Honor the Place Where Love Grew

For those grieving a beloved family member or housemate, it is understandable that they may want to leave the home they used to share with that person. While some may go through healthy grieving processes living in the house where their loved one no longer dwells, others may struggle being confronted with daily reminders of their loved one’s appearance, smells, and nuances.

Still, just because one no longer wishes to live in a space they formerly shared doesn’t mean they want to erase the memories of that place from their mind. A specially commissioned painting of the home they shared with their deceased loved one can be a powerful and beautiful tribute, especially beautiful in that it allows those still living to continue seeking happiness on Earth.
Paintings are a great idea, as are monuments and door signs. You can custom order an etching of the home engraved into a stone monument or carved into wood and painted.

Put the Sun on Their Face and the Wind at Their Backs
Unfortunately, when our loved ones pass, the moment is not always accompanied by a sense of closure.
Those still grieving on Earth may cycle through sleepless nights of “what ifs” and assign blame to themselves for that person’s passing.
In devastating losses where we did not receive closure, it is still possible to create a sense of closure. The fatigue of completing a rigorous group fitness class symbolizes a sense of closure. When juxtaposed with unresolved grief, the endorphins stemming from exercise can be associated with processing grief in a healthy way.

If the grieving person might benefit from an indoor gym membership, search for reputable gyms in your area.
Of course, if you live in an area with a well-maintained public parks system, purchase a park pass for the grieving person or accompany them on a walk at one of several locations.

Create Ambiance While Sustaining Life
An engraved stone bench is an extraordinary gift to give to someone grieving a person with a strong legacy. The ability to position the bench in a space – perhaps in a garden, along a trail, or even at a local park – allows the grieving person to establish a permanent space where they can dedicate time to nourishing themselves.

Surround it with flowers, bird feeders, bird baths, and other delightful garden sculptures to create a positive ambiance – being in this space involves a commitment to adopting the deceased person’s most beautiful qualities.

One can do many nourishing activities within this space, including journaling, praying, reflecting, and perhaps engaging in some form of artwork or creative expression. Assigning positive behaviors and feelings to the bench helps a grieving person take an empowered approach to grief versus allowing it to consume their lives and disrupt their routines.

While there will be inevitable moments of sadness during the holidays, in which a loved one’s absence is most painfully felt, there are countless opportunities to create laughter, togetherness, and joy in honor of that loved one’s memory. If you’re interested in creating a unique monument for a loved one that will give you or someone else a place to connect with them every holiday season (and anytime they desire), Gaulden Monuments stand ready to help you turn your idea into a reality.