Grief is one of the most profound experiences a family can go through. The loss of a loved one – be it a person or even a beloved pet – leaves an emotional void that can be incredibly difficult to navigate. While each person within the family will process grief in their own way, finding ways to cope together can help heal the collective wound. One way families have started embracing healing after loss is through keepsakes, such as an ashes resin ring or a dog ashes necklace, which allow the memory of a lost loved one to stay close, offering comfort during times of sadness.
Losing a family member or a pet can feel devastating, and the grief that follows often leaves everyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed. However, healing together as a family is possible with the right approaches. Here, we’ll explore several ways families can support one another during this difficult time and help each other cope with grief.
1. Acknowledge Grief and Make Space for Emotions
One of the first steps in helping a family heal is recognising that grief manifests differently for each individual. While one family member may wish to express their sadness through tears, another might withdraw quietly, and someone else may even express anger. Understanding that grief doesn’t look the same for everyone is essential.
When grieving a loved one, particularly a pet, many families find comfort in small rituals that help keep the memory of that person or animal alive. Some might choose to keep a dog ashes necklace or an ashes resin ring as a way to physically carry a part of their beloved one with them. This gesture of having a tangible reminder can be healing, as it honours the memory and creates a shared family bond.
It’s crucial to allow each family member to express their emotions without judgement. Encourage open conversations about grief where everyone feels safe to share their feelings. It might be helpful to remind children that sadness, anger, and confusion are all normal parts of the grieving process. Equally, be mindful that grief may resurface at unexpected moments, and that’s okay too. Letting your family know that it’s alright to grieve at their own pace is key to supporting each other.
2. Keep Rituals Alive
Rituals, whether large or small, play an important role in helping families cope with loss. Establishing new traditions or keeping old ones can provide a sense of continuity and stability during uncertain times. Some families might choose to celebrate the life of a loved one by gathering annually to reflect on memories, while others may start small, such as lighting a candle in their honour each evening.
When a pet has passed, rituals can help children or other family members connect with the pet’s memory in meaningful ways. Keeping an item like a dog ashes necklace can be a powerful gesture, allowing a member of the family to carry the pet’s memory throughout their day. Such rituals can provide comfort, even on the toughest days.
These family rituals don’t need to be grand; they can be simple activities such as looking through photo albums, sharing stories about the lost loved one, or writing letters to express unspoken emotions. When done together as a family, these rituals can foster connection and bring a sense of peace.
3. Seek Professional Support When Needed
There is no shame in seeking help when grief becomes overwhelming. Families may benefit from seeking professional support, whether through therapy or counselling, to guide them through the complex emotions that grief often brings. Therapists or grief specialists can offer families tools to cope with the emotional pain in a healthy way, providing guidance on how to communicate, support one another, and work through complicated feelings.
Grief is not something that can be easily ‘fixed’, and often the hardest part is knowing how to continue with everyday life while carrying the weight of such loss. A professional can help provide perspective on how grief might manifest in different ways across a family, and they can offer advice on how to support each other as you all adjust to life without the person or pet you’ve lost.
4. Create a Shared Memorial
Creating a family memorial can be an important and therapeutic way of coping with grief. This can range from crafting a small altar in the home with items that remind the family of the deceased, to dedicating a tree or a small garden in their honour. These memorials offer a place to visit, reflect, and remember.
For those who want a more personalised keepsake, turning the ashes of a loved one into a tangible object is a meaningful way to keep their memory close. An ashes resin ring or a dog ashes necklace are both beautiful options that allow family members to carry a part of their loved one with them wherever they go. These keepsakes can serve as daily reminders that their loved one is never truly gone, and their spirit continues to live on through the family’s memories and connections.
Family members can also collaborate in creating artwork, writing, or even composing songs that represent their loved one’s life. The process of creating a memorial together not only helps with the grieving process, but it also reinforces the bond between family members as they navigate their pain and love for the person they lost.
5. Take Time to Care for Yourself
Grief can take a significant emotional toll, and it’s essential that each family member remembers to take care of themselves during this time. While it’s important to support one another, it’s equally vital to allow space for self-care and personal healing. This might include engaging in activities that bring joy or seeking moments of solitude to reflect and process.
Sometimes, a family member may wish to take some time away from the grief, and that’s okay. Grieving can be exhausting, and it’s essential to recognise that self-care is not selfish. Encouraging each other to take moments for themselves ensures that everyone is emotionally strong enough to continue supporting each other.
Sometimes, engaging in hobbies, exercise, or mindfulness activities can provide relief from the overwhelming emotions that grief brings. Each family member should feel empowered to take steps to look after their mental and physical well-being.
6. Honour Your Loved One’s Legacy
As time passes, families may find that grief becomes more manageable, but the love and memory of their lost loved one should not fade. It’s important to continue honouring their legacy in ways that feel right for each family member. For example, supporting causes or charities that were important to the deceased, or keeping their favourite traditions alive, are ways of paying tribute while continuing to heal.
Some families may choose to commemorate significant dates, like birthdays or anniversaries, by doing something special together. This could involve a family meal, a visit to a place that held special meaning, or even something as simple as lighting a candle or sharing a fond memory.
By keeping their memory alive, you not only honour their life but also reinforce the ongoing presence of love and connection, even though they may no longer be physically present.
Conclusion
Grieving is never an easy journey, and it’s one that often feels like it’s too much to carry on your own. But when families come together, they can help each other through even the darkest times. By supporting each other, creating lasting memories, and holding onto meaningful keepsakes such as an ashes resin ring or a dog ashes necklace, families can heal together and find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s memory will forever remain a part of them.
Whether it’s through open conversations, shared rituals, or taking time for individual healing, the journey through grief becomes a shared experience that brings families closer together. Healing may take time, but as a family, you don’t have to go through it alone.
