Memorial Day: Like Grief, It’s All About Remembrance
3 Minute Read
Make Your Own Memorial For Your Loved One
Monday is the national holiday -- Memorial Day -- which honors those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
The word “memorial” means “something established to remind people of a person or event.” It comes in many forms for the deceased -- memorial events, memorial plaques, monuments and special things related to their “memory.” Memorials are important so that we may always “remember” the deceased and their life.
What Memorial Means:
The word “memorial” comes from the Latin “memos,” which means “mindful”. That makes sense, since when we explore our memories, we once again become mindful of our loved one.
Memories are where our loved ones continue to live after they’ve died. That’s why we hold onto objects that remind us of them and go to places where we feel their presence. In time, those memories that once caused grief can provide a sense of comfort, love, and remembrance.
When dealing with grief, remembrance is an established principle that helps heal, so we can go on living our lives in meaningful ways.
Suggested Read: Grief Affects Your Relationships
Importance Of Memorials
A memorial made in honor of a loved one also serves as an everlasting tribute to a life well lived and a life worth remembering.
It is a representation of that person and how they lived; it is a final gift.
Here’s an interesting article from The New York Times about the importance of memorials and rituals.
How To Make This Memorial Day Special
This Memorial Day, why not devote a few minutes to creating a memorial for your loved one?
Here Are a Few Ideas:
Make a collage of photos of things that interested them or remind you of them
Gather photos together to make a scrapbook. This article can help you do that. Creating Memorial Albums After Loss (scrapbook.com)
Make a music playlist of his/her favorite songs
Make a recipe collection of their favorite recipes that you enjoyed
Write a tale of the traditions that your loved one created for the family
Make a favorite meal or food to honor your person on Memorial Day
Participate in an activity that your loved one was passionate about – walking, running, swimming, sitting poolside, barbecuing
Meditate for a few minutes and call to mind some special thoughts of your loved one
MAKE YOUR OWN MEMORIAL — let me know if you come up with a new idea. Email me at jillgriefcounselor@gmail.com.
Be safe this Memorial Day, and remember to remember.
And if you think grief counseling would be beneficial for you and help you with memorializing your loved one, email me at jillgriefcounselor@gmail.com and see if I can support you in your grief.
