This past June, Inheritance of Hope families gathered in Minneapolis for a Legacy Retreat® filled with connection, laughter, meaningful conversations, and memory-making moments that will last far beyond the weekend. I had the opportunity to serve as a family volunteer, walking alongside one family as they experienced a weekend designed specifically for them.
For families facing the loss of a parent, time together can feel both precious and heavy. A Legacy Retreat® gives families space to step away from the stress of illness, and just be together, surrounded by a community that “gets it.”
Throughout the weekend, families made memories in ways that felt fun and natural. At Great Wolf Lodge, that looked like time in the waterpark, shared meals, and activities. This gave families the opportunity to make those meaningful memories together.
During Legacy Sessions, parents had space to talk about the challenges they face, gain tools for legacy building, and connect with others who understand what it is like to navigate serious illness in their family. While parents met together, children were separated into age-specific groups designed specifically for them. I had the opportunity to sit in with the Kids Group for children ages 6–12, where they talked about emotions, asked questions, and connected with other kids who understand what it feels like to have a seriously ill parent. That kind of connection helps children see that their feelings are valid and that they are not the only ones carrying hard things.
One meaningful activity gave the kids a chance to name some of the burdens or worries they may be carrying. After taking time to think through those feelings, they went outside and threw water balloons at a target as a way to release some of that frustration in a safe and tangible way. It was simple, fun, and a little messy, but it also created space for the kids to process hard emotions in a way that made sense for their age.
One of the special parts of the weekend was Parents’ Night Out. Parents were given time to go out together while the children were at Kids’ Night out and had their own adventure at Nickelodeon Universe inside the Mall of America. For parents navigating illness, even a simple night together can become a rare and meaningful gift. It gave parents a chance to reconnect and breathe while knowing their children were cared for and having fun. For the kids and volunteers, the night became a memory of its own with lots of fun!
Memories made at Kids’ Night Out.
As a family volunteer, I had the privilege of spending the weekend alongside one family whose dad is living with glioblastoma. He shared that when his wife first brought up the idea of attending the retreat, he was hesitant. By the end of the weekend, that hesitation had turned into gratitude. He said he was so glad he came and shared that he had not cried that much since he was four years old, but that it felt so good.
That moment captured so much of what makes a Legacy Retreat® meaningful. These weekends are not about pretending everything is easy. They are about giving families a safe place to feel, to laugh, to cry, to connect, and to make memories together in the middle of an incredibly difficult season.
The Minneapolis Legacy Retreat® was filled with joy, but it was also filled with something deeper: hope. Families left with new memories, new friendships, and new resources to help them continue navigating the impact of a parent’s illness. Parents were reminded that they are seen and supported. Children were reminded that they are not alone. Volunteers and donors were reminded that showing up for families matters.
If you know a family facing the loss of a parent, please refer them to Inheritance of Hope. A Legacy Retreat® can be a life-giving opportunity for families to build community, receive support, and make lasting memories together. Refer a family here >>
Luke Douglas is a Business Administration student at Grand Canyon University and serves as a summer Marketing & Communications Intern with Inheritance of Hope. After attending a Legacy Retreat® with his family in 2017 while his father was living with ALS, Luke began volunteering at age 16. He has since served on multiple Legacy Retreats®, Hope@Home™ programs, and as a Legacy Video™ coach, and is passionate about helping families discover hope and connect to a community in the midst of difficult circumstances.