A wonderful and dear elderly family friend is dying, and I'm so very upset. :( I named my youngest for her - this is how important she is to me.
We visited her yesterday. She is in good spirits, no pain, quite chatty, but weak. I am so happy I got the chance to see her at least one more time. Hopefully I can see her again. Hospice is involved but we don't really have a time frame.
I'm thinking about how I'd like to memorialize her somehow, beyond that my daughter has her name (which she mentioned again was such a special thing, to have someone named for her. 
)
Any suggestions? I feel it's important to do something.
If you attend church or your friend did, a wonderful gift would be to give hymnals or bibles in her memory. Or a picture or hanging that reminds you of her that everyone could see. An older friend of mine gave a beautiful table in her husband's memory with his name engraved on a brass plate on it. The table is seen by everyone who comes into the church. Both of you are in my prayers. RR
You didn't mention how old your daughter is. You could remember your friend through your daughter. Have a private ceremony in a garden to tell your daughter why you named her after this person. Plant a tree or bush that will bloom every year in her memory. Then release live butterflies (can be purchased online) so that everytime you and your daughter see the plant or a butterfly you remember your dear friend. This keeps her alive in your heart.
Go to www.voicequilt.com. I am in the process of using this wonderful service. People can call into a special number and leave a message for my husband. I called his "A Life Well Lived." Friends and family just talk on the phone like they are leaving a voice message. These are collected and saved in a variety of ways. I learned about it here on Caring.com. I have so much fun listening to them as they are emailed to me each day. I can't wait until I get them all recorded and into a beautiful memory box.
Joy, planting a bush or tree is a wonderful idea, especially since they will bloom year after year. The butterflies are a sweet, gentle touch to remember such a dear friend. Thank you for these ideas.
Caring.com Expert
These are such great ideas! I have some friends whose son was killed in an accident. They established a modest scholarship in his memory and each year the applicants write an essay and complete an application about their interests and goals. They then choose, along with an advisor, the young person that they feel most exemplifies the wonderful caring characteristics of their son.
Receive the latest news and tips in your inbox