Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
The Memory Box
& Charlotte’s Big
Surprise
Sometimes children notice change before they have words for it. A visit feels different. A loved one forgets something familiar. Big feelings show up in small ways—questions at bedtime, worries in the car, or quiet moments you can’t quite name.
This book is a gentle, practical path forward.
The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise were created to be more than a one-time read. It’s a story you can return to, and a simple routine you can repeat at home, in the classroom, or in supportive settings where children need reassurance and space to express what they’re carrying. The goal isn’t to “get it all right” in one conversation. It’s to offer children steady language, a comforting connection, and a safe way to revisit the topic as they grow and their questions change.
Inside this guide, you’ll find calm, doable ideas for using the story and the Memory Box activity in real life—without pressure, without clinical language, and always with the child’s emotional safety at the center.
If you’re wondering where to begin, this is a kind place to start.
Implementation Pages — What’s Inside This Resource Center
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“Children make sense of change through stories they can return to and moments that feel safe.”
When children notice something has changed, they often feel it before they can explain it. Gentle guidance helps them begin to understand without feeling overwhelmed.
Through story and simple, repeatable routines, children are given a safe way to explore big feelings in small, manageable steps. There is no pressure to have all the answers at once.
The Memory Box becomes a steady companion in this process, offering a familiar space children can return to as their questions grow and their understanding deepens.
Over time, these shared moments build trust, connection, and the quiet reassurance that even as things change, they are safe, supported, and not alone.
Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
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Homer’s Story That Shaped All Other Stories
Years into Homer’s work as a professional guardian, he was assigned to an elderly woman with no close family. On paper, she was just another case number. But as Homer sat with her and listened, he noticed a small cardboard box tucked beneath her bed. Inside were a few photographs, old political flyers, handwritten recipe cards, and notes yellowed with time.
Most surprising, among this cluttered box was a financial record, her deceased husband had left an annuity, enough to care for her for the rest of her life. Alzheimer’s had nearly taken this from her.
That rang out to Homer: “Please don’t let me be forgotten, care for me, remember me. This is the call of so many.”
Testimonials
Engulfed with despair, fear, anxiety, restless nights, and overwhelming sense of helplessness. Those feelings crippled me daily, not knowing what next steps to take, I felt like I was on a deserted island, not wanting to fail my loved one. Thankfully a family member put me in touch with Mr. Homer Hartage. All those negative feelings dissipated after having just one conversation.
Mr. Hartage gave a detailed explanation of my options, which allowed me to make informed decisions about the best options for my family. Again, thank you so much Mr. Hartage for picking up the phone to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease, thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Finally, thank you, sir, for your kindness. During the most stressful times in my life, you answered my call for help. May God shower you and your family with continuous blessings.
The Feacher/Blackshear Family
Honestly, if you work in healthcare and have a resident who needs a guardian I have the most amazing person, Homer Hartage. Never, EVER have I seen such love and devotion to a client in my life… it takes a lot to impress me because I have such high standards… my mind is blown. Please let him know if you should have a need for a guardian. Your client / resident truly could not be in better hands. He’s simply amazing. So refreshing to see a guardian treat their client like a loved one instead of a pay check or commodity…. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life… and I’ve been doing this a minute.
Robyn Edelstein
Owner Robyn’s Referrals
Homer Hartage is extremely passionate and dedicated to providing a service to others. I have watched Homer in action over the years. He will make sure that every measure has been taking for the safety of providing a quality service to all. His kindness along with his knowledge of delivering the best healthcare services are absolutely outstanding.
Shirley Simmons
CEO Abstract Expressionist Artist
There are not enough great things to say about Homer, feeling safe with him is made so easy. He is extremely culturally sensitive, always on time, and has your best interest at heart. He will work overtime just to make sure you and your family have everything they could ever want. Homer has become a part of my family and I feel so honoured to know him. We are glad he is our guardian.
He communicated well with the family and made sure everyone is up to date and informed. At the end of the day, he always makes the right decisions.
Leila Tiles-Lasanta
Administrative Nurse Manager
Clinical Coordinator Nurse Residency Program
Hudson Regional Hospital Secausus,NJ
Books By Homer
My writings are to ensure that no life is reduced to just paperwork, no story disappears without being told, and no family is left navigating responsibility alone.
My work resonates with caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone who believes that memory, dignity, and responsibility are essential. My book catalog includes trade and children’s books.
Partner Bookstores
You have the option to purchase the book on the AgedCare Guardian website or any of our trusted partner bookstores. Simply click below on the brand of your choice and order your copy at our partners’ online stores.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor.
