It is said that the only thing constant in this world is change. This could not be more true regarding losing a loved one. No matter how we try, there are some things we can’t prepare for. The death of a loved one is always hard, but it can be tough when the person has been taken from us suddenly. It feels like a part of our life has been ripped away. We struggle to cope with the pain and confusion. Knowing where to turn or what to do next can be hard.
One of the most important things you can do during this time is to cherish the memory of your loved one. This doesn’t mean forgetting them or moving on, but rather keeping their memory alive in your heart and mind. There are many ways to do this, and below are some suggestions for starting.
Make a Memorial Space
Making a memorial space is a way to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and you can customize it to fit your needs and preferences. A memorial space can be anything from a dedicated space in your home to a garden or park you regularly visit. Those with the means may prefer building Individual Mausoleums for their loved ones. This is a much more costly option, but it would be a permanent and beautiful way to remember them.
You could also consider purchasing a plot in a family cemetery if that is important to you. Provided it offers a place for you to reflect on the life of your loved one and remember all the good times you shared. Take your time creating it, and don’t feel rushed by anyone else’s timeline. This is for you and no one else, so make sure it is exactly what you need.
Visit Their Grave Regularly
If your loved one is buried, then make it a point to visit their grave regularly. This is a good way to stay connected to them and keep their memory alive. You can bring flowers or other items to leave at the grave and use this time to say any prayers or words of remembrance that you like.
Some people find comfort in talking to their loved ones at the grave, even though they know they are no longer there. It can help to ease the pain of loss and give you a sense of closure. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you don’t have to. Just being in their presence can be enough.
Share Stories and Memories With Others
One of the best ways to keep a person’s memory alive is to share stories and memories with others. This can be done in several ways, such as writing down your favorite memories, sharing them verbally with friends and family, or even posting them online for others to read.
This is a great way to keep the legacy of your loved one going, and it can also be therapeutic for you. It can be cathartic to talk about the happy times you shared, and it can help you to feel closer to them even though they are no longer physically here. My mom and brothers and I regularly share stories and photos of my aunt and uncle, who passed away suddenly in 2020.
Create a Memory Book or Album
Another way to cherish the memory of your loved one is to create a memorial slideshow or photo book. This can be a scrapbook-style album with photos and mementos or a more traditional photo album. Either way, it is a place where you can keep all your favorite memories of the person safe and sound.
One of the first things I did after my aunt’s and uncle’s sudden deaths was to go through my computer looking for photos of them. I compiled all my favourite photos into a folder and am trying to find time to put them into a photobook.
You can look through this book whenever you want to feel close to your loved one and share it with others who might want to see it. This is a great way to keep the memory of your loved one alive for many years to come.
Do Something in Their Honor
One final way to cherish the memory of a loved one is to do something in their honor. This could be anything from starting a scholarship fund in their name to volunteering for a cause they were passionate about to doing something they loved to dedicating a star to them. It is a way of keeping their memory alive by doing something that will make a difference in the world.
This is a great way to memorialize someone who has passed away, and it can also be very therapeutic for you. It can help you feel like you are making a positive impact in the world and give you a sense of purpose after your loss.
These are just a few ideas on how to cherish the memory of a loved one who has passed away. Take your time in grieving; don’t feel you have to do everything at once. Just do what feels right for you, and know there is no wrong way to grieve. The most important thing is allowing yourself to process the loss in whatever way works best for you.
Image credit: Depositphotos
No Responses Yet