When we asked for special ways to remember loved ones, Kat Schilling shared a beautiful story. She lost her son Zach to cancer at 16. On the anniversary, she used money from her tax refund to do good deeds for people in her town. This made a tough day a bit easier for her. Many others on CaringBridge find helping others is a great way to honour their loved ones too.
Some ideas families mentioned were keeping a special item, supporting a cause they cared about, or donating to a charity. They also talked about planting trees or flowers. And they find special meaning in dedicating events to their memory or starting new family traditions. These steps help keep their loved ones’ memories alive.
Cherishing Memories: Tangible Keepsakes and Tributes
Keeping something special helps one remember a loved one. CaringBridge families have kept pillows from their shirts and teddy bears from their ties. Some have even saved rims from their loved one’s truck. These keepsakes make the families feel close to their lost ones. They are a way to keep their memories alive.
Supporting Causes Close to Their Heart
CaringBridge families find helping others a great way to remember their loved ones. They have done things like host events and raise money for charity. This includes helping children by collecting stuffed animals and supporting cancer research. These efforts let the families celebrate their loved ones in a positive way.
Creating Living Tributes
Many families have planted trees or gardens to remember someone special. These living tributes help keep the families connected. For example, they might dedicate a garden in their loved one’s name. These nature-based memorials provide a calm place to remember and celebrate the memories.
Honouring loved ones: Establishing New Traditions
Bringing the community closer by remembering loved ones is deeply meaningful. CaringBridge families honour their dear ones in several ways. They organise events like choir seasons and candle making. They also hold picnics and celebrations to remember and celebrate those they’ve lost.
Dedicating Events and Celebrations
Organising an event in memory of a loved one can bring people together. CaringBridge families find comfort in coming together for choir seasons or making candles. They also enjoy picnics and gatherings. These events are opportunities to remember and celebrate their lost family members.
Sharing Stories and Photos
Sharing stories and photos keeps memories of loved ones alive. Families find joy in telling stories to the younger generation. They light candles by photos and place these beloved memories in the heart of their homes. This way, the spirits of their loved ones continue to be with them.
Honouring Their Legacy Through Purposeful Living
Many families say one way to honour a missing loved one is to live fully. They suggest trying to be your best self. They believe this is what your loved one would have wanted. It keeps their memory alive.
Travelling with a purpose can help with this. It lets you connect with different places and people. This can bring peace and new ways to think about loss. Meeting others who share your experience can be very comforting.
Travel can also push you to face your fears. It makes you stronger after losing someone. Supporting local cultures helps keep your loved one’s memory alive. Through all this, you inspire others. This is a powerful way to remember your special person.