Creating Holiday Memorials In Honor of Your Child
DONATIONS:
Time, money, talent and other resources are your gifts. When you give those gifts to others that have less than you do, then both of you are richer. Donating to charities or volunteering your time to a worthy organization are wonderful ways to memorialize your child.
STOCKINGS:
Hanging the stocking on the mantle at Christmas is a particularly poignant experience. You might consider hanging a stocking for your child and then having family members write messages to your baby and put them in the stocking. You have the option to share these, keep them and put them in a diary or memory book, or surrender them to the ashes in the fireplace as a ritual of healing.
SCHOLARSHIP:
The gift of educating a needy student in memory of your child is a wonderful way of perpetuating the deeper values in our society. You may wish to establish a fund that grows on a yearly basis, or make a one-time award.
CANDLES:
The soft glow of a memorial candle, the blaze from a menorah or the practical light from a lantern all have a special place during celebration. Candles are placed on a birthday cake in honor of life. Candles are lit at the funeral as we grieve a death. The symbol of a light in darkness is universal in representing hope. Light a memorial candle in honor of your child at a certain time each day and spend a few moments in meditation, reflection or prayer.
PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM:
Spending time with your favorite photos of your child is a lovely way to enhance a holiday. Gathering your memories and sharing them with trusted others is not only healing, but may serve as a new tradition. Putting together a shadow box is also a way of gathering your memories.
The above information was printed with permission from Accord Aftercare Services - 1941 Bishop Lane, Suite 202 - Louisville, KY 40218-1927 - 800.346.3087
Editors Note: Don't forget the Kindness Project - A worldwide movement of love and remembrance for the children who lived, who died and who, even in death, matter…
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