Losing a loved one of the most painful things you can endure and a big challenge to face. The pain of losing someone might feel overwhelming so just take your time and don’t rush the process. You can expect to feel a rollercoaster of different emotions, from sadness, fear and guilt.

It can help to return to all your wonderful memories of a lifetime spent together. There are different ways you can honour someone you have lost. Working through those can often help you learn to accept what has happened and try and come to terms with it in a healthy way.

Photo Memories

My favourite way of capturing memories is through photos. I love living life to the full and recollecting all the wonderful things we have done with family and friends. I know those photos will give me comfort further down the line. Many people make photo books when they lose someone so they can celebrate their life! A photo book is a great way to hold on to all the most precious memories.

I always make sure I take lots of photos of the boys with their grandparents. Now they are in their late 70’s I want them to cherish every moment they have together. I don’t want to look back and have regrets that we didn’t make the most of the time we had as a family.

Pay Tribute

One way that people remember those they have loved and lost is through a tribute.  Age UK have some suggestions of how you can donate in memory of a loved one so you can help other elderly people have a better life. Raising money for a cause that was important to them can be a meaningful way to remember them.

Make A Memory Box

Some people find making up a memory box can help them cope better with the loss. You fill the box with all the different things that bring back memories of them. The box works as a strategy to contain your grief. When you open the box, you can connect with your loved one again. You can include items like photos and jewellery, letters and A CD with music they liked to listen to. Anything that reconnects you with the person you lost.

Use Old Clothing

Using old clothing as a bereavement keepsake can help. Especially if it still smells of them. I love the shirt memory cushions people make. You can keep those memories preserved in a cushion you can cuddle up to at night when the loneliness of grief can be hard to bear.

Plant A Tree

A tree is seen as a symbol of life. Planting a tree in their name only gives you somewhere to visit and think about the person you have lost. You can make the whole process of planting the tree a healing ritual. You could try singing their favourite song or reading their favourite poem whilst it happens.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help you channel your grief after losing a loved one into pursuits that will help you heal. Rather than drowning in misery which is so easy to do when your in pain, you can put your energies into reminiscing and celebrating what they meant to you.