Kelly’s Life Chest Story

“I would like to thank The Life Chest company for their beautiful Life Chests. I purchased two: one for my husband who is a retired Metro Transit Police Officer in Washington, DC. And one for my son SSG Christopher W. Swanson who was killed in Iraq on July 22, 2006. We have have another son, Kenny, who is married and has two children. Everyone leaves a legacy. What better way for our grandchildren to know their Uncle Chris and their PaPaw and the lives they led. The chests are beautifully made inside and out, and we could not be happier with them.”

– Kelly Swanson

Raymond’s Life Chest Story

“I am loving [my Freedom Life Chest], and I am putting some very special items in it, [including] the pen with which Governor Engler signed the paperwork for the Michigan Vietnam Monument, a U.S. flag that flew in the mayor’s office at the City-County Building over four mayors since Coleman A. Young, a U.S. Air Force handbook from the 1960’s, signed books from the Vietnam Era, “Special” challenge coins, my mother’s cross from her funeral, and more. Photos from “the day”, things from my father’s WWII military days, and much more to come. Thank you folks SOOOOOO much!!”

– Raymond Michael Sand

Amelia’s Life Chest Story

“My Life Chest is filled with travel journals from my three trips to China, two expired stamp-filled passports and a photo journal from 10 days scuba diving in Indonesia… there are family photos, the scooter rental receipt from our Caribbean honeymoon, a Champagne cork from a special hot air balloon ride and, a piece of sea glass from Moloka’i, one of my favorite places in the world. These are the memories, yet I can’t wait to fill it up with what’s to come. My Life Chest reminds me to make it a life worth remembering.”

– Amelia Ellenstein

Jimi & Alyssa’s Life Chest Story

“My wife and I couldn’t think of a better way to start our marriage than with a Life Chest. Our Life Chest was the center-piece of our wedding, where we asked our closest friends and family to write advice and well wishes, and place them in our New Yorker Heirloom Life Chest. We will cherish this advice, and reflect on our lives together through the mementos, keepsakes and memories placed within.”

– Jimi Plouffe

Calvin’s Life Chest Story

“I am so honored and touched to be a recipient of this Life Chest. Having the Life Chest now means that I have a special holder of my precious photos and military badges and memorabilia that will serve not only as a time capsule but to preserve and protect those items I hold dear long after I am gone. It’s something very personal and dear to my heart that I can leave for my children and grandchildren.”

– Calvin Harris

In Memory of Jill Conley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce our dear friend Jill Conley has passed away. She was truly a beautiful soul, and was a shining example of the powers of love and positivity. Her bravery in her battle with cancer continues to inspire us, and we know that heaven has gained an incredible angel.

“Jill was a bright light that sparkled in our office the day she came to visit. She knew nothing of The Life Chest prior to arriving but she walked through our doors with an open heart. Three hours later we had become something reminiscent of long-time friends, laughing and carrying on, sharing anecdotes and brainstorming dreams for the future. She was committed in seeing our dreams becoming a reality and we hers. I am so honored to have known her, and have no doubt that her dreams will live on through her legacy.”

– Julie Donegan

 

From the Jill’s Wish Facebook page:

“With great sadness we share the news that our loving, supportive, tireless, feisty and determined founder Jill Brzezinski-Conley – Breast Friends passed on this morning peacefully with family by her side. Many of you know how much it meant to Jill to embrace her terminal illness and turn it into a passion for helping people all over the world either with her message of body positivity or her foundation, Jill’s Wish. She always said the uplifting messages and words of encouragement she got through social media, email and regular mail were her chemo; they help keep her fire burning. And she was resolute to change just one woman’s life before departing this earth. We believe she surpassed her own expectations by helping millions, and we will continue to honor and cherish her legacy by continuing her mission.


Her mother Rosemary posted this earlier today:


“It is with deepest grief and sadness to post that Jill Brzezinski-Conley passed away peacefully this morning with her loving husband Bart Conley by her side. Over the last 6 1/2 yrs she has handled her illness with grace, determination, humor and generosity. Our Jillybean will be greatly missed by family and friends as she has touched countless lives. Everyone has been in awe of her beauty both inside and out. As her mother she was my best friend, confidante and love of my life. Her light will continue to shine. A celebration of her amazing journey will be held in Louisville and MI where Jill was born and raised. Arrangements will be posted when finalized.”

We have details below for the Life Celebration of Jill Conley, if you can and would like to join us. And by request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donating to Jill’s legacy and inspiration through www.JillsWish.org

Visitation:
Fri., Feb 5, 2016 from 2-8:00 p.m.
Ratterman’s Funeral Home
3800 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40218


Funeral Service:
Sat., Feb 6,2016 at 1:30 p.m.
St. Patrick Church of Louisville
1000 N. Beckley Station Rd.
Louisville, KY 40245

Jill is eternally a Life Chest Lifer and our friend.

The Life Chest and Alzheimer’s

Today’s society is so fleeting, technology-obsessed and fast-paced that we often forget to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the little things.

At The Life Chest, we know how important it is to preserve the most precious moments of your life.

Something as simple as a concert ticket, a dried flower, or an old necklace can not only mark important occasions in your life, but also can bring back wonderful memories.

For an Alzheimer’s patient, a Life Chest could prove to be a powerful tool to help remember such occasions. That’s why when we found this great article from Alzheimers.net, we couldn’t resist sharing. Instead of the suggested plastic bin, we of course think a Life Chest would be a much better choice: beauty, quality, and the ability to be passed down through generations is what sets us apart.

Colonial Life Chest and Colonial Memory Life Chest

Not only do we have over 30 styles to suit all tastes, several of our Life Chests have self-closing lids and piano hinges, which prevents pinched fingers and damage to items stored inside. We have also partnered with BeRemembered.com, which is an amazing free software that will allow you to truly record the story behind each item in the Life Chest. This way, not only will you remember why they’re important, but so will your loved one affected by Alzheimer’s.

A Life Chest is about connecting your past, present, and future. What would you put in your Life Chest?

Read the original post here.

5 Reasons to Make a Memory Box for Alzheimer’s Patients 

For seniors with Alzheimer’s, a memory box helps recall people and events from the past. These memories, thought to be lost, can stimulate the senior emotionally and prompt conversation with loved ones.

A three-year-old’s works of art, a newspaper clipping, or a family photo; memory boxes hold items that bring us back to a time or even a moment that we hold dear. When a senior who has Alzheimer’s opens a memory box, it can stir thoughts of happy moments in life and give that person something to talk about.

Reasons to Create a Memory Box

Memory boxes can link seniors to what they love or what makes them feel good about themselves. They can even help hold an Alzheimer’s patient’s identity, with keepsakes emphasizing an overall theme, person, holiday, or an event that lifts the senior’s spirit.

It will take time to find the keepsakes to store in the memory box, but it is worth the effort. Here are five reasons to create a memory box for a senior loved with Alzheimer’s:

  1. Recall fond memories of youth, personal interests, children or history in general.

  2. Inspire conversation with caregivers, children or grandchildren.

  3. Exercise touch and other senses that the senior will rely on more and more as Alzheimer’s progresses.

  4. Spur creativity. The senior may want to create another box about a different life event or memory.

  5. Give you more insight to your loved one. When you search for keepsakes, you may find special items you did not realize the senior still had.