Of the many challenges you face as a parent, grief is one of those things that can strike at any moment, and we can feel ill-equipped to speak to our children about this.
When someone passes away, especially when it’s someone really close to us, what we have to learn to communicate is not the fact that they are gone, but that their memory lives on. And this is something that we should learn for ourselves as well.
One of the best ways to do this is to create a memorial. In many ways, the right memorial can become a talisman to the person and serve their memory quite well. But, when you are memorializing a loved one, what do you need to think about, and what are the best options? What are some ways to include the kids in the process?
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This, in many ways, doesn’t require too much in terms of thinking. If you want to honor a loved ones’ personality, especially if they had a quirky sense of style, you can go for the more left-field approaches.
Balloon releases or quirky designs that can go either on the gravestone or in a little scrapbook can be a wonderful testament to their memory. By honoring their personality, rather than the circumstances of their passing, this is a far more positive way of keeping their memory alive.
Jewelry And Decor
It could be a great option for family members to keep a bit of your late loved one’s spirit wherever you go. Cremation jewelry or memorial jewelry that’s handwritten is a very popular approach. Handwritten jewelry is a note that has been written by the deceased, and engraved in their style onto an item of jewelry like a necklace.
You can take this idea further, and go for laser engraved brick, especially on the gravestone, and this is a more personal and individual approach to honoring their memory.
Of course, you could also go for the more traditional options like a locket with a photo of the deceased.
Keepsake Book
Keepsakes, especially those little items that you may have amassed over the years, can go perfectly well in a scrapbook. Setting up a little keepsake book, it’s not just a way to honor the person, but it’s a way to keep these real, tangible items in one place that you can go back to again and again.
If you want to go one step further, you could create a memorial DVD, and there are plenty of services that provide this, where you can put all the photos and videos of that person onto one place.
This way, when you are looking to reacquaint yourself with them after so many years, it can bring those lovely memories back. The great thing about these options is that they are so cheap.
Memorial Tree
Planting a tree in memory of your loved one is a very eco-friendly and loving tribute. Choose a tree species that holds significance or represents their personality. It can serve as a peaceful place to reflect and remember.
Memory Jar
Create a memory jar by collecting small mementos, notes, and photographs that remind you of your loved one. Place these items in a beautifully decorated jar and use it as a keepsake to cherish their memory. This is another project that even young kids can join in on.
Artwork
Commission or create a piece of artwork that symbolizes your loved one. It could be a painting, sculpture, or even a collage of their favorite things. Display it prominently in your home or donate it to a local gallery.
Memorial Bench
Install a personalized bench in a meaningful location, such as a park or garden, where you can go to sit and remember your loved one. Add an engraved plaque with their name, dates, and a short message.
Music Playlist
Compile a playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs or music that reminds you of them. Listen to it whenever you want to feel their presence or reminisce about shared memories.
Memorial Quilt
Gather a collection of their favorite clothing items or fabric that holds sentimental value and have a quilt made in their memory. Each patch can represent a different memory or aspect of their life.
Memorial Garden
Create a special garden space dedicated to your loved one. Plant their favorite flowers, add personalized stepping stones, and include meaningful decorations such as wind chimes or garden ornaments.
Online Memorial Tribute
Create an online memorial tribute website or social media page where friends and family can share memories, stories, and photos of your loved one. It can serve as a virtual gathering place for sharing and healing.
Donating to a Cause
Make a donation to a charity or cause that was close to your loved one’s heart. This can be a meaningful way to continue their legacy and make a positive impact in their honor.
Memorial Day Celebration
Organize an annual memorial day celebration in honor of your loved one to gather friends and family to celebrate your loved one’s life. Include activities, stories, and rituals that were significant to them.
Wrapping Up
Remember, the most important factor in creating a creative memorial is personalization. Choose ideas that resonate with you and reflect your loved one’s unique personality and interests. By honoring their memory in a creative and meaningful way, you can find solace and healing in the midst of grief.
It’s said so much, if we remember someone, they are never truly gone. The perfect memorial item can really drive home this point.
Ultimately, when you are looking to honor your deceased loved one, you should consider their personality and how you believe they would want to be remembered.
