Ways to remember someone
Losing a loved one is never easy, but keeping their memory alive can provide comfort and a sense of connection. There are many ways to honour their legacy, from traditional memorials to creative expressions of remembrance.
Meaningful ways to remember loved ones
A memorial offers a lasting tribute and a peaceful place for reflection. Dedicating a bench in their favourite spot, planting a tree in their memory, or designing a garden with their favourite flowers can create a meaningful space to remember them.
Gathering and preserving memories can be also therapeutic. A memory box or scrapbook filled with photographs, letters, and personal keepsakes helps keep their story alive. Marking special dates with a candle lighting, a family gathering, or another annual tradition can also provide comfort when losing a loved one.
Personal and creative tributes you can try
For a more personal touch, jewellery engraved with their handwriting, a symbolic gemstone, or even an image can serve as a daily reminder of their presence.
Art can be another beautiful tribute, whether through a commissioned portrait, a piece of artwork inspired by their life, or even a tattoo which included your loved ones ashes symbolises your bond. Some choose to repurpose their loved one’s clothing into a quilt, blanket, or teddy bear as a lasting keepsake. Another idea is creating a time capsule filled with cherished items to be opened on a significant future date.
Unique & alternative ways to honour ashes
For those who choose cremation, there are many unique ways to honour ashes. Some opt to turn them into a diamond, a piece of glass art, or jewellery. Others incorporate them into a fireworks display, send them into space, or mix them into an eco-friendly reef structure depending on what the person was passionate about. Ashes can also be used in tattoo ink or combined with soil to plant a tree, creating a living tribute. Some families choose to scatter ashes in a meaningful location, even from a hot air balloon.
The role of rituals
Rituals provide structure and comfort during grief. Lighting candles on birthdays or anniversaries, or visiting a meaningful place, such as their favourite location or gravesite, can keep their memory close.
Helping children remember
For children, simple activities can help them process loss in an age-appropriate way. For example, filling a memory jar with written memories, creating a storybook about the loved one’s life, or encouraging artistic expression through drawing and crafting can provide them with comfort and understanding through tricker times.
Seeking professional support
If remembering a loved one becomes overwhelming, support is available. Bereavement groups, charities, and grief counsellors can offer guidance and help navigate the grieving process. Honouring a loved one is a personal journey, and finding the right way to remember them can bring comfort, healing, and a lasting sense of connection.
