When people die, they are gone but not ever forgotten. Many grievers find that true healing begins when they allow themselves to remember the deceased using a variety of creative and interesting methods. There are many ways to honor your loved one after death. You may decide to plan something every year on the anniversary of their death or some other frequency of your choosing. Following are a few ideas to get you started.
- The Bios Urn
The Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn that contains the seed of a tree and allows you to honor the deceased in an eco-friendly way. Add the ashes to the urn and the ashes will one day grow into a tree. You can choose from their preset seed options or you can add your own seeds instead. You can purchase the Bios Urn for $159.99. - Cremation Jewelry
Purchasing cremation jewelry is a great way to keep your loved one close to you at all times. You can choose pendants, beads, or crystals in which to keep the ashes. Some pendants are glass (and more obviously contain the remains of your loved one) while others simply look like a locket. Cremation jewelry can run anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on how elaborate the piece is that you have designed. - Memorial Diamonds
Memorial diamonds are diamonds made in a laboratory from hair or cremated ashes. You can have the diamond mounted on a ring or a necklace so you can have it with you always. Prices can run anywhere from $2,500 to $20,000. - Butterfly Garden
A butterfly garden is a flower garden specially planted with the intention of attracting butterflies. You can create the garden and one day release all the butterflies in honor of your loved one. The cost can vary depending on the garden’s size and the flowers you need to purchase to attract the butterflies. You should be able to get started for less than $100. - Night of Lights
Set aside a special evening for remembering your loved one, then fill the night with candles. You could light candles of varying shapes, colors, or sizes in a park or even in your own backyard for a beautiful display of lights. You could also set up strings of Christmas lights for the ethereal feel. - Scrapbooking
Creating a scrapbook album is a great way to collect memories in one place. You can fill it with pictures, locks of hair, ticket stubs, greeting cards, letters, poems, and songs. Any item that reflects the spirit of the deceased and your time together can be included. Your expenses will likely include the scrapbook, scissors, glue and pens, which can cost less than $100. - Memorial Funds
A memorial fund can take many forms. It can be as simple as an annual donation to a cause that was near to your loved one's heart or it can be a large scholarship fund in their name. The important part isn't how much money you have for the memorial, but that it's for a cause the loved one would approve of.
There’s no right or wrong way to honor a loved one who is no longer with you. You can try one or all of these ideas to keep their memory alive. The important thing is to deal with the loss in a constructive way and find something to do that will provide you with a sense of peace to counteract the tough days.
