When a family member or close friend passes, everyone handles the loss and the grieving process differently. Some people may be able to work through it alone while others may seek professional help. If you are having to work through grief after a loved one’s cremation services in Mount Vernon, WA., there are things you can do to help. One of them is to write you loved one a letter.
Writing your loved one a letter can help you process your grief in a number of ways. It can help you say things that you may not have been able to say to them while they were alive. It can help give you closure and also help you feel connected to them. Although we will give you some ideas, what you write and what you do with the letter is entirely up to you. The important thing is to do what feels natural and right for you.
How to Get Started
Getting started is probably the most difficult part. You may feel anxious or as if you are not ready. While some of these feelings will subside, if you truly feel you are not ready, that’s okay; wait until you are. There is no magic date this has to be completed by.
When you do feel ready, find a block of time that you can be uninterrupted and alone. While many people like to type letters on their laptops or tablets, there is something very therapeutic about taking pen to paper and actually writing out the letter. This act lets you connect more with the words and the sentiment so if you can choose this option, it is recommended.
What Do I Write?
Deciding what to write is a personal choice. Write what you feel. It doesn’t have to be perfect and you may ramble a bit; that’s okay. This letter is for you and nobody ever has to see it so write with openness and honesty. Release any judgement you have and just write.
If you need help or inspiration to begin writing, consider writing about:
- Your feelings since they have passed
- What they meant to you
- How you are coping with their passing
- Ways you are trying to honor them
- Favorite memories or stories
- Anything that was left unresolved
- Moments of gratitude you have had
What Do I Do with the Letter?
Since this activity is just for you, what you do with the letter is up to you. If you have an urn with your loved one’s remains, you could seal the letter in an envelope and keep it with the urn. You could also keep the envelope in a drawer in your nightstand or other designated spot.
If you feel comfortable, you could share the letter with someone who is close to you and let them read it. If you scattered your loved one’s ashes, you could visit that spot and read the letter aloud. Also, if you feel like releasing the letter would help, consider burning it, putting it in a bottle out to sea, or tying it to a balloon and letting it go.
After a loved one’s cremation services in Mount Vernon, WA., the feelings of loss and grief will come. Of course time will help, but by doing things like writing your loved one a letter can also provide benefits in the grieving process. Just remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this and it is what feels right for you.