is the one I can count on to do that). Thank you!
I would love to give this book to my mom. She is 92 and the last of nine children. Her life has been unlike any we know today.
Yes, Sherry! So important to get your mom’s stories in her precious handwriting! Or in yours, if she needs you to help her out with that!
This book sounds amazing! I love that it would keep me accountable to actually write these things down for my kiddos.
Yes! I need that accountability as well, so I’m happy I could create this product to guide us through the process. Thanks for reading and commenting Mindy!
Hello,
Hi Amy! Absolutely loved your parent on purpose book, and I know this one will not disappoint! Anxiously awaiting my copy (just preordered it on Amazon). Love this idea…can’t put a price on sentimental things! Would love to get another copy and gift a friend. What a wonderful idea! Love, love, love it! 💜
Thank you SO much for your encouragement; for already ordering the journal AND for letting me know you loved Parent on Purpose 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting!
It’s been nearly 8 years since I lost my only son. I desperately relived his childhood days in my mind. I wrote and rewrote about the week leading up to his passing. I haven’t written much in the past couple years. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school and plans on college, a college where she’ll be living on campus. Then there is my almost 16 year old…she has Down syndrome and autism. I worry about her future, about both of their futures, because of the craziness of life… and I’m a ‘mature’ mom. 😉 I’d like to start writing again. This time it would be about my daily life with my youngest and the college life of her sister. ❤️
Wow Monica. I’m sorry to hear about your son. Yes, you for sure should be writing about your stories as it’s so important to tell what you’ve been through during your life. I, too, have a senior and relishing the moments with her before she goes off in the fall as well. Much love to you Monica!
Thank you for your inspiration! When I was diagnosed the first time with breast cancer in 2017, I too was shocked as I was super healthy. When I began my journey, I journaled everything…as the months and years passed I got lazy and busy. Fast forward to 2019, I had a reoccurrence and everything stopped again. I counting my blessings everyday! I look forward to continuing my journal for my kids. I also loved your parenting book!😍
You are a rock star, Nancy! Yes, get back to your journaling in 2021. It’s so important that we take the time to put pen to paper and tell our stories, even when it appears we don’t have the time to do so. Thank you so much for letting me know that you enjoyed Parent on Purpose too 🙂
I would love to win a copy of this book, since I think it is important for my kids to know what I have experienced and value. We often don’t take the time to record this information, and your prompts will be helpful in organizing our thoughts. Especially during a pandemic, I have realized how life can change in an instant. Thank you for creating such a valuable keepsake.
Yes, Michelle! This pandemic has certainly awakened us on many levels, hasn’t it? I hope this journal helps you create a lasting keepsake for your kids! Thanks for reading and commenting. Good luck!
Hi Michelle! You are the winner of my new 100 Questions for Mom Journal! Look for an email with the details! Congratulations, Amy
Hey Amy. As a single parent of four children, life passed in a blur and now that they’ve all left home, I need to take the time to create the keepsakes and mementos I always wanted to for them but struggled to carve out the time for.
Love this book!
Thank you, Justene! What a great time to reflect on your life and season of raising your kids. Thanks for reading and commenting!
What a gift to leave my boys. After my Mother-in-law passed last year this would of been something special for my husband to have from his mom.
Yes, it’s so important we try and take the time to write out some of our stories and memories while we can! Hopefully, this will help you create a meaningful keepsake to hand down to your sons and their kids one day. Thanks for reading and commenting Danielle!
i would love this book for my mom to share her life. we are native american and she grew up on a reservation, went to boarding school, put herself through college, moved to a city to work- experiences that are hard for my children to comprehend in this day and age. she is almost 90 and i fear i’ve wasted time not documenting this before!! thank you for the inspiration to get to know her even more!!
I love this! Yes, get her stories down while you can! Thank you for reading and commenting Bobbi!
My mother in law was born in Germany in a separatist camp during WWII. She came to this country as a teenager and raised three sons, now at the age of 77 she has received her first grandchild (another boy!). This journal can document her challenging and loving life story in her words for her our family. What a gift!
I love this idea, I was into scrapbooking when the kids were really little, so there were stories to accompany pictures for a short period of time, I also have a cookbook my mom made for me of her favorites that I use with my kids regularly and tell the stories that accompany the recipes, but I would love to have it all in one place. Also having anything hand written by a loved one after they are gone is such a comfort!
My mom recently passed away and I wish I had this book, written in her own words and handwriting , so that I could still know my mom even after she is gone. I find myself wishing I could ask her opinion on things. I would love to leave this for my kids and grandkids… what a treasure it would be. Thank you for this great idea!
Thank you, Amy, for writing this journal book. I am dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis right now. Many thoughts in my head. This journal is a wonderful gift I should be doing cancer or no cancer! I would also give one to my Mom. She has so much to share too! God bless you!!
What a great idea. I bought grandparent question books for my in-laws to fill out for my daughter about 7 years ago. Sadly, they have not filled them in claiming they were too detailed and labor intensive. I realize that I should focus on the stories I want to share instead of hoping others will share theirs.
Isn’t this the truth Allison?! We can easily get disappointed in our hopes and expectations of others when we should focus our energy on ourselves and what we can do. I love that realization as I too have been disappointed in this way. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Just listened to your interview with Monica so had to come over and check out your blog! What a great idea for a book. I have been doing a lot of ancestry research lately and have thought more than once how nice it would be to get ahold of my grandma’s journals and all those that went before. Also makes me think of what I leave for my own kids to know me….I never have been much of a journal writer at all. I would need some prompting so this is perfect! Back to your interview about parenting with purpose and getting sibling bonds was so confirming. We have been the “odd” family with no sleepovers, video games and sharing rooms. Nice to hear someone else being “old school” and how it made their family a better bonded one.
Hi Rachel! I love hearing from like-minded moms who are striving to raise their kids on purpose according to their values. Good for you! It isn’t always easy to make those hard choices for your family, but it is certainly worth it! Thanks for being here and saying hello! Amy
This post was truly worthwhile to read. I wanted to say thank you for the key points you have pointed out as they are enlightening.
The benefits of writing a book will turn your world around—helping you to discover more about yourself. Check this out The Secrets to Writing a Meaningful Book Hope this will help. Thank you.
Cheers
Scott