With the passage of time, the loss of a loved one is inevitable. Exploring ideas that personalize the experience of honoring a departed loved one can bring a fullness to the process of grieving.
The stages of grief are varied and individual as each person involved has a unique relationship to the loss. Father, mother, husband, wife, child, just to name a few bring to mind the multitude of people effected by loss. Friends, co-workers, fellow church or club members also feel the aftershocks of a death.
Immediate Concerns When Death Occurs
Whether unexpected or expected, the moment of death brings about a series of events that may seem void of emotion. Practicality steps in as protocol and laws are followed. Location of a death dictates procedure, as does apparent cause of death. Many loved ones are comforted by adhering to tradition and find relief in the funeral process. During times of emotional upheaval it is wise to appoint a calm, trusted family member or friend to assist in decision-making.
Ideas for Honoring a Loved One
With the availability of video and computer technology, consider creating a personalized slide show or montage set to music. Scanning in old photos can be cathartic as beautiful memories surface. If the process seems overwhelming and budget allows, hiring a montage specialist may be wise. Including poetry, stories, and photos during the funeral brings to mind the essence of the departed. Enlarging photos has never been simpler or more cost friendly. Eight by ten photos are lovely. Made in copy shops, they are generally under five dollars each and can be placed in simple frames on easels, provided by funeral homes.
Flowers and Remembrances
Taking into consideration interests of the departed can make for poignant memories. Handing each guest an inexpensive packet of seeds to be planted as a gardener’s legacy is nice. To remember a larger than life character that loved gambling, consider a deck of cards for each mourner. Seeking to honor the heart of the loved one can yield an array of ideas from seashells for the sailor to a favorite recipe included on a take home index card. Peruse some easy ideas below.
- Individual potted plants to be given away and planted
- Small bags of candy with a message about the sweetness of the departed
- Decks of cards honoring a real player
- Personalized c.d.s with favorite music
- Copy of the montage shown for each mourner
- A keepsake photo of the departed
- Single candles to be lit all at once while a poem is read
Personalizing Grief
After the funeral, grief transitions and for some turning to ritual, be it through religion or spirituality, is helpful. Wearing a small initial or engraved charm can be a daily source of comfort. Placing an object in a special area or dedicating a newly planted tree in one’s yard offers a symbolic continuation of connectedness. Sitting quietly and praying or meditating may ease suffering. Undertaking a journey that honors the loved one can also allow for an expression of grief that might lead to healing. From the initial loss to the ongoing transition of grieving, death often deepens emotion and fully exploring a path to solace can bring peace.
Teri Clifton - Teri Clifton is a passionate traveler who loves striking out both alone and with her four children in search of adventure. Believing that ...
