Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. While it’s normal to feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and grief, finding ways to keep their memory alive can also be comforting. Here are five simple ways to keep your loved one close after they’ve passed away. Each one can help you feel connected to them and remember them fondly.
Create a memory box
Creating a memory box is a great way to keep your loved one close after they have passed. A memory box is an item, usually a box or container, which holds things that remind you of the person you’ve lost. It can include photos, letters, their favorite books or movies, mementos from special occasions, or anything else that makes you think of them. The box’s purpose is to provide comfort and help you remember the good times you shared with them. You can also share the box with other family members who are missing the person you’ve lost. By doing this, you can keep your loved one alive in your memories and your family’s memories.
When creating a memory box, make sure that it’s something you can look at and use as a reminder of the happy times you shared. Decorate the box however you like, with stickers, markers, or paint. You can also write some of your favorite memories down on the inside of the lid or sides. When you look at them, try to fill the box with items that evoke a specific emotion for you. This can be anything from a photo of them smiling or a souvenir from a vacation you took together. Keep the box where you can see it frequently, like on a bookshelf or near your bedside. Creating a memory box is an excellent way to keep your loved one close after they have passed. It will help ease the pain of losing them and give you and your family peace of mind.
Plant a tree or flowers in their memory
When a loved one passes away, one of the best ways to remember them is by planting a tree or flowers in their memory. It’s a meaningful way to honor their memory, especially when they have a special connection with nature. Planting a living, breathing reminder of your beloved helps you feel connected to them and can provide a tangible form of healing.
When choosing a location for the tree or flowers, think of somewhere that would have been meaningful to your loved one. A place they enjoyed or held dear can make the experience even more powerful. You can also include a sign, plaque, or inscription that honors the memory of your loved one. This could be as simple as their name or a phrase that has a special meaning for you. There are many creative ways to bring beauty and life into your home in memory of your loved one. If you don’t have access to a space where you can plant a tree, consider a memorial planter or window box of flowers. Or plant something inside the home if you don’t have an outdoor space.
Cook their favorite meal
Cooking the favorite meal of a lost loved one can be a powerful way to keep them close. It serves as a physical reminder, and preparing their favorite meal is a great way to connect with them in spirit. Whether you cook with them often or not, the process can bring many happy memories and solace in their absence. If your loved one had a favorite dish, try to make it. However, if the dish requires expertise or is too complex to make on your own, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to honor them through food. A simple search online can reveal recipes that resemble their favorite dish or even help you put your spin on it.
If your loved one enjoyed cooking, you can recreate their best dishes from memory. If they often cooked for the family, invite the family over and spend time together cooking and sharing stories about your loved one. You can also choose to cook a simple meal that was their go-to when life was busy, like a grilled cheese sandwich or spaghetti. Food can bring people together, even when we’re apart. Whether you make something from scratch or buy something pre-made, enjoy and appreciate the flavors of your loved one’s favorite meal – as if they were with you at the table.
Write a letter to them
Writing a letter to your loved one is a great way to keep them close even after passing away. It can be a therapeutic way to express your thoughts and feelings about them, share fond memories, or just say goodbye. You may write them an old-fashioned letter or use a digital platform. Before you start writing, take some time to think about what you want to say. Maybe you want to tell them how much they meant to you and how much they will be missed. Or, you could tell them some funny stories of the past and share how happy they made you. You could even pour out your emotions and feelings of loss and sadness from their passing.
When you’re finished writing your letter, you can keep it safe and look at it whenever you miss them. Alternatively, you could seal it in an envelope and send it to someone who knew them well so they can also cherish it. You may also choose to send it off into the sky as a balloon so it goes to meet them in the heavens. No matter your letter’s form, it will be a fantastic way to keep your loved one close.
Tell their story
One of the best ways to keep a loved one close after passing is to tell their story. Sharing memories of your loved one, the good times and the bad, can be an important part of the healing process. It’s also a great way to honor their memory and ensure they will never be forgotten.
Start by gathering all the stories you have about your loved one – whether it’s stories of your own or shared by other family and friends. Write these stories down or record them to share with others. You could also create a scrapbook with photos and mementos of your loved one. This way, future generations can get to know them, too. You can write a blog post, create a video, or even make a documentary. Whatever form you choose will surely be a meaningful tribute to your beloved one.
So tell their story so your loved one’s memory can live on forever.
The loss of a loved one can be a difficult and heartbreaking experience. While it may seem like they are gone, there are many ways to keep their memory alive and keep them close. Whether creating a memory box, lighting a couple of memorial candles, planting a tree in their memory, cooking their favorite meal, or telling their story, these simple gestures can help us cope with the pain of their absence and keep the bond with them strong. It’s important to remember and honor the ones we’ve lost and find comfort in the love that remains.
