Keeping Memories Alive

9/11 is a date that is etched in everybody’s mind. What I love is that as a world, we find our own ways of remembering the lives lost. When we lose someone special to us, I believe it is important that we have a place, a momento, a special gift, something or somewhere that we can go to remember, to honour their memory.

My mum wanted this for my dad. My dad loved the sea, and she had a seat put on the cliff tops at a place called Whitby which was dad’s favourite place. Now we can go there on anniversaries, or times when we are sad and sit and talk to dad. It really helps, for us Dad is there, it is somewhere we can feel close to him.

I have also kept his favourite jumper. Every time I feel down about anything or just need inspiration I put that jumper on and it makes me feel that he is cuddling me.

There is a difference between holding on, net letting them go and having a santuary or a memento. It is important that we keep the memory alive, and learn to use it as a comfort rather than a crutch. Allow yourself to use the memories to help you, to comfort you.

What are the ways that you remember?