Creating a meaningful, lasting memorial

Creating a Meaningful Lasting Memorial Tribute to Your Loved One

Question:

My spouse died three years ago. There is no grave since I decided to scatter the ashes in several different states. Now I find myself wishing there was a grave close by so I could visit it. Sounds corny, right?
Are there ways I can memorialize my loved one so that there is something I can touch or see or visit? I may be alone in this, but I believe I would feel a sense of closeness to my spouse if such a place or thing existed.

Answer:

It is definitely not corny to want to create a place to visit with your loved one. With more and more people choosing cremation and the scattering of ashes in meaningful locations, this is a frequent question.
Here are some ideas that may provide a way to feel close to your late spouse. There is no right or wrong way to honor the death of loved one. What is important is that whatever you do has significant meaning to you.

Public Memorial Suggestions
Public benches can be purchased, adopted or sponsored. You may have noticed benches at entrances to places such as a library. These may have a simple inscription. “In Memory of Joseph Stone.” This person may have worked in the library or volunteered in the community.
Memorial benches can be seen in the dunes along the beaches, courtyard of a church, along a community walkway and in parks. These benches often have the deceased’s name and something simple like “Forever Loved” inscribed on them.
Many local communities have more options for donating to the community. You could arrange for something like a tree, rose bush, paving stone, planter, bench, boardwalk plank, picnic table, etc. with a memorial plaque or engraving.

Private Memorial Suggestions
Place a memorial bench or engraved stepping stone in your own garden where you can sit in peace and reminisce.
Name a star
Plant a flowering tree, bush, butterfly garden with a bird bath, flower garden, or herb garden in your own yard in memory of your spouse
Place a wind chime in your garden
Make a donation to a charity that had a special meaning for your loved one.

Source: About.com How to create a lasting memorial tribute to your loved one.