This might be one of the most common questions I get from grieving mothers.
“How can I mark my child’s death anniversary (or Angel Anniversary) in a meaningful way?”
The short answer is that there is no right or wrong way to mark the day. You can stay in bed with the blankets over your head if you choose to do so. However, I have found that these horrible days are a wee bit easier to handle when we make a plan.
The plan can be as big as a large gathering or as small as a lighting a candle.
Here are just a few ideas to help you create the plan that is right for you:
- Release butterflies
- Release ladybugs
- Host a BBQ
- Buy a star
- Send cards to your friends and family with a special photo of your child.
- Do a random act of kindness in your child’s memory
- Watch your child’s favourite movie
- Eat their favourite food
- Donate to an organization that is meaningful to you.
- Host a “Light up the Night” with solar lights.
- Release environment-friendly balloons
- Release flying wish papers with a note to your child.
- Get a psychic/medium reading
- Have a self-care day
- Organize an honorary 5-km run
- Start a scholarship
- Download digital photos into Shutterfly to make a photo album
- Start a non-profit
- Create a PowerPoint with special photos and music
- Have a Champagne toast
- Sign your organ donor card
- Donate blood
- Volunteer at your local food bank
- Purchase a naloxone kit to carry or donate
- Take your child’s favourite baking to work or his/her school
- Order a Starbuck’s coffee with your child’s name so they call it out when it’s ready
- Have your child’s T-shirts made into a quilt
- Donate some of your child’s clothing to an organization
- Look through old photos with loved ones
- Go for a hike to your child’s favourite spot
- Start an Angel Garden in your yard or local park
- Place a bench in a meaningful spot
- Plant a tree
- Buy an angel ornament for your garden or Christmas tree
- Take flowers to the cemetery or place them in your home with your child’s urn.
- Plan a candlelight or fireside memorial
- Plan a trip to a special place
- Spend time journaling your favourite memories together
- Make a charitable donation in their name
- Release some of their ashes in a special spot with friends and family.
- You also have permission to do absolutely nothing. That is absolutely 100% ok.
Child loss is hard. Hopefully this list gives you a few ideas to mark this difficult and emotional day.
I have also created a list of over 85+ ways to get through your child’s birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, and all the other significant days of the year. Each holiday has mix-and-match ideas.
Click here to request this FREE download.
From my grieving heart to yours,
Lisa K. Boehm,
Author of Journey to HEALING: A Mother’s Guide to Navigating Child Loss