Legacy Projects Preserve Memories as Tangible Items Cherished by Loved Ones

This is a Guest Post by Emmanuel Hospice.

Sentimental objects have a special way of keeping the memory of a loved one alive.

In hospice, creating keepsakes or legacy items has become increasingly common as a meaningful way to help cope with grief by physically preserving the memory of a loved one through tangible items.

At Emmanuel Hospice, legacy projects typically involve hand molds, fingerprints and heartbeat recordings, often paired with a quote, poem or song. As a bereavement coordinator, Katie Mayberry has facilitated numerous legacy activities, alongside volunteers and other care team members. She’s found them to be rewarding for everyone involved.

“Legacy projects are very patient-centered experiences that have a profound impact,” Mayberry said. “The activities themselves create a memory in the moment, often elicit stories and lead to more in-depth conversation afterwards. Loved ones then have a keepsake to reflect on later and use to process their grief.”

The projects, offered through the nonprofit’s art legacy and music therapy programs, are unique to each individual patient and can incorporate personal elements. The ultimate purpose, Mayberry says, is to foster connection. The activities can also be adapted for a patient’s energy level and comfort, including those transitioning to the active dying stage.

“We make sure every legacy-type experience is met with lots of grace,” Mayberry explained. “That’s especially important during times when patients aren’t able to participate in the same way as someone earlier in their end-of-life journey.”

That was the case for Misty Galant’s husband, Jon, who received care from Emmanuel in 2023 when his health began rapidly declining in the end stage of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Katie was supporting our family, and when it became clear Jon was beginning to transition, she asked if we would be interested in a hand mold,” Galant said. “I said absolutely, and she showed up the next morning. It was a nice distraction from the condition my husband was in, and to have a conversation with Katie the whole time we were waiting for the mold to harden.”

With Misty and Jon, Mayberry remembers the experience was very intimate. The women knelt together on the ground next to Jon’s bed to ensure he stayed comfortable throughout the process.

“It is an imperfect process to create the hand molds, in the loveliest way,” Mayberry explained. “You must be in close proximity to one another, relatively still and physically present for 10 minutes.

“It often brings a lot of laughter, actually, and in a sense, joy. Stories come up that we don’t anticipate. It can also be a really emotional experience between a patient and their spouse, or whoever they’re holding hands with.”

While Misty and Jon’s hand mold was a little more challenging to set up, Mayberry says theirs was one of the most detailed she has ever obtained.

“You could see all 10 fingers and their wedding rings, and that was really important,” Mayberry said. “I just remember it being a really wonderful experience with both laughter and tears.

“Misty has the hand mold on a shelf with a picture of them. It is just so rewarding to see something like that and know it’s so important for her to be able to have it. It was such a meaningful experience. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

Misty added: “I’m not sure what it is about the hand sculpture, but it’s just such a visual reminder I think because it’s actually our hands. Anytime I look at it, it’s a visual reminder of Jon and the bond we had. It’s the most personal gift I received during that time. I love it.”

Misty now volunteers with the nonprofit. As interest in legacy projects continues to grow, Emmanuel Hospice is seeking the support of additional volunteers, as well as donations, to help serve patients and families. Those interested may call 616.719.0919, email info@EmmanuelHospice.org or visit EmmanuelHospice.org for more information.