I think most of us agree that the people we spend time with are split into many different facets. Some of these overlap, others which remain totally separate. Family, old friends, new friends, hobby friends… work friends. And each of these groups will see us from different perspectives. Those we have dinner with see a very different side to those in your Monday morning meeting!
Those closest to you are probably lucky enough to see snippets of you in most aspects of your life. Your family know your friends, they see you enjoy your hobbies. But how much do they know of you at work? Certainly for me, my husband has a long commute and long hours. As a result this area of his life is one I simply never see. I know very little about how and who he really spends his day with and what he’s like “in action”.
So when a person dies at working age, there are people holding the key to memories and insights into this person that even their immediate loved ones don’t have. How special to share these with their family, open the door to these stories and allow them to learn about this very different area of their life. How special also for their closest colleagues to have their own copies too, to read others’ memories of that person and have a beautiful keepsake to look back on whenever they need.
I’m privileged to be contacted by many companies, to create a tribute book for a colleague who has sadly died. These books are full of heartfelt contributions from staff, then presented to the family as a gift to treasure. Hardback, full colour, with a flexible page count, these are beautiful keepsakes through which loved ones will glean new stories and memories after their death.
What do people include?
Some colleagues tell a funny story. Others talk about their first impressions of that person – perhaps they interviewed them, or trained them – or vice versa. Many will talk about the parts of their personality they admired the most, or the things the business valued. Whether two sentences or two pages, they undoubtedly bring a great deal of comfort to their family.
Some companies do it immediately. Others wait and do it further down the line – perhaps to mark the first anniversary of their death. They are perfect at any time that feels right.
If you’re considering creating a tribute book for a colleague and would like to chat it through – please ring me. I will chat through everything with you – no obligation – and give you some tips for how best to collect the contributions.
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