Creative Ideas to Honor Loved One's Lost

When you suffer a loss, it can be very difficult to face a holiday or milestone in the relationship in their absence. With this Father's Day upon us, I offer ways to honor your father on this special day. You can use these memorial tributes for any loved one who has passed.

It has been nearly 5-years, and I still can't believe he is gone. That smiling face and warm hug, not to mention his adorable wit; all just memories now. These are qualities of Dad that were such a big part of my life. Although my father has left this earth, I still have a father in the eternal sense. I feel his presence in my life and the close bond we had on earth, well, no distance can ever come between that.

Father's Day is approaching. How do you cope when everyone around you is talking about their plans for the day? Keep your attitude positive and make some creative plans of your own to honor your father. Although he may not be present to experience the time with you, he knows, and you will know.

Father's Day is a time for recalling happy memories, not for mourning. Remembering your dad on Father's Day when he has departed is a wonderful thing to do. Over the past 4-years, and this year as well, I will honor my father in some creative and meaningful way on Father's Day. Here are some things I have done in the past that may inspire you and lift up your spirits by remembering him on this special day.

• Honor Him With a Meal: Invite your close family over for dinner and make his favorite meal. Set an extra place setting for him. Keep the family upbeat by sharing stories about Dad that make you smile. We have also gone to Dad's favorite restaurant and done this as well. In the end, we all felt like the time we spent together was special.
• Write him a Letter: On the first Father's day without Dad, I did not want to break the tradition of getting him a card. I bought a card and wrote things in it that reinforced the fact that he was a wonderful father. I thanked him for all he had done and closed with, "although you aren't with us on earth, I know you are watching me from above." You can either display the card by his photo or take it to his resting place. I chose to send it in the mail anonymously to a random address, hoping that the person who found it may be inspired or touched in some way. It really felt good to know that maybe an adult child who was estranged from his or her father would be the recipient of this card. Perhaps my gesture would become a source of motivation for them to reach out to their Dad.

• Plant a tree or Flower Garden in His Name: What was your father's favorite plant? Did he have a favorite color that you remember? Create a mini-garden in is name. You can do this in a container or in a small space in an existing garden. In either case, you will need three to five plants and some soil. You can add some small objects such as tiny statues or rocks to make it more interesting. Visit this link for Sunset Magazine's collection of ideas and a pciture of a beautiful Beach Garden in a pot. http://www.sunset.com/garden/backyard-projects/beautiful-container-designs-plantings-00400000046457/page13.html