Personal Memorials

When I face loss (of things, people, relationships, dreams) sometimes the emotions, the grief, are overwhelming. Sometimes I don't have the words to express what I need or the understanding to move on. Some loss is easier. Some are hard. Some are just confusing.

This past week our family faced the loss of an estranged family member. Having never met him and really knowing very little, I wasn't sure how I should feel at this loss. Sad seemed appropriate, but not easy. I wanted to remember him in some way, but attending the funeral was simply not an option. Sometimes I frame artwork or purchase a special piece of jewelry, write a letter or plant a tree, I've even written messages on a helium latex balloon and released it at a location of significance.

Together the family decided to have a memorial where those with memories could share and everyone could place flowers in the river. We remembered the loss and how important our relationships are to each other. We had dinner and created new memories.

How do you grieve or remember what is lost?