Losing someone close to us is one of life’s most profound experiences. Grief doesn’t come with a guidebook, and the way we each process loss is deeply personal. In the midst of sadness, many of us are left wondering: how do we properly honour someone we’ve loved so deeply, while also supporting our family—and ourselves—through the heartache?
Celebrate Their Life, Not Just Mourn Their Death
Honouring a loved one begins with celebrating their life. It’s not about ignoring the pain but about creating space for joy in remembrance. Talk about them. Share their favourite stories, laugh at the little things they used to do, and surround yourself with the moments that made them who they were.
Holding a memorial or celebration of life service can be a beautiful way to gather everyone who loved them. It doesn’t need to be traditional; consider it a personal tribute. Some families choose outdoor gatherings, favourite songs played live, or even releasing lanterns or planting a tree. These moments help shift the focus from the loss to the love.
Keep Their Memory Alive in a Meaningful Way
People find comfort in creating something lasting from their loved one’s presence. For those who have chosen cremation, turning ashes into glass is one such deeply meaningful tribute. This process involves infusing a small portion of cremation ashes to glass to create stunning keepsakes—rings, pendants, paperweights, or ornaments. It offers a physical, tactile connection to someone who is no longer physically present.
Creating ashes to glass jewellery can provide great comfort, especially when shared among family members. It allows each person to carry a unique reminder of the loved one close to their heart, helping with healing over time. It’s not just about remembrance; it’s about keeping their spirit part of everyday life in a gentle and respectful way.
Be Present for Family In Your Own Way
Grief shows up differently for everyone. Some become quiet, others dive into practical tasks, and some may struggle to function at all. Supporting a family doesn’t mean you need to be the strong one all the time—it simply means being present. Sometimes, that means sitting in silence together, making a meal, or offering a hug when words aren’t enough.
Try to check in with family members regularly, even if it’s just a text or a shared photo memory. And equally, accept support when it’s offered. You don’t have to carry everyone’s grief alone.
Creating a family memory book or photo album together can also be a healing process. Looking through pictures, writing down stories, and even including keepsakes like ashes to glass jewellery within the album can help everyone feel part of the remembering.
Look After Yourself, Too
It’s easy to forget your own needs when you’re grieving and supporting others. But looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Take time to rest, eat well, and say no when you need to. Emotions can come in waves, and some days might be harder than others. Give yourself permission to feel it all.
If you find it difficult to manage day-to-day tasks, don’t hesitate to speak to a counsellor or grief support group. Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly validating.
Many people also find comfort in ritual—lighting a candle each evening, journaling, or wearing an ashes into glass pendant can become small but meaningful acts of connection and self-care.
Let Grief Have Its Place
Grief doesn’t have a timetable. Some days, it will be sharp and overwhelming; others, it may soften into a quiet ache. The important thing is to let it be what it is. You don’t need to rush to “move on.” Grieving is, in its own way, an act of love. It shows how deeply we’re connected.
In time, you’ll find new ways to live with the absence—by celebrating birthdays in their honour, by speaking their name often, or by keeping their memory alive through cherished keepsakes like ashes into glass jewellery. These small, tangible reminders help turn loss into legacy.
In the End, It’s About Love
Honouring a loved one is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about love—shared, remembered, and carried forward. Supporting your family and caring for yourself are all part of that same love.
So go gently. Celebrate them how they would’ve wanted. Talk, cry, laugh, remember. And know that you’re not alone on this path.