THE EMILY MARIE FOUNDATION
Memory Boxes
Memory boxes are an important part of many bereaved parents’ journey, since they are a special place for families to store meaningful items they have collected through their baby’s pregnancy, birth and in the years that follow. It is an object full of love that can help parents form a meaningful bond with their baby after loss.
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Each box is worth $60. Below are the items that every Memory Box will include
In it's first year, the Emily Marie Foundation donated 60+ boxes to hospitals around the Fraser Valley.
01
Letter from Emily's Parents
Emily's parents have written a heartfelt letter "From a parent to a parent", so they instantly know that they are not alone on the new journey they are embarking on. Our contact card (with the smiling pink octopus) is also in the box if you ever wish to contact us so we can talk. We are here for you!
02
Baby Blanket
A baby blanket is a tangible keepsake that parents can hold and squeeze when they need comfort. We got to physically hold our daughter for just a moment, but her little blankie, an item she was wrapped in during the time she was with us, is still something we have and hold today.
03
Candle
A remembrance candle brings light even in the darkest of times. It also brings comfort and warmth. It is a way to feel like our baby is with us. It is also a way to participate in the ‘Wave of Light’ from 7-8pm on October 15th, Baby Loss awareness week. The lighting of the candle brings parents together across the world.
04
Crochet Butterfly
Butterflies are a common symbol associated with baby loss. Many people associate the appearance of butterflies with messages from their loved ones. These hand-crafted butterflies are all made in memory of Emily by her grandma, Maria.
05
Journal & Pen
Writing thoughts, letters to your baby, or even memories is a way to keep the memory of your child alive. It can also be used for friends and family members to write notes for you or your baby.
06
Inkless Hand and Foot Print Certificate
Being involved in taking your baby’s prints is something you can do together with the support of staff, and each time you then look at the prints, you will have memories of precious time together.
07
Seeds To Nurture & Grow
Families can plant these seeds as a beautiful, lasting way to remember a lost loved one. They are a simple and compassionate way to facilitate the grieving process and serve as a reminder of the beauty we can still nurture and create. We have chosen the easiest Perennials to grow from seeds (Perennials come back for many years)!
08
Books to Navigate Loss
Through our journey, there were many books that helped us navigate the pain of losing Emily. We want to gift parents some of the books that helped us every day and continue to be a source of strength through the darkest of times.
09
Baby’s First Ornament
The ornament you received was made by Fraser Valley based artist Courtney Mienkina. Courtney’s parents lost a baby 36 years ago, and Courtney has witnessed their grief and loss. She hopes that when you look at the ornament you remember your baby is loved and we are thinking of them.
10
Memory Plushie
Tangible objects, such as plushies, that remind us of our babies are the most important ways to connect with them after they are no longer physically with us. We carry Emily's plushie on trips and incorporate it in pictures to include her in all we do!
11
Self-Care Gift for Parents
After the passing of someone special, it's hard to remember to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. We will be making hand-made care-packages for parents that will include creams, bath-bombs, lip balms, teas, and more to ensure that they are also taking care of themselves.
