A holiday commemorating a person’s death is unusual.People from both urban and rural areas celebrate death anniversaries. Most people are at a loss for words when it comes to consolation. In this circumstance, death anniversary quotes can be useful.
After all, how can you “celebrate” a life that is no longer with you, a life that you miss so much? How can you grieve while also healing? Is it possible to recall a loved one without being overwhelmed, or should you strive to forget or ignore the day they passed away?
What if you’re a friend of someone who has lost a spouse or child? On the anniversary of their loved one’s death, how can you console them? Is there anything you should do or say?
Here are some ideas for remembering loved ones as the year’s pass.
We have suggestions for those who are mourning as well as those who want to support and console a bereaved friend.
Is It Appropriate to Commemorate a Death Anniversary?
Yes, in our opinion. However, the term “celebrate” should be used with caution. Perhaps the words memorialise, honour, recall, or observe are more appropriate.
But the concept is the same: it’s important to remember the loss of a loved one on the anniversary of their death. The form of mourning will alter with time, but that empty place will always remain there.
It was a genuine individual who died. They were real people who deserved to be remembered, treasured, and respected. Even if they had flaws (and we all do! ), their life made a huge impact on a lot of people. It is beneficial to recognise this.
So, however, you want to commemorate a death anniversary, whether major or small and whatever you choose to do, from a quiet time of writing to a full-fledged party, you should do so.
Guide to Death Anniversaries
Yes, a death anniversary should be commemorated. Let’s talk about some options.
First, we’ll go over ways to commemorate the death anniversary of a loved one.
Second, we’ll show you how to support a grieving friend as the anniversary of their loved one’s death approaches.
Part I: Marking the Death Anniversary of a Loved One
It’s been a year since you lost your beloved. Maybe even more. How can you honour their life on the anniversary of their death?
Here are a few unique ideas.
Ideas for the First Death Anniversary
Taking a Day Off
It’ll be a difficult day. It’s been a year, but it feels like only a few days. Although your grief may have subsided a little, you will most likely feel raw on the “day off.” Make time to grieve, journal, reflect, pray, stroll, or just curl up on the sofa.
Allow yourself a day off from work. Don’t plan any major events, and feel free to forego some of your daily responsibilities. Set aside some time to reflect.
Read
Get a leaflet or book that offers advice and support from people who have been through similar situations. Reading other people’s opinions allows you to learn and grow in ways that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own.
Here are some useful links:
- Elizabeth Elliot’s book Facing the Death of Someone You Love (small pamphlet)
- Jan Warner’s Grief Day by Day (collection of quotes, readings, and questions for contemplation)
- John W. James’ The Grief Recovery Handbook (20th-anniversary edition of a classic work)
- Richard Baxter and J.I. Packer’s A Grief Sanctified (a 17th century Puritan’s homage to his wife, with a modern pastor’s comments)
- It’s All Right If You’re Not Fine. (How to Grieve in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand Grief) by Megan Devine
- S. Lewis’s Observation of Grief (one of the classic grief memoirs in the English language)
Write
Today is a wonderful day to write down your thoughts in a journal. Make a poem or a list of your loved one’s recollections. What would you say if your loved one was standing directly in front of you right now?
Writing is a great way to relieve stress. Get a good notebook to keep a mourning journal in, write a letter on fine stationery, or start typing in a notepad on your computer.
Keep the notebook or digital file and add to it at least once a year, on the anniversary of the event. You’ll be able to look back on prior entries to observe how your grief and thinking have changed over time.
Thank-you notes should be written.
Some people have a strong desire to succeed. If that describes you, the first anniversary might be a good time to go through all of your sympathy cards and write thank-you notes.
As you accomplish a task and study all of the messages of comfort from family and friends, this type of “work” can be a healthy source of healing and consolation.
Photos to Print
Like many of us in this digital age, you almost certainly have a camera with you at all times. Choose some photographs to print from your phone’s photos (or your social media accounts).
Many providers allow you to print images directly from Instagram or other websites. You can simply take your phone to any printer and have the photos printed from it. Otherwise, contact the printers and email/upload the files you want to be printed, or bring a zip drive containing the files with you.
It’s a good idea to start on this on the first anniversary of your loved one’s death. Before then, it may seem too soon; for a year, many of these details will be forgotten.
Make Memorial Jewelry Unique
Get them a necklace with their name or signature etched on it, as well as their birthstone if they have one.
You can get memorial jewellery that includes compartments for a tiny amount of their ashes. This is a great memorial idea and a way to “keep them near to your heart” if your loved one was cremated.
Make a donation or volunteer for a good cause.
On the anniversary of a loved one’s death, some people believe that assisting others is the finest way to remember their memory. This is a lovely and meaningful tribute if your loved one had a golden heart and liked to serve others.
Death anniversaries retain a unique place in the hearts of those who have lost a loved one. This has been a long-standing custom among both urban and rural residents.