A Creative Way to Express Sympathy
Keeping a Loved One's Memory Alive
When I was employed at the local school district, I worked with a very diverse group of people. Among them were two women who were very good friends. They had known each other for years. Besides being good friends they shared the unique experience of losing one of their parents within days of each other. One lost her mother, the other lost her father. They were especially close to them.
It can sometimes be a bit awkward when trying to convey your condolences to someone. I wanted to do something a bit different than the traditional sympathy card as a way of acknowledging my grief to them. Don't get me wrong, sympathy cards are a good idea and it lets that grieving person know that you are thinking of them.
After a reasonable amount of time had elapsed I approached them both with the idea of giving me 13 of their favorite photos of their loved ones. The pictures could include photos of them with other people or just by themselves.
A Calendar of Remembrance
Upon receiving these pictures I scanned them into my computer. With my calendar software I inserted the pictures into my document and converted them into a 12-month calendar. The 13th picture would be placed on the cover.
After putting the calendar in an orderly arrangement, I took it to the local Office Max. In order to keep the pages durable, I had the staff laminate each calendar page. A solid vinyl and transparent sheet were used as covers for the front and back. The final step was to have it spiral bound.
My purpose in doing this type of calendar was to allow them to grieve while still reflecting back on fond and precious memories of their dearly departed. When I gave them the final product they were both deeply touched.
Doing something like this will not bring back a person's loved one but when they look at that calendar on a regular basis it will eventually put a smile on their face. But it also demonstrates the fact that you have given them something unique and priceless. Having it personalized adds just another dimension to it.
NOTE: This idea can be adapted for the loss of a pet too.
SOURCE:
Personal experience
Published by Lee Hansen
I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education. View profile
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21 Comments
Post a CommentGreat idea and great article, Lee!
Excellent idea Lee.
Very caring Lee...
Wow that's a great idea. My sister passed away a year and a half ago and I still might do this. It sounds like a great way of remembrance.
Very inspiring.
What a thoughtful and caring gesture~I am sure they were appreciative~
Great idea. If you want to save a step, you can order calendars from Walmart and most stores that do photos. Then you wouldn't have to create it and take it somewhere; you could just let them know which order you wanted the pictures to be. Like Betty, I also did a slideshow for my husband's grandmother's funeral and made copies for family members. It turned out nicely.
Sometime is is hard to know what to say, these are very nice ideas Lee
Great ideas, thanks!
Nice idea!