Journal idea

[Birdsong222]

Hello ladies.

Being stage 4 with my first re occurrence, l have been thinking about my unsure future and how l can help my family. Randomly l came across this journal idea. Produced by Penguin, written by Elma van Vliet called Mum Tell Me (a give and get back book). it seems a wonderful way to inform those l shall one day leave behind, all about myself. It walks you through the type of questions ones children would wish they had asked when they had the chance. I have placed an order and shall get started on this as soon as it arrives. To me it seems a great thing to leave behind and something that will take me back and re live many happy memories along the way. Take a look at the reviews, it might be for you either now or in the future.

Hope your all as well as you can be and still with a fighting spirit. Love to all.

Sylvia

ps. Anyone with a loved one on the Dementia journey read my friends book- Somebody l used to know by Wendy Mitchell published by Bloomsbury now out in paperback. It is a fabulous insight into their world.

[Lyndy]

I recently read an article about Mum Tell Me and thought it was a wonderful idea. Hope you enjoy it!

Sorry to hear about the recurrence- but fingers crossed that you sail through treatment xx

[Birdsong222 in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you Lyndy.

[Juleswhee]

That’s a lovely idea , hope you do well with your treatment .xx

[Birdsong222 in reply to Juleswhee]

Thanking you and may you stay well on your PARB. xx

[Hidden]

I have just bought 3 of these. One for my mum. One for my mother in law and one for myself. I’d like to do the same as you and make a start on it for my children. I’ve just found one called Dad Tell Me Your Story.

Too late to give one to my dad but will buy one for my father in law and one for my husband. I think it’s a wonderful idea. A lovely keepsake for future family members. Xx

[Birdsong222 in reply to Hidden]

So glad others have found this. I hope that you stay well for a long time. XX

[Katmal-UK]

Lovely idea, thanks for letting us know. I will certainly be looking into that. Wishing you nothing but the best through treatment xx Kathy xx

[Birdsong222 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Having read your profile. I take inspiration that your fighting spirit is so strong. Stay well. Sylvia xx

[Katmal-UK in reply to Birdsong222]

Thanks you Sylvia - to be honest I think I have just been extremely lucky! xx

[BellmoreBelle]

Keeping a journal is a wonderful thing, I've done it since I was 14, so I have many happy (and downright challenging!) memories at my fingertips - it was also very cathartic to look back and see what my journey has been like as I was becoming ill and right through until now... This is not for any other family members - I am proudly the last and only one of my generation - it's for me. I see a life well-lived, many courageous decisions, and a load of brilliant fun and amazing achievements.

[Birdsong222 in reply to BellmoreBelle]

I love your positive attitude. Keep up the fight and revisit your memories often. Sylvia xx

[Cropcrop]

I think these books are a lovely idea and perhaps something we should all look to doing regardless of cancer. There are so many important and fun things that we lose when people leave us that, if written down, could continue to be known and passed on to future generations especially in this way way too fast world we live in. I lost both my parents quite a few years ago and still there are times I would love to ask certain things of them. With this in mind I think it apt to start something for my boys to look back at when I am no longer around to annoy them.

Thank you Sylvia for sharing this lovely idea with us. I truly hope your treatment is successful and not too arduous for you. Big hugs and love ❤️Xx Jane

[Birdsong222 in reply to Cropcrop]

I see you are doing really well Cropcrop. Long may it last and you get to enjoy life to it's max. Don't give too much away when you start a journal, you may shock your sons. lots of love Sylvia xx

[Hopefulgal1]

I too am wobbling at the edge of treatment so this seems a great thing to do and to leave for my daughter. I so hope though that a little miricle comes both our ways and you sail through your next lot of treatment! Good luck and thank you for the tip x

[Birdsong222 in reply to Hopefulgal1]

Hopefulgal1

I see you are having a tough time at the moment. I have nothing to add to what everyone else has said but hope you find a treatment/trial to give you hope. Locally the hospice deal with pain issues for all cancer patients and will visit at home, to get on top of pain so that life is bearable. Perhaps something like this is available in your area.

I have 2 daughters and 2 wonderful step daughters so lots to tell them in my journal! Its lovely looking through old photo's, l can while away hours on this project.

Look forward to hearing positive news. Stay strong and positive. Sending a very gentle hug. Sylvia xx

[Inarticulate]

Hi. There’s an app called recordmenow that prompts you to answer a question and video it. It allows others to hear and see you in addition to the memory. It gives an alternative to the written journal.

[Birdsong222 in reply to Inarticulate]

Thank you, will take a look at that for myself. I have journals for both mother and mother in law who are in their 80's as a written journal is perfect for the older generation, especially as they have lots of photos to include. Had to persuade them l didn't want to see them till they had gone! Gosh what racy bits will they be including..............lol

[PhillipandBettykid]

The hospice daycare gave me a cardboard box to decorate and fill with memories, special photos and stuff. It has been interesting to talk to my nephews and nieces about what is important to them so having a set of questions sounds helpful. The other thing I am doing is telling stories from the past on the mobile phone voice recorder. Much easier for me and I know from experience hearing voices from the past is wonderful.