“You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.”
-Frederick Buechner
Though these words aren’t necessarily about loss, they touch on the curious way in which someone can be gone but not forgotten. Oddly, some have been told to forget, or even simply “move on,” but that’s unimaginable. To forget is unnecessary, not to mention impossible, and doesn’t do justice the wonderful qualities of the person we’ve lost that make us love and miss them so much. We are all part of life’s ebb and flow, and every positive influence we will carry with us. So, instead of forgetting, let’s explore remembrance. When every grief journey is unique, there are countless ways to remember someone.
Continuing the Use of A Loved One’s Belongings
Especially a loved or favorite belonging. Some have found that loving something the way a loved one loved it can keep a piece of their spirit and energy alive.
Join a Cause
Many find this to be a proactive and social way to celebrate the memory of a loved one or to see that loved one’s passions and qualities live on in us. It could any cause, a cause related to the death or a cause the loved one supported or would have supported. Additionally, it’s easy to find a way to volunteer that suit you (whether it be running, creating, public-speaking, etc) since there are so many opportunities in Austin. This may help: http://www.austin360.com/news/entertainment/night-life/volunteer-opportunities-6/nRzsj/
Create Art
The words “art” and “therapeutic” go hand in hand. Art (in any form: writing, painting, dancing) is the space you create for yourself in which there exists no judgement or limitations. You are free to let your feelings be just as they are and take time to simply feel them and, if you so choose, deal with them in a gentle manner. You can make art for or because of someone, and oftentimes you might find that someone else relates to it or you.
On Birthdays
Doing something that person would’ve enjoyed and, if possible, making it a time to celebrate their life and how their qualities are still alive in us.
The Christi Center
At The Christi Center, we try to provide many ways and opportunities to remember those we have lost depending on what suits your needs and the time of the year. Check our website and calendar for details: and /calendar/
Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. If you feel as if you have ways to remember someone that really keep their spirit alive for you, please share with us and TCC community via Facebook or on the comments here!
By Lana Baumgartner
