We all face loss at different walks of life, and many of us try to preserve the memories for as long as we possibly can. If you have recently lost a loved one and would like to preserve his or her memory in a unique way, we can help. Our comprehensive guide includes a variety of memorial ideas for you and your family. Any of the memorials in our article can be used in conjunction with a funeral service or an ash scattering ceremony. Keep reading to learn more.
Plant a Memorial Tree
Now more than ever, families are turning to eco-friendly methods to commemorate their loved ones. Living memorials provide a creative way to honor the life of your loved one by emphasizing life rather than death. By planting a tree or a memorial garden, you shift focus away from sorrow and toward the celebration of a well-lived life.
Build a Bird Feeder or House
Keepsakes that remind you of a loved one are always valuable, but consider a keepsake that gives back to the birds that visit your home throughout the changing seasons. Birdhouses can be store-bought or homemade, and they will provide a sanctuary to birds without nests. Bird feeders make wonderful memorials for anyone that appreciated the true beauty of wildlife or the songs of local birds. These relics can also be symbolic of the final flight we all take.
Release Birds or Butterflies
Anyone with an affinity for nature can appreciate a final farewell that incorporates some of the earth’s most magical creatures. A butterfly release is a beautiful way to celebrate life rather than the sorrow we feel following a loss. You might choose to hold a dove release instead. Doves have often been symbols of angels, spirits, and souls.
Design Keepsake Jewelry
Memorial jewelry is an excellent option for anyone whose loved one has asked to be cremated. Rather than scatter, bury, or display your loved one’s cremated remains, keep a portion of the ashes with you at all times in a truly unique necklace or bracelet. Memorial jewelry can be given to family members and friends of the deceased for safekeeping.
Create a Memorial Fund
Memorial funds and scholarships are wonderful ways to promote the qualities or passions of the deceased. If your loved one passed from an illness or spent time volunteering to a specific cause, a charitable contribution is another great way to perpetuate the spirit and interests of your loved one.
There are many memorial ideas available to you, and there’s a fair chance that the memorial you choose will help you to find meaning in the loss of a loved one.