Remembering Our Lost Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is never easy.

When someone you love leaves you, you may experience challenging emotions such as shock, anger, and sadness. These can disrupt your health and state of wellbeing. Despite the severity of these feelings, they are normal reactions to loss.

These feelings are also why remembering our lost loved ones in positive ways is so important.

Although grieving is unique to the individual, the idea is to recognize and celebrate the lost one’s life in the ways in which it touched and enriched yours. When we recall our loved ones with fondness, we are acknowledging the special connections and memories we had with them.

“Everyone goes through the grieving process in their own way,” says Janice Smallwood, office manager at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. “Try to focus on the love and good times you had with the person you are missing and know that one day you will see them again.”

It’s not always about a tangible item, event, or occasion, although those things certainly can be part of whichever ways of remembrance are relevant to you.

Revering these moments and sharing them with others are healthy and strong signs of coping with the loss. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture – only whatever is most helpful and personal to you. It is important that during these times you also acknowledge the general ways to cope. These may include:

• Acknowledging your loss and allowing it the proper time to heal
• Seek support from your loved ones
• Expect unexpected emotions

Remember that the feelings you express in remembering a loved one is up to you – nobody can tell you how to feel or how to celebrate someone’s life.

Even if you remember your loved ones in social ways, the challenges of grief may still make you want to become isolated and withdrawn. But it is the opposite that is crucial in helping you cope and heal.

“We have all been the unfortunate bearers of loss. It’s how we live with it, learn from it and grow that gives us purpose,” Smallwood said.

During a period of grieving, it is important to seek the support of those who care about you This will provide a sense of comfort and an opportunity to share good, fond memories.

These are just a few guidelines to remember your lost loved ones in ways that are personal to you, and in common with others.

For more information on honoring your lost loved ones, or for questions on special services or monuments, please visit www.norbergfh.com or call 815-875-2425.

Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments

701 E. Thompson St

Princeton, IL 61356