Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult things a person ever goes through. It’s hard to know what to do to honor their memory and keep them close to our hearts. There are many ways to do this, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Here are some ideas for celebrating the life of a lost loved one that can help you through this tough time. Keep reading for more.
Engage in Their Favorite Hobby
It’s hard to say goodbye to a loved one, especially when their death is sudden and unexpected. Even though your heart is grieving, you may find some comfort and healing by engaging in your loved one’s favorite hobbies. If your loved one loved spending time outdoors, take a hike in their favorite park or go for a walk on the beach. If they loved spending time with family, plan a get-together to share memories and laughs. If they loved a good puzzle or a challenging board game, break out the games and spend an afternoon enjoying each other’s company. If they were passionate about musicals, check out some Broadway shows. No matter what your loved one’s favorite hobby was, finding ways to engage in it can help you feel closer to them and keep their memory alive. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, take the time to celebrate your loved one’s life by spending time doing the things they loved the most.
Write A Letter
When someone we love dies, it feels like a part of us dies as well. It can be hard to know what to do or where to turn. One way to honor and celebrate the life of a lost loved one is by writing a letter telling them everything you still want to say. In this letter, you can share your memories of them, what they meant to you, and how much you will miss them. You can also include anything else that’s on your mind or in your heart. This letter can be a great way to closure and help you move on after their death. Once you complete the letter, consider finding a place that was close to the loved one’s heart and read the letter out loud. This is also a good chance to spread ashes if cremation services were used.
Set Up a Memorial Shrine or Altar
One way to honor the memory of a loved one who has died is to set up a memorial shrine or altar. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and you can change it over time as your feelings change. Some people choose to have a permanent shrine in their home, while others prefer to set one up temporarily when they need it. A shrine or altar can include anything that feels meaningful to you, such as photos, mementos, candles, flowers, prayers or poems, or items that belonged to the deceased. You may want to include a copy of their death certificate or other important documents. It’s also a good idea to make sure the shrine is in a safe place where children and pets can’t accidentally knock things over.
You may find it helpful to visit your shrine regularly and add new items as they come into your life. Or you may prefer not to look at it often but know that it’s there for you when you need it. Either way is okay. The most important thing is that the shrine helps you feel connected to your loved one and provides some comfort during this difficult time. Overall, celebrating the life of a lost loved one can help to provide comfort and support to those who are grieving the loss. By sharing memories and celebrating the life of the deceased, those who are grieving can feel connected to their loved one and find some semblance of closure.
