Resources For Grief Blog

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.

1. Plant a tree, bush or flower in your loved one’s honor. 
2. Place a sampling of their books in an obvious place for others to enjoy. 
3. Create a collage of photos to display or hang their portrait on the wall.
4. Place a memento from their hometown in an obvious place.
5. Display a piece of their special collection or hobby in some way.
6. Invite children to draw pictures of their favorite memories and display them.
7. 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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