Life Memorials
Create a Memorial for a Life well LivedGrief is a very difficult state of the mind, and of life, to endure, and much more difficult to understand. This is greatly because everyone experiences grief so differently, as our bodies and minds process the situation at hand in their own, individual, way. While this all goes without saying, many are perplexed with the fact that when they suffer through grief, life still seems altered, in a way, even far after the initial mourning period, which can be frightening for some. Anne Lamott, a novelist once wrote, "You will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly-that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp." This quote is very endearing because it eloquently explains that while we are affected by the loss, and the grief, it does not mean our life is any less than what it was before. While we many know in our hearts of hearts that we will overcome, and persevere through the pain we feel, the thought alone does not do much in helping to ease the grief itself. Many find their own way of coping with the loss, but often they find that creating a tribute to their loved one is very comforting. This is because when we create a tribute, we not only honor the memory of the dearly departed, but also provide ourselves a place where we can go to pay our respects. While these tributes are often permanent memorials, such as monuments or grave markers, once can also create a small memorial in the home, which allows them to revisit the memory of their loved one at any time. Life memorials can help create elegant and dignified remembrances. These pieces come in various forms, ranging from beautifully etched, glass portraits, ceramic portrait, and even glass sculptures that will contain a treasured memento of the loved one. The glass portraits are very elegant, and can be etched with the individuals name and date, as well as their photo. The glass plate sits into a wooden base, which both displays and compliments the portrait. The ceramic tile offers a more 'earthy' touch, and will hold a selected photograph in a sepia tone. As with the glass portraits, the name and dates, as well as a small verse, can be added to further personalize the remembrance. The glass sculptures are very impressive, as an artist first blows the glass into the desired shape, inserts the keepsake, and then adds a durable acrylic to seal it in place. The result is a visually appealing memorial that can be held for comfort, and which will preserve and protect a beautiful memento for all eternity. There are no words that can truly ease the blow felt when we loss a person that was truly special in our lives. While the grief may seem unbearable, as Ms. Lamott states, through us, the memory of our loved one lives on, 'in our broken hearts which never really seal back up', so in a way, our loved one remains with us, even after they're gone. A life memorial can help create a visual remembrance that honors the memory of a loved one, reflecting the great love we feel for them. |
