Remembering

J.-

I have no specific ideas for you - you know what your family values most, and what might remind you most of him.

When I was a teenager, my grandmother gave me/my parents some money for me to get a "nice" winter coat and a watch that I could "keep" as "rememberences" of her. Well, the coat I wore and outgrew, and the watch was a cheaper one whose band broke and I got rid of long ago.

So all I might suggest, if I may, is perhaps you might want to wait before spending the money. Don't feel like you need to spend it in the month you receive it. My husband has $200 from his grandfather who died maybe 4 years ago - he still doesn't know what to spend it on.

The other thing to think of is - is this item mostly for your husband, or is it going to be passed down for your kids to remember FIL too? What is your intention? If only for your husband - he should decide. But if for your kids - right now you have a girl, would she want a man's watch? Will you have a boy in the future? Is there something non- technology related, non-clothing/fashion related that you can buy (that maybe won't go out of fashion for your kids)?

Something your family might already have but would be great - you could have one of those professionally bound books made with pics of FIL. Or you could have a video made of your family history/FIL's life. It wouldn't take all the $1000, I don't think. But if you don't already have something like that... I think the stories about a person are the most telling about who they were, much more so a few generations out than a watch.

Okay! Good luck!
T.

Hi! My FIL also recently passed away, in April. He was a great man, and was helping my husband and his uncle renovate our home. Upon completion in October, my mom bought a tree for us. We got it delivered and it had a big bow on it with a card attached. It says "in memory of Thomas". I love the tree, and every time I look at it I think of Dad. I can't wait until spring to see it bloom! It's a wonderful rememberance, as it will remain outside of my front window forever. The card and bow are still attached, I can't believe it after all this weather!

My grandfather passed away last Fall and we planted a tree in his honor and I am currently having a bench made for the family to gater at as well.

You can purchase a brick at the MN zoo at other various places and have his name put on it. It'd be fun to take the kids back to and look at each time you visit.

How about having a nice photo album made, even on line can work and giving copies to all in the family. There are various serves on line and even a photo shop in Edina. Or, you could have several photo type items made to display in your home with nice frames and shadow boxes. A dvd or video remembrance show that you can have copies of and watch made to music will definately help keep your FIL alive for ever.

I am sorry for your loss.
If he was a history buff, is there any artifact that can be purchased? Like from an antique store-or wherever they come from....just a thought.
C.

I am sorry. Dose you husband like to play cards at all? You could get a card table and chairs. They sell them at places like peters billiards. Then you could have a place in your home that you always can go ant think about him at. And it is not something perment like a tree. It can move with you if you ever decied you wish to move. I hope that you guys can come up with something that fills your hearts with wonderful memories.

B.

Hi J.,
When my FIL passed away last April, my nephew made a DVD of all
the pictures ( and movies) he could find of him with his family and alone. He put music to it( my FIL's favorite songs). The pictures faded in and out and did different things. The program he used was so cool. We really appreciated what he did and we are all able to enjoy it. It will last along time. Hope this helps. Good luck. T.

Just a thought,
Since the $1,000 is a lot of money, (depending on what you purchase,) you could use it for so much.
Consider buying your little one/s a savings bond, (so that grandpa could help in their educational goals.) They could be as little as $25-50, or as much as $100-250 each. With the rest of the money, you could do a fun activity with the kids. (Plant a special flower, or plant just for 'grandpa' in the garden.) Explain everytime this plant is watered, or it blooms, that grandpa is remembered and you are taking care of his memory. It'll help your children learn a bit of responcibility, and help bring something sunny to a sad situation.
Spread the money out, and invest it in different ways. It'll keep his memory alive, and your children can learn in the process. :)

-K.

I like Beth's idea about a brick at the zoo, or maybe another cause in which you believe. Maybe you could buy a park bench and plaque commemorating your FIL for your local park.