How to memorialize a loved one

Losing a loved one to death is painful. They take a part of our lives with them that can never be filled by anyone or anything else. That is why we often look for ways to preserve their memory or keep them in mind long after the funeral is over.

To hold on to the legacy of someone who is deceased, here are a few ideas for cherishing their memories. You may be able to come up with variations of these ideas or something different altogether, but the main idea is to remember those who have gone before:

1. Fill a small scrapbook or photo album for just that person. In addition to family memorabilia in large, collective albums, set apart a small book as a tribute to the deceased loved one. It may include photographs, drawings, speeches, poems, or other artifacts created by or for the deceased relative. Organize them in chronological order to let readers review the person's entire life in pictures. You can even add captions to identify other people in the photos, dates, or settings.

2. Set aside a room's corner or nook to commemorate the person's life. A favorite figurine, plaque, award, or trophy can be placed on the mantel alongside a framed photo surrounded by favorite floral arrangements. Or get a multi-photo tri-fold frame and fill it with photos from all stages of the person's life. An oft-worn cap or a walking cane can offer simple but precious memories of the departed one, as can a favorite magazine or collector’s items setting nearby.

3. Fill a box or chest of special memories from the person's life. Books, letters, diaries, pictures, plaques, or other things that held meaning for the deceased loved one. You can add things that the person indirectly enjoyed as well, like recipes, restaurant menus, or ticket stubs. Whether they fill a shoebox or a trunk, you will enjoy a stroll down memory lane when you open it and browse the wealth of thoughts and feelings that accompany you.

4. Make a donation in the relative's name. Choose a charity or organization that the person thought highly of or supported when alive. Then make a one-time or annual contribution in memory of your family member. You may want to enclose a short note to explain how your relative appreciated this organization and mention that you will continue to wish them well or help as you can when special needs arise.

5. Support causes that your loved one believed in. Even if you can't directly mention your family member or friend by name, when you get involved, you will help to carry on your loved one's interests and values. Every time you make a donation of time or money, you will be helping to keep your loved one's memory alive and share a special offering of your resources that would make the departed one feel good.

Valuing our loved ones after their departure helps to preserve memories, build family legacies, and connect one generation to another.