Unique ideas to remember a loved one

Losing somebody we love leaves an empty hole in our lives. And while each loved one forever leaves a footprint on our heart, for many, it’s also important to mark a life with a meaningful memorial. Memorialising a loved one allows us to acknowledge that while those we love are no longer physically with us, their memory lives on.

This not only celebrates the life of the person who has passed, but also helps those of us left behind to manage our grief. These memorials usually come on a birthday or anniversary of the death, but, in truth, a memorial can be done at any time. Religions also often have special days to acknowledge death. The Buddhist and Taoist in Singapore, for example, celebrate Qing Ming (“Tomb-sweeping Day”) in April, when families visit tombs or niches of their ancestors to pay respect.

Finding the right memorial is an incredibly personal decision. For some, a memorial needs to be an intimate and personal moment; others want a more public display. A memorial can be as simple as planting a favourite flower or tree, making a scrapbook or photobook, or even cooking a favourite meal and letting the aroma remind you of the person you’re missing. Music can also be a powerful reminder, so tickets to hear a favourite musician might be just what you need. There is no wrong way to mark a life.

Many choose to have special jewellery created, which can range from a very simple piece to a special case designed to hold ashes. Swiss company Algordanza offers to transform cremated ashes into beautiful and unique memorial diamonds, meaning you can keep those you love with you all the time. The transformation of Algordanza diamonds out of carbon extracted from ashes or hair is done through a highly scientific and technological process without using any additives or mixtures. (The cost is around $4,500 for a 0.25 carat uncut memorial diamond up to almost $34,000 for a 1.0 carat cut memorial diamond.)

Of course, when an expat dies, friends and families are likely scattered across the globe. For those far away, funerals and memorial services can be shared with live video streaming via social media. Facebook offers a memorialised account, a portal for family and friends to come together to celebrate those love and lost. There are also online memorial sites such as Heaven Address, a great option for family members to pay respect and offer tribute. Singapore-based funeral company Flying Home can help you arrange such an account for free.

Being with others who are grieving is also a great way to support yourself while marking a life. Why not join in the Remembrance Walk on the morning of 16 September? It’s part of a celebration for World United for Life Day celebrated worldwide (flyinghome.com/world-united-for-life-2018). You can commemorate and honour your loved ones, carrying balloons with messages for family, friends or even special pets who have left this world as you walk in remembrance of them.

Want to learn more about ways to memorialise your love one? Reach out to Flying Home at enquiry@flyinghome.com.

For more helpful tips head to our living in Singapore section.

This article first appeared in the September 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Melinda Murphy

Melinda does Special Projects for Expat Living which includes pulling together big stories, videos — all sorts of cool stuff. It all builds on her background as a television correspondent, producer and author back in the US. Her life is kind of a special project, too, with two young kids, an old dog, a ridiculous number of volunteer activities — and a very understanding hubby.