The practice of memorialisation has been around for millennia and is an integral part of every culture. More and more people are now choosing to honour the life of a deceased loved one through some kind of memorial, since many no longer have a place of burial to visit or lay flowers due to the increased popularity of cremation.
There are endless possibilities for remembering someone who has passed and doing so often plays a big part in the healing process after losing someone important. Here are a few ideas from Stockman & Loram to help you decide how to memorialise your loved one in a special and meaningful way.
Get a memorial plaque or headstone
Physical memorials such as plaques or headstones are a great option, as they are long-lasting and serve as an easy, accessible place for people to remember whoever has passed for many years to come. Having a physical, permanent place to visit can be extremely beneficial throughout the grieving and healing process.
These kinds of memorials are infinitely customisable, meaning you can make them as personal and as meaningful as you like. Not only do you get to choose a suitable location for the memorial, but also the material, style, and engraving you’d like to have on it.
Plant a tree or garden
In a similar vein, planting a memorial tree or garden can be a hugely meaningful way to honour the life of a loved one – particularly if they themselves loved nature or gardening. If they had a favourite tree or flower, this can be an especially personal way of memorialising the person you’ve lost. Alternatively, they may have just had a favourite community garden or park that would serve as the perfect location for them to be remembered by those who loved them.
Nature-oriented memorials are also symbolically significant: when a tree or garden is properly nourished, new life blossoms. Not only does this create something positive out of an otherwise upsetting life experience, but it also creates a beautiful, permanent place for remembrance.
Contribute to a charitable organisation
Whether your loved one was passionate about a cause or charity during their lifetime or you want to give back to an organisation that supported your loved one, donations and/or volunteering are incredible ways to memorialise someone who has passed. It can be extremely moving to meet other people who knew your loved one, and helping others or giving yourself a sense of purpose can be really helpful when grieving.
You could also ask for donations from those offering condolences. Many people are now requesting donations to a specific charity instead of flowers. Alternatively, you could organise a fundraising event on a meaningful day – for example, the deceased’s birthday or an anniversary. This will allow anyone they left behind to come together and keep their memory alive, all while doing something good for a cause that meant a lot to them.
These are just a few of the many wonderful ways you can keep the memory of your loved one alive after their passing. Stockman & Loram can help you organise the perfect funeral and memorial for your loved one – we’ll gladly take some of the weight off your shoulders so that you can say a proper goodbye when it matters most. Contact us today for more information.
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