5 Creative Ways to Honor and Memorialize Your Loved Ones

I miss my Mom every day, sometimes all day. Especially so with Mother's Day around the corner. And of course I wish she were around because I miss our conversations, the hugs, the love. She passed away unexpectedly in 2010 but in spite of that, we were able to carry out some of her "last wishes" which we had really not thought of as "last."

Then we thought of ways to honor her memory. I started a blog to "chat" with her, because I had no one to talk to . . . no one quite like her. There never will be. Besides donating her body to a medical college, as she had wished, we started trust funds with what we had at various welfare homes. Close friends came up with wonderful suggestions, some of which we could carry out immediately.

The truth is, over 6,300 people die every hour. That equates to 55.3 million deaths every year.

Whether or not you've been forewarned and had time to make preparations, a loved one's passing is always an emotional shock to the system. In my case, it was also an emotional block. Suddenly the person you loved most in the world or counted on to always be there... isn't. Often, that reality is met with sadness, disbelief, and even anger. I know it's OK to let the emotions flow, and eventually, you'll want to focus on and recall happier memories.

Fortunately, there are some simple and creative ways to memorialize your loved ones, and I wish I had done some of these seven years ago.

Light the Way

A traditional way of memorializing a loved one is to simply light a candle. While that's not a creative solution on its own, once the internet is involved it can become an incredibly meaningful way to remember anyone who has recently passed on. Using hashtags and other mobile-based symbols of viral communication, people from all over the globe can be involved. The results can even be documented and shared via FaceTime, YouTube, or any number of video apps for a single or annual memorial.

Send Them Out with a Bang

Did you know that according to the NFDA, cremation totals surpassed traditional burials as of 2015, and the call for cremations are expected to leave burials in the dust by 2030? Not only is a cremation cheaper than a traditional burial and better for the planet, it can also lead to some pretty remarkable send-offs.

If your loved one really wants to have their ashes spread somewhere special, by all means, follow their wishes. However, as cremation is tipping the scale as the chosen burial solution, funeral homes nationwide offer firework solutions to literally allow your loved one to light up the sky. The details are handled by the funeral home, and costs range between a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Therefore, an affordable memorial does not have to be lackluster.

Make a Memorial Garden

Flowers have a secret language of their own, and many symbolize various stages of life, death, and rebirth. A memorial garden is a beautiful tactile way to keep the memory of your loved one alive for generations to come. Consider adding a few symbolic flowers, their favorite varieties, and even items from important life events such as weddings or anniversary bouquets. Perennials are especially helpful for providing beauty year after year with minimal expense. Add in fountains, stepping stones or spiral paths, and even seating areas to make your memorial truly magical and Zen.

Transform Ashes into Art

Even if you want to keep an urn on a mantel piece or sprinkle their remains, you can still incorporate some of their ashes into a stunning personal memorial. Many artists provide artwork capturing the literal essence of your loved one. Paintings, glass spheres, crystal objects, and even precious jewelry are just some of the items that can be created so they can be with you forever in more than spirit alone.

Blog your memories

Which, as you know, is what I did, at Coffee With Mi. Memories have a way of rushing in when you least expect them, and it is not always easy to find someone, and share. I found it therapeutic to open up there, recalling little things, ranting a little, talking about good things, not-so-great stuff...and generally feeling alright!

Death is an inevitable part of life's journey, but your loved ones never need to be forgotten. A little creativity goes a long way to ensuring they'll remain with you forever.

And regardless of which option(s) you choose to memorialize your dearly departed, this call recorder app can help lift and expand the experience by including a special message, conversation, or simple reminder of happier days.

After all, doesn't everyone hope their life makes a positive impact on those they leave behind?

Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury