Personal gift from a dying person

This activity simply requires a small box, paper, pen, and a few dreams. The small box is designated as a Dream Box (or Wish Box or Prayer Box–whatever resonates). The caregiver can help the dying person with writing if needed. This is a thoughtful, heartfelt gift that can be made for each family member and friend, providing some closure for the dying person. He simply writes his wishes, dreams, or prayers for the person receiving the gift on slips of paper. Examples: I hope your life is filled with love; know that I will always love you. Or…I wish you laughter every day of your life; your sense of humor has been so helpful to me. Or…My dream for you is to have a good night’s sleep; if you have that, everything else seems to fall into place. Or…I wish for you to explore your creativity, in whatever way makes you happy. OK, you get the drift.

The box can be gift wrapped or tied with a simple ribbon. This is a lasting, precious gift of dreams and memories of the person who wrote them. And it’s not just for the dying–years ago, my friend Amy Hoffman, gave me a small hand-painted wooden prayer box with her prayers for me inside. For years, I have loved opening this box and reading Amy’s sweet words. You can’t imagine how precious this gift will become in 5, 10, or 20 years.