Celebrating The Anniversary Of A Loved One’s Death

There is something peculiar about death anniversaries. When a life that you miss so dearly has passed, how can you "celebrate" it? What is the best way to grieve and heal at the same time? Should you ignore or forget the death of a loved one, or can you remember it without becoming overwhelmed? Consider the situation if you are close to a family member or friend whose spouse or child died. During the anniversary of the death of a loved one, how do you comfort them? Is there anything you should do or say? Here are some thoughts on how to remember loved ones as the years go by after funeral homes in Greenwood, IN. 

Take the Day Off 

There will be a lot of challenges today. I feel like it has only been a day or two since the last anniversary. Although your grief may have subsided, you may still feel raw on the "day of". Spend some time grieving, journaling, contemplating, praying, walking, or just lying on the couch. Leave work early today. Make sure you don't plan any major activities, and you can skip some daily chores. Remember to set aside some time. 

Write Down Your Feelings 

You should journal your thoughts today. Describe your loved one in a poem or in a memory. If your loved one were here right now, what would you say? There is a great deal of therapeutic value in writing. You can keep a grief journal in a notebook, write a letter on nice stationery, or type away on your computer's notepad. Every year, add to the notebook or digital file. By looking back at previous entries, you can see how your grief and mindset have changed over time. 

Print Some Photos 

As many of us carry cameras around every minute of the day in this digital age, you probably own one as well. You can choose photos to print from your phone's pictures (or from social media). Instagram and other websites offer services that allow you to print directly from them. In many printers, you can also take your phone in with photos and they will print them for you. If you want the files printed otherwise, you'll need to contact the printer and email/upload them, or bring a zip drive with them. 

Visit Their Final Resting Place 

It is traditional to pay your respects at the grave site on the day of your loved one's passing. In modern times, this could be a grave at the cemetery, or it could be a mausoleum, the place where you scattered their ashes, or the place where you kept their cremated remains at home. However, if their cremated remains are kept at home, it could also be another place that has special meaning to you. The urn could even be brought with you. Visit the cemetery and bring flowers. If you plan on sitting a while, bring a pop-up travel chair with you. 

After having services at funeral homes in Greenwood, IN you may still need to celebrate the anniversary of your loved one’s death. The tips above can help you with that. If you need help planning a funeral service for your loved one, be sure to give us a call.