https://www.thegiftedtree.com/memorial-gift-tree/


https://inthelighturns.com/


https://inthelighturns.com/


https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2020/06/06/coronavirus-digital-time-capsule-apps-help-record-archive-memories/3154990001/

7 Ways to Remember a Loved One
Losing a loved one can be extremely difficult and emotional. And while
nothing can replace their physical presence, there are plenty of ways to
remember them and their legacy. In doing so, you can keep a piece of
them alive and honor their legacy for many years to come.
1. Plant a Tree or Create a Memorial Garden
One of the most beautiful and lasting ways to remember someone is by
planting a tree or creating a memorial garden in their honor. Trees
symbolize life, growth, and the ongoing presence of your loved one.
Every time you see the tree bloom or change with the seasons, it’s a
reminder of their legacy and the way they’ve shaped your life.
You could plant a tree in a place that holds special meaning, such as
their favorite park or your backyard. If gardening was a passion of
theirs, you can take it one step further by creating a memorial garden.
Fill it with their favorite flowers, plants, or herbs. The process of
tending to the garden can be a therapeutic way to feel close to them
and reflect on the memories you shared.
2. Have Your Loved One Cremated
While burial has been the traditional choice for most people over the
past several centuries, there’s something to be said for cremation –
especially if you want to remember your loved one daily.
“We understand that every person has their own unique way of
remembering a loved one," says Susan Fraser, founder of In The Light
Urns.
"Whether it's taking a portion of the ashes to a favorite fishing spot and
scattering them, carrying them to a mountaintop to do the same, or
wearing them in a keepsake pendant with their picture on it, the
options are as individual as the people we serve. With shared ashes,
many family members choose these and other meaningful ways to keep
their connection alive—whether that’s through displaying a special
keepsake at home, scattering in a cherished location, or carrying a
symbol of love with them wherever they go.”
3. Dedicate a Park Bench or Public Space
If your loved one had a favorite place, such as a park, beach, or hiking
trail, dedicating a bench or public space in their name is a wonderful
way to honor them. Many cities offer programs that allow families to
donate a bench, tree, or plaque in memory of someone, which is then
placed in a public area.
A dedicated bench can serve as a physical place where you, friends,
and family members can sit and reflect. It also allows the broader
community to share in the memory of your loved one, keeping their
legacy alive in a place they cherished. Whether it’s a bench overlooking
a scenic view or a plaque at a local park, it’s a lasting tribute that
honors their love for the outdoors and the spaces they enjoyed.
4. Create a Digital Memory Archive
Creating a memory archive can be a meaningful and innovative way to
remember your loved one. A digital memory archive allows you to
collect photos, videos, letters, and stories in one place, where they can
be easily shared.
You can invite family members and friends to contribute their own
memories, creating a collaborative space where everyone can share
how that person impacted their lives. Platforms like memorial websites
or social media pages dedicated to your loved one can serve as a virtual
memory book. Over time, this digital space becomes a growing archive
of stories and memories that keep your loved one’s spirit alive.
5. Commission Artwork in Their Memory
For a truly unique and personal tribute, consider commissioning a piece
of artwork in your loved one’s memory. Art has the ability to capture
emotion and spirit in ways that words sometimes cannot. Whether it’s a
painting, sculpture, or music composed in their honor, artwork can
serve as a lasting reminder of their life and legacy.
If your loved one had a favorite artist or style, you can reflect that in
the commissioned piece. You could have a portrait created, or
something more abstract that symbolizes their personality, values, or
the relationship you shared.
Not only does this create a beautiful piece of art for your home, but it
also becomes a conversation piece, allowing you to share their story
with others who see it. It’s a meaningful way to honor their memory in
a creative and lasting form.
6. Wear a Keepsake or Piece of Jewelry
Sometimes, the most powerful memories come from the little things.
Wearing a keepsake or piece of jewelry that reminds you of your loved
one is a subtle yet powerful way to keep them close to your heart every
day. This could be something they used to wear, such as a watch,
necklace, or ring, or it could be a new piece of jewelry made in their
memory.
Some people choose to have custom jewelry designed that incorporates
a special symbol, birthstone, or even a small portion of their loved one’s
ashes. You might also carry a keepsake, such as a locket with their
photo, or a keychain with an inscription that holds significance.
These small, personal items can offer comfort in moments when you’re
missing them most, and they serve as a daily reminder that their
memory lives on in your life.
7. Create Small, Daily Reminders
You don’t need to wait for anniversaries or special occasions to
remember your loved one. Incorporating small, daily reminders into
your routine is a beautiful way to honor them every day. This could be
as simple as listening to their favorite song while you cook dinner,
lighting a candle in their memory, or wearing something that belonged
to them.
You could even set aside a few moments each day to reflect on your
favorite memories with them, or write in a journal about how they
continue to influence your life. These little acts of remembrance help to
integrate their legacy into your daily life, reminding you that they are
always with you in spirit.
Putting it All Together
A loved one is never truly lost, so long as their memory lives on. And if
you’re really intentional about it, there are hundreds of ways to keep
the memory of your loved one going months and years after they pass
away from this life.