While feeling sad is perfectly normal, author Allison Gilbert offers a more empowering approach in her book Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive, which is full of concrete tools for preserving memories of those who have passed. “Taking steps to proactively remember loved ones is essential to healing,” she says. “Individuals who find appropriate ways to stay connected almost always fare better than those who don’t.” And, for Gilbert, embracing social media was helpful. One of her favorite tributes for her mother who she lost in 1996 is posting photos of her on Facebook, which tends to spark a heartfelt discussion from friends and family. Here, some of her other creative ideas for remembering Mom. At the end, you’ll get an especially meaningful memento—and you’ll get to celebrate Mother’s Day by reading some new stories or memories that give you a fuller picture of your mother. “The Kindness Project”, sponsored by the MISS Foundation, a national organization supporting families who have lost children, invites people to do good for a stranger in the memory of loved one. On their website, you can download a preprinted card stamped with, “This random act of kindness… done in loving memory of _____________” to leave behind for the recipient.
