Remembering a loved one is a unique and personal experience. It is important that you commemorate their memory in a way that is meaningful to both you and them.
To help you honour your loved one, I have put together six of the best ideas.
Plant a Tree
Why not consider helping their legacy live on by planting a tree in your garden or in their favourite space (with permission, of course). That way there will always be a place that you can go to think of them and you’re contributing to the environment as well. If you don’t have a garden there are some cemeteries and hospices that have memorial gardens or meadows. Here you can plant a tree and create a plaque in memory of your loved one.
Make a Donation
Did your loved one support a charity? Was there a cause that was close to their heart? Another way you can commemorate their memory is by donating to an organisation which was special to them. Some charities even allow you to donate in memory of the person you have lost. You can also make this a yearly occurrence on a date that is special to the person you have lost, such as their birthday or Christmas, or you can make a one off donation in their name. The choice is yours.
Get Creative
Something that has become increasingly popular over the past few years is turning a favourite piece of your loved one’s clothing into a memory bear or cushion. This can provide a keepsake for you and other members of your family including future generations. If you are not confident in your own sewing abilities, there are plenty of crafters in your local community who can help you, or even create the keepsake for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
A Picture Lasts a Lifetime
You may have a photograph or an image of your loved one that you hold very dear to your heart. Don’t shy away from displaying it on your fridge or in other predominant areas in your home. Your memory of your loved one is important and should be treated as such. Another option is putting a small picture in your wallet or purse so that you are always carrying a small part of them with you.
Dedicate a Memorial Bench
This is another possibility. You can have a bench installed in your own garden or in an area that your loved one particularly enjoyed. The great thing about a memorial bench is that it is somewhere you or other family members can go to take a moment and remember all the great times you had.
A cost-effective way of doing this is to source the bench locally and organise the engraving of the plaque yourself. However, if you prefer there are companies that take care of the whole thing for you.
There are also council schemes available that allow for memorial benches to be displayed in a public park for around fifteen years. There are plenty of options available if this is the route you want to take.
Celebrate the Good Times
Life can be hectic so it is always a good idea to consider a date that had a significant meaning to your loved one in order to celebrate their life. Some people choose birthday or wedding anniversaries, it is completely up to you. You can keep the event private or you can make a day or evening of it with your friends and family (in person or on Zoom). On these occasions you can cook your loved one’s favourite dish, listen to the music they loved or even watch a movie they adored.
