As you prepare to honor an impactful life, you may also consider ways to continue celebrating and remembering your loved one in a lasting way. At Lighten, we help families remember a loved one through ceremonies and gatherings that are personalized to them. From an annual gathering to coming together to support a good cause, or donating an object to commemorate them, this blog aims to offer ideas for an individualized, lasting tribute that honors your loved one’s life, impact, and legacy.
A Yearly Celebration
Each year, there are significant dates that may prompt you to want to do something in memory of a loved one. Whether this is a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of their passing, these dates can be an opportunity to think of them in an uplifting way.
For example, you may choose an annual trip or outing for close friends and family to gather together and participate in. This event can range in formality depending on the personality and interests of your loved one. Say your loved one was a foodie, you can sit down and dine at one of their favorite restaurants. If your loved one preferred happy hour and casual drinks, you may decide to grab some stools at their favorite bar and pour one in their honor.
Perhaps your loved one enjoyed outdoor activities. A yearly fishing trip, a weekend boating, or an annual golf outing can be a meaningful, lasting tribute. On the contrary, maybe your loved one enjoyed staying inside and reading a good book. You can organize a simple book club that meets once a year. You can choose books that were your loved one’s favorites or even ones that offer support during a time of loss. You can spend this time discussing both the book and the memory of your loved one.
No matter the event you choose, taking the time to hold a yearly gathering in your loved one’s honor can be a beautiful way of keeping their memory alive.
Continue to Give Back
Charitable events and personal donations may be another thoughtful way to create a lasting tribute for your loved one.
If your loved one was passionate about a certain charitable cause, or perhaps battled an ailment during their life, attending a charitable walk or fundraiser for a related organization can be an impactful tribute. These events can be an opportunity to bring people together, honor your loved one, and give back to organizations that held a special place in their life. Similarly, many races and marathons across the country allow individuals to raise money for hospitals and charitable causes. If your loved one enjoyed an active lifestyle, competing in a race and raising funds for a significant cause can be a sentimental way to honor their memory.
Maybe your loved one was passionate about their alma mater or a school in which they worked. You may choose to begin offering a scholarship in their name as a lasting tribute that gives back to a place that was meaningful to them.
Volunteering can be another way to honor your loved one. You can spend your time somewhere your loved one regularly volunteered at during their life or another significant location. For example, if your loved one spent time in a retirement home or care center, you may volunteer to visit residents at these establishments.
These charitable actions are a thoughtful way to continue the giving spirit of your loved one.
A Lasting Symbol
Finally, adding items to a symbolic location can be a beautiful lasting tribute to your loved one. For example, if your loved one had a favorite park, you can donate a new bench, brick, or garden stone in their honor.
Similarly, you may plant a tree in their name in a place that was important to them, whether it be a church, school, park, or workplace. Another more personal lasting tribute can be building a memorial garden in your own yard as a constant symbol of your loved one.
These symbols can offer the feeling that a piece of your loved one is ever-present in their favorite places.
Honoring a Special Life
A celebration of life does not have to be a one-day event. You can continue honoring and celebrating a loved one in intentional and personalized ways for a longstanding period of time. Choosing symbolic activities and actions can contribute to creating an event that remembers them in a way that can be both uplifting and personal. If you would like to discuss additional ways to honor the uniqueness of your loved one in a lasting way, our team at Lighten would be happy to guide you.
