by MARSHALL BONE
Once a loved one has passed, it can feel like a chapter is closed. However, a beloved person is never really gone from your life and is always a part of you as long as you keep that individual’s spirit alive. Even after a loved one has departed, you can continue to remember them in various ways. There are five heartfelt and practical ways to express your love to stay connected to a departed loved one.
Memorialize in a Unique Way
Regardless of who you’ve lost, they were a unique individual with a distinctive spirit. To stay connected to that person, think about memorializing them in a fitting way. For some people, this involves a customized urn designed to capture who they are and their passions. These urns can take the shape of a loved one’s favorite car, special hobby, or favorite animal. Best of all, the container is always nearby for you to look at and cherish.
Jewelry is another way to remember a loved one. You can incorporate your loved one’s ashes into a beautiful necklace or ring. Imagine how connected you’ll feel to your loved one by literally wearing a piece of them. You can feel as if they are always with you.
Keep Communication Open
Communicating with your loved one can be as simple as writing a letter. It’s the perfect way to express your feelings in a beautiful and meaningful way. Not only does it keep a line of communication open, but writing can be therapeutic for many, especially during the grieving process. Through writing, you have the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in greater depth. Putting your words down on paper directly to your loved one can be something you constantly return to get you through tough times down the road.
Open Up To Charity
Maybe your loved one had a favorite charitable cause. You can do something as simple as making a monetary donation in your loved one’s honor. In some cases, you can give away their belongings to help the needy. If you have the time and want to go deeper to stay connected, consider volunteering at that special place. Not only will you be doing a good deed, but it’s a great way to keep your loved one’s memory alive and well through something actionable. While volunteering, you’ll have the chance to see why this was such a close cause to the departed, further keeping you connected.
Celebrate Birthdays/Anniversaries
Anybody who’s lost a close person in their life knows how difficult birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and especially the anniversaries of their passings can be. Instead of feeling forlorn on those days, you can use them to celebrate that special person. Regardless of your beloved one’s departure, they are always worthy of celebratory milestones they would enjoy if they were still alive. Gathering close family and friends can make everybody feel like the departed is still present.
Treasure Their Belongings
Maybe your mom had a favorite sweater she liked to wear, or perhaps your husband had a treasured watch he wore every day. Possessing any of those items allows you to feel your loved one’s presence. Not only can you touch and hold it, but depending on the possession, you might be able to hold on to that person’s scent. By engaging all your senses, it’s like a part of them is there with you anytime you embrace the item.
Regardless of how you stay connected to your loved one, it’s all about expressing your love. It doesn’t matter what shape it takes as long as you keep them front and center. Once this happens, you’ll always feel their presence and keep their memory alive.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
