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Online Memorials and Other Inexpensive
Ways to Say Goodbye
By Flora Richards-Gustafson
Funerals can cost thousands of dollars, money that many
families just don't have right now. Though the tradition
of honoring loved ones with an elaborate funeral service
and gravesite marker are still cherished ways to say
goodbye, many families are looking for new ways to
memorialize a loved one. Not only can alternatives save
money, they can also have a more significant meaning
that may have a more positive impact for families and
friends in the years to come.
The following are other memorial ideas that may help
families looking for a more creative and inexpensive way
to show how much they loved the deceased.
Volunteering
Volunteering your time for a loved one's favorite cause
or charity is a way to remember that person in a way
that will benefit those in need. Some example volunteer
ideas include:
- Donate your time to a local elementary school your
loved one attended or supported
- Read to children at the local library your loved one
frequented
- Write a poem or story in memory of the deceased for a
newspaper, online forum or literary magazine
- Become a big brother or sister in your loved one's
memory
- Donate your time to a senior center or assisted-living
retirement home where your loved one lived
Donate
Donations do not always have to come in the form of
money. Sometimes time and belongings can be the best
donation to symbolize the giving spirit of a loved one.
Some example donation ideas include:
- Donate a loved one's books to a school or public
library they supported
- Donate a memorial bench to your loved one's favorite
park or facility
- Give an award or trophy in your loved one's memory to
a local sport event or music festival they enjoyed
Online Memorials
Online memorial services cost little to no money. On a
memorial site, families can create a personalized
tribute to a loved one that can be visited forever no
matter where in the world family may be located.
Pictures can be uploaded to the site as well as videos
and family trees.
Plant a Tree
Tree planting will not only honor a loved one who may
have loved the outdoors, but will also benefit future
generations with an everlasting memory that is graceful
and dignified. Most tree planting programs are
inexpensive and a portion of the fees often go toward a
worthy cause.
Plant a Garden
Memorial gardens can be easily and inexpensively made in
one's own yard. Simply plant your loved one's favorite
flowers and plants in a section of your garden or at a
favorite community garden space. A stepping stone or
rock with the person's name could be added to the garden
as well.
Start a New Tradition
Starting a new tradition is a wonderful way to honor a
lost one in an inexpensive way that can be passed down
to future generations. A of couple ideas may be:
- Buy a present on the memorialized loved one's birthday
for a member of your community who is in need
- Donate the gift the memorialized person would have
received for Christmas to a child or youth in an angel
tree program during the holidays.
When remembering and memorializing a loved one, it is
not always necessary to spend a lot of money to show
that they were and are loved. Take the time and effort
to do something that can honor a loved one, help others
and make a lasting impression.
~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009
Valley of Life offers creative life story memorials as
part of its services to its members. Visit the site to
see all of our services including free funeral notice
services, memorial gift shop and grief support group
forum. |
