How do you find the words to memorialize a loved one? While there is no “right” or “wrong” thing to say, some people would rather let their actions show how special their loved one was. In this article, we are providing examples of alternative ways to memorialize a loved one other than writing a tribute, preparing a reading, or crafting a sympathy note. These suggestions may be actions that you take to show a family member or friend that you are thinking of them and their loved one or could be activities to do yourself in honor and remembrance of your own loved one.
Ways to Memorialize a Loved One at Home
Whether you’re hosting a memorial at home or are looking for a personal and reflective activity, there are ways to memorialize a loved one at home that is personalized to your unique loved one without setting pen to paper.
In the Kitchen – If your loved one had a favorite family recipe or made a dish that was always highly anticipated and cherished by friends and family at every potluck gathering, you might try making it yourself. Once you’ve made the meal or baked goods, you can share it with friends and family as a way to bring joy to others in your loved one’s honor. Or you can simply enjoy the process of making something at home by yourself that makes you feel closer to your loved one.
In the Backyard – One way to honor a loved one’s passing is by planting new life. Planting a tree or bush to memorialize your loved one might serve as a strong and willful way to remember your loved one’s legacy. If your loved one had a favorite type of flower, you might decide to incorporate that flower into your home’s landscaping as a beautiful reminder of your loved one every time you look out over the yard. You can also involve friends and family by hosting a day to plant a memorial garden.
Create Something to Bring Something to the Memorial
For some people, the best way to express their feelings is through song. Ways to memorialize your loved one can be joyful, somber, out-of-the-box, or traditional; in whatever way you feel best pays tribute to their unique life. And crafting a playlist of celebration of life songs can be a direct reflection of the tone you choose. In addition to setting the tone, you may also incorporate favorite songs of your loved one. Once you have put together your playlist, this can be played at the in-person or virtual memorial or presented to the family as a keepsake to show you are thinking about them and their loved one.
Similar to songs, photo montages present a memorable way to illustrate the life of your loved one in a way you feel would best celebrate them, without needing to put words to how special they were. Lighten has helped families and friends of loved ones assemble and facilitate photo montages for both virtual and in-person memorials with unique twists that made them especially personalized to the loved one. In a recent memorial, the montage honoring the life of an artist featured images of their work so that guests could appreciate the unique talent of their loved one once more. As with a playlist, a collection of photos can either be incorporated into the planning process of a memorial or as a keepsake that is given to the family or friends hosting the memorial.
Memorialize Your Loved One by Helping Others
You can give back to the legacy your loved one left by helping others. Many charities allow you to make a donation in the name of someone and, by doing so, you can take a small action without words that pays respect to your loved one. Alternatively, or in addition, you may choose to spend time helping out in a way that is reflective of how your loved one cared for others during their lifetime. Ways to memorialize your loved one through a donation of time or money can be something done with family and friends or on your own as a generous tribute.
With or without words, there are ways to memorialize a loved one in a deeply personalized way all around you. If you are planning a memorial and are ready to discuss more ideas that would be unique to your special loved one, Lighten can help.
