Viewing Here Are Five Ways to Bring Healing in CommemorationHere Are Five Ways to Bring Healing in Commemoration
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Whether it is a cross or a rainbow, we all need something in our lives when a loved one dies. We need to arrive at a place of rest and peace, and to go on with our lives, whether we are 6 years old or 60. Here are 5 ways to commemorate a loved one. By Lynn Zingel Death is a robber and thief. It takes away, but grief and sorrow can give it back. As hard as it is and perhaps daunting at the time, it is possible to recover from grief with new strengths, a new focus, and a new direction. To grieve is natural and healthy. The healing process starts as you release your grief, and start to recognize and sort your emotions (which can be conflicting at times) and move to the acceptance of your loved one's death. The healing process will bring an increased awareness and new understanding. A child once told me that she had seen a rainbow near the beach where she and her deceased brother had played. She said that the rainbow was his way of letting her know that everything was okay and she should stop worrying about him. What is synonymous with New Zealand is the number of crosses that have been erected along roadways to mark the death of a loved one in a fatal accident. This is not only a reminder for the families setting up a memorial for their loved one, but has made the public aware of a death and to slow down. Many of these roadside memorials are lovingly cared for (with flowers) year after year. Whether it is a cross or a rainbow, we all need something in our lives when a loved one dies. We need to arrive at that place of rest and peace, and go on with our lives - whether we are six years old or sixty. Five Ways to Commemorate a Loved One 1. Celebrate the life on the day of death. Make this a special day for you and your family. I know of a family who always made it a fun day with a meal out and a visit to the movies. 2. Plant a tree. A tree represents new life and a living tribute to the deceased. As the tree grows tall and strong in stature, so will you and the family. 3. Display photographs. Make a display board for photos. I saw a wonderful example of photos enlarged on the photocopier then pasted on a large piece of particleboard. As the photos were not all the same size, they overlapped. The board was then sprayed with a clear sealant. It would make a wonderful activity for children. 4. Visit the grave. Let this time be a positive reflection, not occasions for sadness. You might find it comforting to voice your thoughts and feelings to the loved one. If you have children present, make sure they understand that this is not contacting the person, but rather the expression of comforting oneself. 5. Establish a commemorative tradition in the community. Create a scholarship fund at your local school, give a trophy to a football team, maintain a flowerbed in your neighborhood or city ... these are all uplifting and lasting ways to commemorate the deceased. Commemoration is a vital part of healing and recovery. It promotes acceptance of the loss and helps the survivors move forward. There is no longer any room for guilt, remorse, or regret. Instead, we are filled with love and peace. I will leave you with a prayer written in 1934 by Reinhold Niebuhr: God, grant us the serenity To accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference. About the Author: Visit StitchedPortraits.com. for commissioned portraits. Let me do an embroidered portrait from your photo. What a wonderful everlasting remembrance of your loved one. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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