How To Honor and Memorialize Our Loved Ones
Five creative ways to remember the ones we’ve loved and lost
The toughest thing about the holidays is missing the ones we’ve loved — loved ones we have lost. This year has been harder than most because of the pandemic when those close to us were unexpectedly snatched away.
Even as we go through the grieving process, we must hold cherished memories close. We must celebrate and remember our loved ones. After all, life’s a circle and death is not something to be feared.
While I’ve lost many loved ones in the course of my life, I miss my mom the most. She passed away unexpectedly in 2010 and I think that for as long as I breathe, I will continue to miss her. I wish she were around for our endless conversations, the hugs, and the unconditional love. She wanted us to honor her memory not with the traditional rituals but by making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. We did carry out her last wish of donating her body to a medical college. We also set up trust funds at local welfare homes.
The truth is, over 6,300 people die every hour. That equates to 55.3 million deaths every year.
Whether or not we’ve been forewarned and had time to make preparations, a loved one’s passing is always an emotional shock to the system. In my case, it was also an emotional block.
Suddenly the person you loved most in the world or counted on to always be there… isn’t. Often, that reality is met with sadness, disbelief, and even anger. I know it’s okay to let the emotions flow, and eventually, you’ll want to focus on and recall happier memories.
Fortunately, there are some simple and creative ways to memorialize your loved ones.
Light the way
A traditional way of memorializing a loved one is to simply light a candle. While that’s not a creative solution on its own, once the internet is involved it can become an incredibly meaningful way to remember anyone who has recently passed on. Using hashtags and other mobile-based symbols of viral communication, people from all over the globe can be involved. The results can even be documented and shared via FaceTime, YouTube, or any number of video apps for a single or annual memorial.
Light up the sky
Did you know that according to the NFDA, cremation totals surpassed traditional burials as of 2015, and the call for cremations is expected to leave burials in the dust by 2030? Not only is a cremation cheaper than a traditional burial and better for the planet, but it can also lead to some pretty remarkable send-offs.
If your loved one really wants to have their ashes spread somewhere special, by all means, follow their wishes. However, as cremation is tipping the scale as the chosen burial solution, funeral homes nationwide offer firework solutions to literally allow your loved one to light up the sky. The details are handled by the funeral home, and costs range between a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Therefore, an affordable memorial does not have to be lackluster.
Create a memorial garden
Flowers have a secret language of their own, and many symbolize various stages of life, death, and rebirth. A memorial garden is a beautiful tactile way to keep the memory of your loved one alive for generations to come. Consider adding a few symbolic flowers, their favorite varieties, and even items from important life events such as weddings or anniversary bouquets. Perennials are especially helpful for providing beauty year after year with minimal expense. Add in fountains, stepping stones or spiral paths, and even seating areas to make your memorial truly magical and Zen.
Transform ashes into art
Even if you want to keep an urn on a mantelpiece or sprinkle their remains, you can still incorporate some of their ashes into a stunning personal memorial. Many artists provide artwork capturing the literal essence of your loved one. Paintings, glass spheres, crystal objects, and even precious jewelry are just some of the items that can be created so they can be with you forever in more than spirit alone.
Blog your memories
This is what I did, at Coffee With Mi. Memories have a way of rushing in when you least expect them, and it is not always easy to find someone to talk to, and share. I found it therapeutic to open up on my blog by writing, recalling little things, ranting a little, talking about good things, the not-so-great stuff…and generally feeling much better afterward.
Death is an inevitable part of life’s journey, but our loved ones never need to be forgotten. A little creativity goes a long way to ensure they’ll remain with us forever.
We all want to memorialize our dearly departed. After all, doesn’t everyone hope their life will make a positive impact on those they leave behind?
Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and forever dear.
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?
One of the reasons I write is to support underprivileged children. Would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? ☕ You can also use Ko-Fi. Thank you so much!
