How to Write Your Mother's Obituary

At some time in our lives, we all have to say goodbye to someone. One of the most difficult challenges we face, is saying farewell to your mother. In these instructions you will learn how to cope with the grief and write a meaningful obituary, honoring her memory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Family and/or Friends, Time to grieve by yourself, paper and pen, a trusted individual to proofread.

1. Grieve. You are facing a very painful loss, and every memory will most likely bring tears. Crying is healthy and part of letting her go. Grieve with family and friends, and grieve by yourself. Both are a necessary part of the healing process.
2. Take some time to look through photos, personal items of hers, and recall memories. Then record these memories in the format that you are most comfortable: pen and paper, on a computer, using a video camera... whatever your comfortable with. The goal is to start getting an idea of how you want to have her remembered. Gather any necessary records and ask Aunts, Uncles, and other family members for important milestones or stories from her life.
3. Compile all of this information together to depict this wonderful woman and honor her memory. Have a trusted (and preferably well educated) person (or people) proof read your first draft. This will prevent you from making any embarrassing mistakes or offending anyone.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget that this is a memoir of her -- don't make the obituary self-centered.
• Give yourself time -- this is not something that should be rushed.
• When in doubt about format, you can always turn to the internet to see sample obituaries. If you're not very good with words, these are a great help.
• If you find yourself unable to take on this task alone, make it a family effort.
• Remember that you are honoring her -- not airing out dirty laundry. This is meant to be something to honor her life. Don't let any previous anger or disagreements make you do something that you'll regret your whole life.