Sharing memories at a memorial service is an important part of the funeral ceremony. It allows friends and family to fondly recall the significant moments, contributions and stories of a loved one.
Sharing memories also has a healing affect during the grief process.
After the funeral service is over, it’s also important to keep your memories alive, not just for you but for generations to come: Here are some simply ways to do so (courtesy of Legacy.com)
- Display photographs where you can see them often, and use them as a way to share a story with other family members and friends.
- Prepare and integrate family recipes into your daily life and holidays and let everyone know their history.
- Share copies of your loved one’s recipes.
- Use a family heirloom, such as a serving piece, at holiday time, reminding your family of its history and all the occasions it’s served.
- Pass on family heirlooms to family members that will use and treasure both the item and the memory.
- Tell stories and tell them often. Your personal stories will become part of your family’s history.
- Copy documents and share them with other family members to preserve and cherish your loved ones.
- Document personal history and memories, creating a written story to be passed down to generations to come.
- Visit your family memorial on significant occasions such as Mother’s or Father’s Day, the holidays or birthdays. Share stories and recall the wonderful memories of a life well lived.
*Portions of this blog are from an article written by Robbie Miller Kaplan for LegacyConnect, Legacy’s grief support center. It was originally published on April 18, 2010.