How can you save the memories when a loved one has cancer or a terminal disease?

It’s hard to think about, but if you knew your time was limited, what would you do? How would you go about spending time with family and friends?

Just this week, Senator Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a gliomas brain tumor. According to ABC News, he is not alone… “Doctors diagnose about 180,000 new cases of brain cancers each year… with malignant gliomas being the most aggressive — and deadly.”

There are thousands of individuals across the country that are given a cancer diagnosis each year. Some take the opportunity to fight the disease, others go for second opinions, and still others settle in for the long battle ahead.

Though it is hard to think about, these terminally diagnosed cancer patients have an opportunity, unlike many of the rest of us. These cancer patients have a chance to create special memories with their loved ones no matter what happens with their cancer.

With this posting I want to give families, like Senator Kennedy’s, a plan of action for this time of crisis. I wanted to help them take advantage of the time they do have with their parent or grandparent, whether it be 6 months or 6 years.

The Plan for families dealing with a terminal diagnosis:

1) Create one-on-one time: this goes without saying, but when the family is gathered, take some time to spend alone and one-on-one. Find an activity to work on together, whether it is a crossword puzzle, Connect-Four, or a board games. You can still make wonderful memories together!

2) Celebrate the Past: though it can be difficult, bring out the old albums or home videos, and take some time to reminisce together. Relive the special moments from the past as a family.

3) Record the Stories: take this time to make sure that your loved one has a way of passing on their life story. No matter what happens, you want their stories and memories to live on forever. Help them create a legacy for future generations by using a program like the StoryCatcher. This do-it-yourself family history kit comes full to the brim with memory sparking questions that can help your loved one recall the best moments from their past. The whole family can be involved in the creation of this instant legacy and the digital voice recorder included in the kit will capture their voice and memories forever!

My hope is that families, who face a diagnosis like cancer or Alzheimer’s, take the opportunity to spend precious time with their loved one. No matter what happens, I can promise you that taking the time to save the stories today mean that they will never be lost or forgotten. Now you can always hold onto a precious part of your loved one’s spirit!