Ways to Honor Your Departed Loved Ones

Ways to Honor Your Departed Loved Ones

Always forward. With love and remembrance, that’s how we move. - Keion Jackson

We never really “move on” from losing someone we love. You might have heard this or read about it. Why don’t we move on, though? It’s because the pain will always be there, maybe not as intense, and maybe we don’t feel it every day, but it will always be a part of your life. Instead, we “move forward” with our grief.

Moving forward doesn’t mean going on with life and forgetting our departed loved ones. It means going forward in life with your loved ones still close to your heart, carrying all the moments and memories you created together. You continue with life while honoring them.

There are many ways to honor your departed loved ones. They can vary from simple tributes to something that can become a tradition for you.

Here are some ways to honor them:

Memory box

A memory box is a collection of your loved one’s favorite things: their favorite mug, letters they wrote to you, or their favorite accessory. You can also put photos of your moments and travels together or just photos of our loved one in general. You may purchase a box, or you may even create one from cardboard or scrap wood.

Photo album or scrapbook

Gather your favorite photos of them or print them if they’re in digital format. You may purchase a photo album or scrapbook, or you can make one. Decorate it as you see fit. This is an opportunity to express your feelings in a creative way.

For DIY scrapbook inspirations, you may check out Martha Stewart’s ideas: https://www.marthastewart.com/274963/scrapbook-ideas-and-albums

Memorial jewelry

  • There are different ways to create a memorial jewelry.
  • Repurpose an existing jewelry of your loved one. For example, make an existing ring into a pendant
  • Take an existing stone or gem from his or her jewelry and use it for a new one.
  • Purchase a locket and put their photo in it.
  • Have a necklace, bracelet, or ring engraved with their name

Memory corner

Gather some of their favorite things, like their favorite souvenirs from a trip, an old key chain of theirs, or a framed photo of them. Allot a corner, a table, or any place in your home to put these things together in honor of them. You may put a candle and light it in honor of them during special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.

 

Tattoos

A permanent reminder that you could get is a tattoo in honor of your departed loved one. It can be their name, their handwriting, their image, or something associated with them.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo, you may check out a Metro Manila-based tattoo artist here: Manu Obra Tattoo Studio

Donate to their cause

If your loved one supported any causes or if they had certain advocacies when they were still alive, you could continue their tradition. If applicable and when you are ready, you can donate their clothes, accessories, books, and other belongings to the cause they supported.

If they died of a certain illness, like cancer, you may also consider giving support or donations to foundations or organizations that help those afflicted with the illness.

To support children with cancer, you may check Cancer Warriors Foundation.

Learn a skill they loved

Did your loved one have any hobbies or skills that made them happy? It could be baking, painting, playing an instrument, singing, or dancing. Learning at least one can help you feel connected to them even after they’re gone.

Plant a tree or create a garden in their memory

If you have the space, you may choose to plant a tree or any plant in within your home in honor of them. If you it’s possible with the space you have and if it doable with your time, you may even grow an entire garden. This would be a perfect tribute to a departed loved one who is fond of gardening or nature in general.

Make yearly trips to places they loved

Some places dearly remind us of our departed loved ones. It could be their favorite café, their go-to mall, or their usual vacation spots. If your budget permits it, it would be a nice tribute to them to visit these places yearly. It could be a tradition.

 

Even the simplest of tributes could be helpful in making you feel close to your loved one even when they are no longer physically with you. These keepsakes, activities, rituals, and traditions are more than just symbols of your love for them – they are lasting connections that can endure time.

 

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