Meaningful Memorials

• You don't have to spend a fortune memorializing your loved one with elaborate grave markers or urns. Take part in a meaningful, unique memorial such as planting a tree or garden in your loved one's honor. Celebrate the life of your loved one with a special DVD, scrapbook, photo album or new family tradition. If your loved one favored a certain cause or charity, donate a portion of the money you would've spent on an expensive grave marker. Donate books or clothing, joining a mentor program, or donating a memorial bench in your loved one's honor.
  
  

Weddings

• Large family celebrations such as weddings can make the absence of a deceased loved one especially noticeable. Consider memorializing the loved one during your wedding ceremony, but be sure to discuss it first with your future spouse and surviving immediate family of the deceased. You can place an empty chair in remembrance, light a memorial candle, dedicate a song, read, or dance to the deceased, or feature a centerpiece such as photos or a floral arrangement.
  
  

Internet Memorials

• Social networking site Facebook boasts more than 200 million active members. Maybe your loved one had an account there. While an online profile page may be the furthest thing from your mind after a tragedy, Facebook can be a valuable tool for celebrating and memorializing your loved one's life. In October 2009, Facebook announced a policy for memorializing deceased members' profiles. With proof of death, such as an obituary, Facebook will place the deceased's profile into a special status. Only confirmed friends can view the profile and will be able to post comments sharing memories. Facebook's suggestion feature often recommends you "connect with an old friend," but this feature will be disabled on memorialized profiles to avoid painful reminders.
  
  Other websites, such as Valley of Life or Legacy (see links in references and resources) exist solely for the purpose of memorializing the deceased. Create a life story memorial complete with photographs, videos, family tree and guest books where friends and family can share stories. You can also find articles on memorials and coping with grief on these sites.