When a loved one passes away, there is a loss that cannot be easily filled. Loss can be tremendously difficult to deal with, so it’s essential to have an outlet to process your grief and work through everything you are feeling and experiencing. It is only natural to feel lost in grief at times and run the gauntlet of emotions as you try to find your way in the world without them.
“What is grief, if not love persevering”
Wandavision
Just because someone you have loved has passed away, it doesn’t mean your love for them stops. You will never forget that person, and while time may be a great healer, many people find they simply adjust to the norm rather than getting over the loss. Far from it, that love needs to be channelled into something productive and to be used as a tool to help you move forward.
But having a way to remember the person you loved who is no longer with you can be a great help in dark times and give you something to focus on. This post looks at some practical ways you can remember them and celebrate their life to help give you some comfort in a time when you need it the most.
Headstones or Grave Markers
One of the most common and traditional methods of a permanent memorial for a loved one is to mark their last resting place with a headstone or grave marker. This can not only help you to identify their resting location but also share them with others who visit the area. You can choose a variety of different designs and styles for your headstone and include various parts, from pictures for headstones by Memorials.com to engravings, quotes, poems, and simple tributes. Whatever you choose, you can ensure it is fitting to the person while giving you something you can visit and take comfort from.
Create Jewellery
One option which is gaining in popularity in recent years is to have a keepsake made from something special relating to that person. This can be either having their handwriting engraved on an item, their picture transferred to a locket or broach, for example, or using a lock of their hair or their ashes to create a stunning item you can wear every day. Depending on what you feel comfortable with, there is a wealth of possibilities. But this option allows you to keep a part of them close by for you to lean on when needed.
Charity Donation
Charity donations to something they were passionate about will allow them to live on forever through the initiative regardless of what it is or how much you are able to donate. A lot of people leave lump sums in their wills to go directly to a specified charity. However, if this hasn’t been the case, you can consider a charity donation in their name. This can be via sponsoring an animal, funding research, helping to support a new building or equipment they need, or covering running costs. This is a great way to ensure they are never forgotten and are still helping something they are passionate about even though they’re not here.
Mark A Spot
Marking a spot means you have a designated place you can go to in their honour and feel close to them. It can be different depending on them as a person or what will bring you the most comfort. It can be planting a tree in their name. It can be a plaque on a park bench, a brick at their favourite place, etc. A physical location can help you feel less alone and connect with them when you need to.
An Online Memorial
A more modern version of a home-based shrine, an online memorial allows people to share videos, images, and funny anecdotes about the person in one place for others to take over. This will enable you to retain their memory and share with the world the exact kind of person they were and how you want them to be remembered. Simply upload any media or documents you wish to share, and you create a stunning virtual online memorial for them that will stand the test of time.
Set Up A Foundation
People sadly pass away for many different reasons, and there are a whole host of charities and foundations that are set up in people’s names to honour their legacy or to ensure that the way they passed doesn’t happen to others. Whatever the reason for your foundation or charity, you can ensure others are well taken care of, educated and supported to meet your agenda and give you a long-lasting legacy to ensure they didn’t die in vain. If you are feeling lost in grief, this can be an excellent channel to process your grief into something worthwhile and give you a focus and commitment to support you and others around you.
Get A Tattoo
This isn’t for everyone, but a permanent reminder of a loved one on your body can give you a final tribute to them that is with you forever. From images or quotes, using their handwriting, to symbols that had meaning to them, whatever feels appropriate to you. This way, you can have a part of them with you at all times.
Frame Something
Lastly, you can create a framed image or frame some items of them for you to hang at home. In fact, you can take it wherever you want. It can take pride of place in your home for all visitors to see. It can be part of a more discreet shelf in your home with items dedicated to their memory or can be something you keep on you in a purse. By framing these treasured items, you can protect them from harm and ensure they are kept in good condition for you to connect with when needed.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is never easy, and this post gives some great ideas on physical and practical ways to honour their memory and provide you with something tangible to remember them by and ensure they live on in your heart and memory for the rest of your life.
