Death is a part of life. It is inevitable, and we all must deal with losing someone we love very much at one point or another. Yet it terrifies us. Not so much the thought that we will one day leave this mortal coil, but more that we will have to experience and cope with grief – one of the most challenging emotions we will ever have to deal with.

To help us with the long and arduous grieving process, we find ways to keep our loved ones alive in our hearts and minds. We display their images, play their favourite music, prepare their favourite meals on special occasions, and take the time to toast them on birthdays and the anniversaries of their death.

“Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them” – George Eliot

In Mexico, they celebrate ‘Día de los Muertos’ (The Day of the Dead) on the 2^nd of November each year. On this day, people gather to remember their the loved ones they have lost, building altars, and offering food, drink, and other gifts to the spirits of the departed. The celebration is meant to show that death is not the end of life but rather a transition to a new form of existence.

I mention this because I am especially moved by one particular belief of theirs. That you are only truly gone when the very last person who remembers you passes over to the afterlife.

“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

There are many creative ways to memorialise loved ones that can help you feel connected to them and keep their memory alive. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Talk about them: This is the simplest but sometimes the most difficult. And not because you don’t want to. It’s usually others who feel they want to avoid mentioning the dead in case they upset you. But they need to know that you want to talk about them. You need to talk about them. Normalise it.
2. A memory box: A memory box is a beautiful way to keep treasured items and mementos that remind you of your loved one. You can include photos, letters, favourite things, and other personal belongings.
3. Plant a tree: Planting a tree in memory of a lost love is a peaceful, long-lasting way to keep their memory alive. You can visit the tree as it grows and watch it thrive. Take time to sit in its shade and contemplate when you need to feel especially close to your loved one.
4. Create a photo collage: Collecting photos of your loved one and creating a photo collage can be a beautiful and special way to celebrate their life. You can display the collage in your home or create smaller versions to give to family and friends.
5. Write a letter: Writing a letter to someone you are grieving can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings and emotions. You can share memories, thoughts, and feelings you may not have had a chance to express before or share new experiences that you have had to have without them.
6. Get a tattoo: You’d be surprised how many people who swore they would never get a tattoo changed their minds and got one in memory of a loved one. It is a personal and permanent way to honour their memory. You can choose a design that is meaningful to you and represents your loved one’s personality or interests.
7. Place a memorial bench in a special place: If your loved one had a favourite spot, such as a park or garden, you could place a memorial bench dedicated to them. It’s a beautiful way to create a lasting tribute that others can enjoy, and it’s a place you can go to be with them when you need to.
8. Have a piece of cremation jewellery made: Cremation jewellery is a unique way to keep a small portion of your loved one’s ashes close to your heart. Many beautiful designs are available, from pendants to bracelets, which can be customised to your liking. 
9. Create a Memory Keepsake: Creating a memory keepsake, such as a quilt, pillow, or stuffed toy out of your loved one’s favorite clothes, can be a comforting way to hold onto their memory. You can use pieces of their clothing to create a unique and personalised keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. It’s a beautiful way to keep your loved one close to you and bring some comfort during times of grief.

There is no right or wrong way to memorialise a loved one. What matters is finding something that feels meaningful and special to you. Take the time to grieve and process your emotions in your own way – you don’t have to rush the healing process, and it’s okay to seek support. Remember, your loved one will always hold a special place in your heart, and their memory will live on through the creative ways you choose to remember them.