Everyone has to deal with the death of a loved one at some point in their lives. It’s a tough thing to deal with, and something that you never truly “get over”. But there are lots of ways you can deal with your grief and process losing someone you love.
Doing something to commemorate someone is one way that you can mark their passing. You might want to do something symbolic to say goodbye to them or create something as a reminder of their life. If you’re not sure where to start, you should have a look at these suggestions.
- Do Something Special with Their Ashes
Cremation is a popular choice for people and their families. Not everyone feels that burial is right for them. After someone’s body has been cremated, it can be a tough decision to decide what to do with their ashes. Some people might keep them in an urn or box in their home, but others might feel uncomfortable with that. Scattering them somewhere special is a common practice, which you might want to combine with a memorial service. Another interesting option is finding a service that makes ashes into a diamond. You can create a unique piece of jewelry using the stone.
Photo by Floyd Wilde
2. Plant a Tree
Planting a tree is a great way to mark different life moments. Many people choose to do it for a new baby, so it can be a touching choice at the end of someone’s life too. If you think you might like to plant a tree, you have to decide where to plant it. The first option you have is your own backyard. If you have space, you can plant something and watch it grow every day. But you need to consider the possibility of moving home, and what you would do with the tree if you did. You might also be able to find somewhere public to plant a tree.
3. Commission Some Artwork
If you want something you can keep in your home, commissioning a piece of art is a lovely idea. It could be a painting of the person who died or perhaps something that was special to them. There are lots of types of art you could consider, from a drawing to a quilt. You can put it on display in your home and move it around whenever you want. You might even decide one day that you want to put it away. Look for someone who can make custom artwork or have a go at making something yourself.
4. Make a Donation
Perhaps there’s something special you want to do in your loved one’s name. Making a donation to a cause they supported is a kind gesture. Perhaps they loved animals, or they raised funds for cancer research while they were alive. You could use money that they left you in their will or spend other funds to make a donation. It doesn’t have to be a lot of money. Some charities might enable you to buy a plaque or other way to commemorate someone.
There are lots of touching ways to commemorate a loved one you have lost. Find a method that’s personal to you to do it in the right way.
