Ways to Honor a Memory of a Loved One Who Has Passed
Pain and sorrow—both feelings are our natural responses to a significant loss. Though each person’s mourning process is distinct in severity and duration, certain things may be done to alleviate the pain. One way is by honoring a loved one after their passing. This endeavor may be a transformative experience for families and friends of the one who has passed. The process will help keep that person’s memory alive and demonstrate to others how much they meant to you.
Not only can commemorating a loved one’s memory help you move forward in life, but it also ensures that your emotional connection with your loved one remains even after their death. There are several ways to respect the memory of a loved one who has died. Read on to find out:
Write a Book
James “Jim” Forker is a first-time author who over tons of readers’ hearts with his touching book about his late wife, Jen. His wife battled cancer and passed away in October of 2018. In his book, The End of the Rainbow, he tells the story of a husband and a wife and how their love kept them going through thick and thin. Like Jim, you can also write a book about a loved one who has passed, primarily if you’ve known the person with your whole heart. You can read Forker’s remarkable memoir, The End of the Rainbow, available on Amazon, or you can learn more about him by visiting his website. This remarkable story of a husband and a dying wife will fill you with so much hope.
Start a Tradition on Their Special Days
Find something that makes you feel connected to them and repeat it every year. During their special days, make sure that you take the day off. On his birthday, it might be as easy as lighting a candle. You may also expand on what you know about them by attending a class in something they are knowledgeable about or going on their park. If it helps, go to some places they’ve always wanted to go or do something they’ve always wanted to do.
Keep Something of Sentimental Value to Them
Even though material things can be shallow to keep, when they hold a sentimental value, they become a treasure—no matter how simple they are. This can be a very personal way to remember someone that only you can feel a connection for that specific item. This does not necessarily mean that it has to be something of theirs. It can be something special for both of you. Another approach—although unusual—is to honor a loved one who has died by having their ashes turned into jewelry. Some craftspeople can encase the ashes in glass or resin beads and use them to make pendants, earrings, bracelets, or rings.
Write Down What You Want to Say to Them
There is something about the process of writing that can help in easing the pain. That is why when you are feeling something heavy. It is always great to write them down on paper. This way, you can release those emotions at some point. Writing is very therapeutic. So, writing a letter to a loved one who has gone may be a beautiful way to stay connected to them while also working through your loss. You can keep the letter, and one to two years after, you can read them again. It will help you in keeping track of your grief.
Visit Grave
The location of your loved one’s grave or where their ashes were dispersed may be pretty meaningful. It honors the memory of a person. Giving yourself some time to sit with them there might be a source of comfort. It is a means of demonstrating that their existence had lasting importance on Earth. Public cemeteries are open every day, making it easy for visitors to visit a loved one’s grave. There is no regulation regarding when or how frequently family members and friends should visit a cemetery, but some days are more popular.
One of the terrifying aspects of losing someone is the possibility that you may forget them. Hopefully, you will find the points above helpful. May these guide you throughout your grieving process.