Max's Story — Something the Kids Could Hold
I wanted something my kids could hold when they missed him.
The moment
Benjamin wanted to support his kids through grief in a way that felt natural—no pressure, no forced conversations. He knew children often understand big feelings through touch, routine, and something real they can hold onto.
The making
We focused on what his kids would recognize first: Max's gentle posture, his overall silhouette—and the small notch in his ear from puppyhood, the detail that makes you think, “That's him.” We finished it to feel warm and approachable, with a durability that's safe for children to hold close—comforting, not delicate.
The reveal
The first reaction was quiet. Then, a few days later, the house filled with “remember when Max…” again—little stories that had disappeared for weeks.
Benjamin said the memorial didn't replace grief or conversation, but it helped them begin.