It’s hard to know exactly what to do when a friend is grieving deeply. I’ve tried sending flowers, even an occasional apple pie. Is it “starve a fever, feed a cold? or the other way around?” After a funeral, especially here in the South- the answer seems to be to feed the family…whether they are hungry or not!
What can you do to make a difference when someone has loved and lost? Here are three of my favorites:
* Facebook– my friend, Chris wanted his children to know more about his dad, their grand dad (Mike) who had passed away before they were born. Chris posted a request on his Facebook page asking people to help him by sharing a memorable Mike-story. The outpouring of touching and funny memories was overwhelming. People talked about how their lives had been deeply impacted by Mike’s love for life, sense of humor and generous character. Thanks to the phenomenal Facebook tributes, Chris’ kids have an even brighter picture of their amazing grand dad.
* Pastor Rick Warren shared a heartfelt request on Twitter, following the shocking death of his beloved son, Matthew. He asked anyone who had been touched by Matthews life to take a moment and send a photo, or write out a memory and pass it along via mail or email to the Warren family. I love this idea, straight from a loving dad’s heart.
*Email. My family recently marked the fifteenth anniversary of losing my mom. Early that morning I went to the computer started writing some funny memories of her life. One in particular came to mind. It was the day she changed lanes to follow a speeding ambulance through heavy traffic, to get to the sale at Hobby Lobby. Seriously. I decided to email my brothers, sisters and extended family to tell them I planned to do the same that day to remember mom. I asked everyone to “reply all” and tell us how they planned to celebrate mom’s life on this anniversary. By the end of the day, each of us had a terrific collection of stories and grateful hearts for the woman we will always love.
How about you? Is there someone who could help you remember the person you are missing? You might want to keep the cherished treasures in a scrapbook or memory box.
Do you have unique ways you keep memories fresh? Please share them with us! Sorry about the irresistible photo.