Resources For Grief Blog
Welcome to this online journal for caregivers to the dying or bereaved—important and challenging work, for sure! My goal is to support you by providing inspirational thoughts, pertinent resources, and suggestions for self-care. With appreciation for all you do!
- Rebecca Hauder
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Honor the Lives of Your Departed Loved Ones
March 18, 2021
Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything. ~C.S. Lewis
March 11 marked the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus outbreak being declared a pandemic. Since then, one in three Americans has lost a family member or friend to the virus leaving an incredible number of surviving family and friends adjusting to a new and painful reality. My family too has been impacted, having lost a beloved sister-in-law and aunt.
Speaking from personal experience, as well as many years counseling the bereaved, I know we heal and adjust best to a loved one's death when we find meaningful ways to honor and remember them—continuing a bond, so to speak. Grief and Loss research supports this as well. But, just how do we maintain those bonds?
A number of years ago I read with interest an article on the Houzz website, an online community of interior design and decorating, about ways to honor a departed loved one within our homes. I've summarized below the author's practical and meaningful suggestions, which I hope will be helpful to you.
- Plant a tree, bush or flower in your loved one’s honor.
- Place a sampling of their books in an obvious place for others to enjoy.
- Create a collage of photos to display or hang their portrait on the wall.
- Place a memento from their hometown in an obvious place.
- Display a piece of their special collection or hobby in some way.
- Invite children to draw pictures of their favorite memories and display them.
- Light a remembrance candle on special occasions.
Remember, we don’t leave deceased loved ones behind. Rather, we carry them with us throughout our lives.
Warm regards, Rebecca Hauder, RN, LCPC
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