There is plenty of power in mementos of a passed loved one. They can bring us comfort and restore a sense of closeness. Tangible reminders can bring about a smile or cause us to shed a tear.
Memories may be triggered by sights, sounds, tastes, and even smells. If you are planning final services, here are some sources of mementos you may want to consider that may play a role.
Items of Clothing
Items of clothing, including favorite items or those worn frequently, are often powerful holders of memories through touch, smell, and visuals. Items may include a tie, hat, ball cap, shirt, or scarf. These are items that may be displayed at memorial services, kept by a loved one as a keepsake, or perhaps even repurposed into another item.
Recipes
If a loved one had a favorite recipe or recipes, these can make terrific mementos. They can even be reproduced or copied to share with friends and loved ones. Original, handwritten recipes can be mounted in a frame for a meaningful reminder to hang in the kitchen.
Event Memories
Life is often tethered through a series of meaningful or memorial events. These can include graduations, weddings, sporting events, plays, movies, and more. A collection of ticket stubs, invitations, programs, souvenirs, and memorabilia can be used in a display or made into a collage.
Photos
Photos are one of the most common forms of mementos. Include as many friends and family in the photos used for a memorial service as possible, and include the favorite places of the loved one.
Jewelry
Not only can some jewelry items of a loved one help us maintain a powerful connection with them, but a small amount of cremated remains can be used in crafting meaningful pieces of jewelry.
A small amount of cremains can be used in creating a bracelet, necklace, or earrings. Some family members even carry pocket watches from a beloved relative long after they have stopped working properly. They can be a strong connection.
Military Items
For many, service in the military played an important role in their lives. Veterans may be eligible for a memorial flag that may be displayed in a special case. Military medals and awards can also be used to recognize this portion of a loved one’s life.
Favorite Verses, Lyrics, or Sayings
A line or two or a verse from a favorite song, Bible verse, or even a frequently used saying can bring back a flood of memories. These can be reproduced on cards to be shared or displayed in a frame.
Flowers and Plants
A small garden or even a potted plant can help nurture your connection with a loved one. Flowers and plants may be from cuttings of memorial flowers or plants, or simply reflect the loved one’s personality.
At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory, we understand how powerful keepsakes and mementos can be in maintaining connections with departed loved ones. We can help you take advantage of this powerful force.
If you are in a current need or preplanning your own final services, let us help. We have been proud to serve families in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for over 125 years.
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