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How to Memorialize a Loved One After
Death - Ideas and Tips
By Kathy Steinemann
Memorializing a loved one who has passed on helps us to
deal with grief and ensure that new generations will be
able to share the memories. Here are some ideas for
thoughtful tributes that will help to celebrate a life
and keep our love fresh and vibrant.
• Plant a tree or flowering shrub the deceased would
have liked. You can also design an accompanying plaque
that describes the purpose of the tribute, including
dates of birth/death and a photo.
• Write a poem, have it laminated, and give copies to
friends/family. Be sure to include a complimentary
photo, not necessarily one taken in the last years of
the deceased's life. Sometimes a picture from youth or
early adulthood suits the purpose better. Such a
creation is unique and endearing to all.
• Donate to a favorite cause or participate in events
for a charity that the deceased supported.
• As an ongoing memorial, immediate family can set a
place at the table where the deceased usually sat. For
some, this might seem almost spooky. For others, it will
provide comfort.
• Create an Internet domain or social networking page
where friends and relatives can upload photos,
anecdotes, and videos. Some genealogy sites also provide
excellent resources for publishing online.
• If the deceased is cremated, buy a potted plant for
each close friend and family member. Sprinkle a few of
the deceased's ashes into each plant. This symbolizes
the continuing cycle of life.
• Get together on the person's birthday. Buy gifts and
donate them to a charitable organization that can pass
them on to the needy. This gives everyone a chance to
share stories and happy memories. Try to emphasize the
joyous times.
• Honor your loved one with cremation jewelry. Did you
know there are companies that can turn ashes (or a lock
of hair) into memorial diamonds? It takes about six to
nine months to create a lasting remembrance. If this
seems morbid or weird, consider purchasing standard
jewelry and have it engraved with the name of the
deceased.
• Ashes of the deceased can be incorporated into ceramic
or clay creations, including decorative photo frames.
• Order commemorative photo plates, perhaps with a verse
or two from a favorite poem or song of the deceased.
With modern technology, photos can be incorporated into
many products.
• Small locks of the deceased's hair can be saved in
lockets along with a photo.
If you are uncertain about what you want to do, be sure
to ask your funeral director to save ashes and/or hair
until you have a chance to make up your mind. The period
between death and burial or cremation does not leave you
with much time to be creative. You may make better
decisions after the initial shock has passed.
You can find funeral and celebration-of-life resources
at this eulogy resources site. When seeking funeral
accommodations for visiting relatives and friends, be
sure to search through the listings at 111 Travel
Directory. |
