ACOT Message Board

 A friend of our lost her 36 year old husband this weekend. He died in his sleep. They have 2 kids one is 4 and the other is 7. The 4 year old is in my daughters preschool class. It is heartbreaking. He was a great guy and they were the sweetest couple. The funeral is today and I know the toughest times are yet to come.

She is not a crafty person but she says that she never has time.

I plan to continue to do things to let her know that we are thinking about her. I got the thought this morning about maybe mentioning to her at some point seeing if she would like me to make her kids a scrapbook of them and there dad. I would do one for each one. I know my daughter loves looking at her books and I am not caught up by any means but I thought this would give them something that would be just theres about them and there dad. I would need her help at some point as far as journaling or telling me what the pictures are.

So my question is this a good idea? Is there anyone that has lost there dad at a young age on here and what are your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

 I think it's a wonderful idea.

 I think it's a great idea Kabrina. It may be hard for the wife to even part with any of the photos or anything right away, but tell her you're ready to do it when she's ready to hand it over.

(((HUGS))) to you for being a good friend, and prayers being said for your friend.

 What a kind thing for you to do.  It's an amazing idea.

 Dumplin,

THis is a wonderful idea.    Please do it.

I was 43 when my husband died unexpectedly.    (I didn't start scrapbooking until over 5 years later)    The children will appreciate it so much as would your friend.

And be in contact with her.   From experience I know that within 2 weeks everyone will be going back to their own lives and she will be so depressed and feeling so very alone.

Talk to her about her husband.   Many people are afraid to mention the person who died for fear it will cause tears.  Well, tears are not a bad thing.   She needs to cry them.   THere is no detour around grief.  You must go through the whole process.   

Also, give her a blank journal that she can write in.   Tell her to write everything she can in there.   Shecan write to her husband, about her husband.    Whatever.   It's so so helpful!

 How heartbreaking.  My thoughts are with your friend and her family.  Your idea is wonderful.  I am sure that will be something she and her kids will treasure forever.

 yes, I think it is a great idea( I did this for my neice when my FIL passe away, she was only 1)

 Like everyone said- great idea.

 that's a great idea!!!!! My dh lost his best friend this year, 36, and he calls once a week to check up on the wife & children.  The youngest was barely a year old......if you are afraid to bring it up yet with your friend, start working on it and then tell her about it

 Do it!  It will mean the world to them when they are older.

 I think it is a wonderful Idea. If you need any of my kits I would be willing to give them to you at no cost. If you want to send me pics to scrap I wil do that too. What a tragedy.   Just PM me with anything you need. I am more than willing to help you out making a scrapbook for them. HUGS!

 Great idea!!! I lost my dad two years ago and I want to start his pages. She might want to help you, this might be able to help her with her terrible lost.

 Let us know.

 Thanks everyone for the reassurance I have not been through this but it is good to hear from some that have. I keep putting myself in her place and it is so sad and I want those kids to have them. I had thought I would get the pictures but make copies of them so she would still have originals.

I plan to continue to stay in touch after the funeral I have wrote down his birthday and there anniversary so I can remember to send her a card on those days.

I like the journal idea that is a great idea.

Thanks again

 Aren't these girls the BEST???

It's a VERY good idea, honey. And you are such an angel for doing it.

((((hugs))))

 
 I agree. That is such a wonderful idea and very, very kind of you to do it.
 Prayers are with the family.
 Lost  my father when I was 8. Would have loved if someone would have done something like that for me.

 That's so sweet of you Kabrina. That is a wonderful idea and she will appreciate it immensely! Prayers going up for your friend and her children in this horrible time.

Awesome idea and what a kind thing to do

 Yes yes yes!!!
That would be a great thing as each child has their own memories and from time to time will want to look at the photos and maybe mom just can't for several reasons (I am not saying the mom doesn't have time just the kids may feel like they need alone time with the photos of dad).
As soon as we adopted our dd we took photo's alot so she was in the family pictures and felt part of the family and she had a place in the family...also my dh would sail ships and be gone at 3-6 months at a time and i had albums for both kids so they could "talk to dad" back then there was no email !!!
so yes i think this is great for you to do this!!!!!

 I've never had that experience, but I think it's a wonderful idea!!