How to Memorialize a Dead Friend

After a friend passes away, you might want to publicly show your respect and affection for the deceased. Follow these steps to memorialize a loved one.

Things You'll Need

• Bereavement poem or letter
• Scrapbook materials
• Time or funds to donate
• Flowering bush or shrub

Instructions

1. Write a poem or letter to your friend, either saying goodbye or reminiscing about your times together. Read it at your friend's grave or at a quiet place where you used to enjoy each other's company.

2. Volunteer or donate to your friend's favorite charity. Giving generously to others will create a positive outlet for your sadness.

3. Plant a flowering bush or tree to remind you of your dead friend. You can choose a flower that your friend liked, that reminds you of your friend, that has blossoms in your friend's favorite color, or that blooms at the same of time year as your friend's birthday or passing. Legend says that the dogwood tree was used to form Jesus Christ's cross. Therefore, some regard it as a symbol for remembering a deceased loved one.

4. Create a scrapbook to highlight your friend's life or the memories you made together. Include photos of you and friend throughout the years, paste in mementos of trips or fun outings, and decorate the pages with symbols or sayings that had special significance in your relationship with your friend.

5. Participate in an event or activity that your dead friend would have loved. If your friend was a runner, join a charity fun run in his or her honor. If your friend loved animals, visit the zoo or volunteer at an animal shelter. If your friend loved music, attend a concert by his/her favorite band or a band he/she would have liked.

6. Get a tattoo to memorialize your friend. You can choose a symbol or design that your friend admired, his or her initials or Zodiac sign, or any other illustration that seems appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• When memorializing a friend, try to find a positive rather than depressing way to remember him or her.

Resources

• Create a digital scrapbook with Scrapbook Max.
• Find an array of bereavement poems and prayers at this website.
• Browse and print tattoo designs from this website.