Honoring The Memory Of The Departed In The New Year

By Monica Phillips

After the loss of a loved one, the subsequent New Year's Eve can be a particularly melancholy event. The happy and optimistic theme that normally accompanies this holiday is replaced with feelings of loneliness and uncertainly as to what the future may hold. One way to help lift the fog of sadness is to make a resolution to honor the memory of the departed in the coming New Year in ways that he or she would have appreciated. Some suggested activities may include:

• Organize a charity fund raising event in the name of the deceased. The function should reflect a hobby or interest that the loved one was fond of. Suggested events include golf tournaments, walk-a-thon, or a barbecue.

• Invite family and friends for a picture scrapbook party. The attendees will be asked to bring their favorite pictures of the departed on a flash drive. After the party, these pictures can be scanned into a computer and then organized using an online memorial scrapbook program.

• Celebrate the deceased's birthday in the manner that you believe he or she would want you to.

• Plan and construct a garden to commemorate the memory of the lost loved one. The garden should contain plants and flowers that were favorites of the deceased. Many people choose to use memorial stones or benches as centerpieces for this living tribute to the departed. A memorial garden can be used as a quiet sanctuary to reflect on the life of the loved one.

• In honor of the deceased, hang a simple wind chime where it can be easily seen and heard. The chime's soft melodies will help to provide a pathway to memories of past times shared with the loved one. Many wind chimes offer special memorial inscriptions.

• At a special family event such as a wedding or baptisms, if the deceased was a parent or grandparent of one the principal participants, display a framed photo of the lost loved one.

• Celebrate cherished memories by planning a dinner that includes all of the favorite foods of your lost loved one. Invite supportive relatives and friends so you all can share both good food and happy stories of the departed.

• Plan a memorial mass or make a donation to the church of your choice in the name of the deceased.

However you choose to honor the memory of a loved one is a personal decision. The activities and events serve to remind us that our loved ones will always remain in our heart.

For additional information on memorial gifts of remembrance, contact Heart to Heart Sympathy Gifts - an online source for sympathy and memorial gifts of comfort and remembrance.

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