Bereavement Support Honoring your loved ones

Ways to remember and honor your loved ones

There are many meaningful ways to honor the memory and legacy of someone you love. Just like grief, remembrance is deeply personal. Some people find comfort in creating traditions, setting goals, or giving back in their loved one’s name. You can carry their memories with you—even when they are no longer physically present.

Below are ideas to help you honor your loved one in ways that feel meaningful to you and your family.

Ceremonies and rituals

Many families find healing in small or symbolic acts that celebrate and remember their loved one.

Plant something and watch it grow

Many caregivers find it healing to see new life grow in the face of loss. Planting something in a place you visit often can serve as a living reminder of your loved one’s life and offer comfort over time.

• Plant at home or in a place that holds meaning for your family 
  • Mark the plant with a sign, stone, or plaque in your loved one’s honor 
    • Mix some of your loved one’s ashes with the soil, if that feels right and is legally allowed 
    • Use seed paper hearts to create a memorial that grows and blooms over time 

Caring for something that continues to grow can bring a sense of connection, reflection, and quiet healing.

Release a lantern

Lighting and releasing a paper lantern into the sky can be a symbolic way to honor your loved one’s light while letting go of their physical presence. Watching the lantern rise can offer a moment of reflection and connection.

• Write a message, memory, or prayer on the lantern 
• Share a song, moment of silence, or a few words as it is released 
• Include this as part of a memorial gathering or a quiet personal ritual 

Lantern releases can provide a visual sense of peace and remembrance. Be sure to check local fire and safety regulations before planning.

Participate in a walk, race, or other physical activity

Grief can take a toll on the body, and movement can offer a way to release emotion while staying connected to your loved one’s memory.

• Join a memorial walk, 5K, marathon, or bike ride
• Create your own event with friends and family 
• Include your loved one’s name or a message on clothing or gear 

Participating in something physical can feel grounding and empowering during a time when much may feel out of your control.

Scatter or create something with ashes

If your loved one was cremated, there are many ways to honor their memory using their ashes, depending on what feels meaningful to you.

• Scatter ashes in a place that holds special meaning 
• Plant ashes with a tree or flowers to create a living memorial 
• Create jewelry or artwork that includes a small portion of ashes 

Always check local laws before scattering ashes. If needed, symbolic alternatives such as dried flower petals can be used. Your funeral home may also offer guidance or resources.

Take part in religious or cultural rituals

Every faith and culture has its own traditions for honoring those who have died. These practices can provide comfort, structure, and meaning.

You may wish to connect with a spiritual leader or community to explore rituals that feel right for you and your family.

Attend the candle lighting ceremony

Each year, Texas Children’s Hospital hosts a Candle Lighting Ceremony to honor and remember loved ones. Held on the second Sunday of December, this event aligns with Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, a global time of remembrance.

The ceremony includes readings, reflections, and stories shared by staff and bereaved families. It is a space filled with light, love, and remembrance, where families are invited to be present with their grief and feel connected to others who have experienced similar loss.

Families can participate in memory-making activities, view memorial displays, and connect with others who have experienced loss. Whether you attend once or return each year, this ceremony offers a meaningful way to honor your loved one in community. 

You can learn more about the ceremony, including how to RSVP and what to expect, by reaching out to your grief support team or visiting our Candle Lighting Ceremony page.

Setting meaningful goals

Setting a goal can help create a sense of movement and purpose while honoring your loved one’s memory. Goals may be short-term or long-term and can evolve over time.

Starting or maintaining physical activity

Since grief often impacts the body, setting a goal to engage in physical activity can be helpful for processing emotions. Movement can support both emotional and physical healing.

• Take walks, join a class, or set small fitness goals 
• Focus on caring for your body in ways that feel manageable

Completing a degree or starting a new job

Some people feel inspired to pursue education or a career in honor of their loved one.

• Explore fields that feel meaningful, such as healthcare or service professions 
• Allow time and space before making major decisions

Finishing something your loved one started

Continuing something your loved one began can be a meaningful way to carry their legacy forward.

• Complete a project, trip, or goal they were working toward 
• Honor their intentions in a way that feels right to you

Giving back in their memory

Giving back can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one while navigating your grief. Some people feel drawn to support others in their loved one’s memory or to give back in appreciation for the care and kindness they received. These acts can create a sense of connection, purpose, and remembrance over time.

Join the family advisory committee

The Family Advisory Committee (FAC) is made up of bereaved mothers and fathers who share their experiences to help improve care and support for other families. Through offering feedback and helping shape programs, members play an important role in creating meaningful support and connection.

Volunteer

You may find meaning in offering your time to organizations that supported your loved one or align with your values. This could include volunteering at Texas Children’s Hospital, a community nonprofit, or participating in a special event.

Create something in their memory

Some families feel inspired to create something lasting in their loved one’s honor, such as a foundation, scholarship, or community effort. This might include supporting other families, raising awareness, or contributing to causes that were meaningful during your loved one’s life. Texas Children’s Hospital provides community fundraising guidelines to help you get started.

If and when it feels right for you, there are many ways to give back and stay connected to your loved one’s legacy. To learn more about how to get involved—including joining the Family Advisory Committee, volunteering, or making a donation—please visit our Ways to Get Involved page.

Continuing to honor your loved one

Honoring your loved one doesn’t end after the funeral. It can continue for months or even years as you keep their memory alive through traditions, memories, and activities. These ideas can help you carry your loved one’s memory with you in a way that feels meaningful. Remember, how you choose to honor them is a personal decision, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to keep their memory alive.

Including them in your holiday cards

Many families send out holiday cards with family photos and updates. You might choose to include your loved one’s name and a photo of them, alongside the rest of the family. This can be a beautiful way to acknowledge their place in your family and share their memory with others.

Keeping a place for your loved one

If your loved one had a place they often sat or spent time, you might choose to keep that space open or place a photo of them nearby. This can be a simple, meaningful way to honor their memory in your daily life.

Create a memorial space at home

Creating an altar, memorial, or special space in your home can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one. This space might include ashes, photos, candles, and some of your loved one’s favorite items. Siblings may choose to add their own personal items, reflecting their relationship with the person who died.

Doing their favorite things

Many people feel closer to their loved ones by doing things they enjoyed. This might include eating their favorite foods, engaging in their favorite activities, or visiting places they loved. You might choose to do a combination of these things on special dates, such as anniversaries or your loved one’s birthday.

Memorializing your loved one online

There are services available that allow families to post pictures, videos, and stories about their loved ones, and invite others to share their own memories. You can also memorialize your loved one’s Facebook page, allowing friends and family to continue sharing memories and stories on their profile.