Bereavement Gifts - A Beautiful Way to Remember Those Who Have Passed
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Bereavement Gifts comfort those mourning
For those of you who have followed by ramblings here on Squidoo, you know that my darling Mom, Gertie, died February 15, 2012. She went quite peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her. We walked her all the way to Heaven's door as we watched her take her last breath and finally rest in peace.
I was astonished at the outpouring of emotion and praise from my friends, both near and far. One of my closest friends sent me a beautiful Tiffany style bereavement lamp. The very interesting thing is that the package came wrapped in butterflies - one of my Mom's favorite things ever. In fact, every day, for the last 10 years, she's worn a butterfly clip in her hair that I bought on a whim while walking through a local mall.
The bereavement lamp that my dear friends Marianne and Steve sent me was not of butterflies, but, instead, it is a stained glass lamp shade of irises - Mom's favorite flower. How amazing is that? So, now, when I look at my darling little lamp, I think of butterflies and irises and my Mom. What a gorgeous gift I've received.
I was astonished at the outpouring of emotion and praise from my friends, both near and far. One of my closest friends sent me a beautiful Tiffany style bereavement lamp. The very interesting thing is that the package came wrapped in butterflies - one of my Mom's favorite things ever. In fact, every day, for the last 10 years, she's worn a butterfly clip in her hair that I bought on a whim while walking through a local mall.
The bereavement lamp that my dear friends Marianne and Steve sent me was not of butterflies, but, instead, it is a stained glass lamp shade of irises - Mom's favorite flower. How amazing is that? So, now, when I look at my darling little lamp, I think of butterflies and irises and my Mom. What a gorgeous gift I've received.
Bereavement Lamps on Amazon
Amazon has some very pretty little lamps to send as a bereavement gift. Try to select one that matches a personality quality of the departed loved one. I love any Tiffany style lamp but my little iris lamp is my favorite!
I clipped my Mom's butterfly hair clip to the top of the lamp where it is safe until I wear it next time.
Books on grief can make a nice bereavement gift
I'm lucky enough to have absolutely no regrets about my Mom's death - I took care of her the best I could for the past 5 years. And, at 95 years of age, as the Rabbi said, her death was sad but not tragic. But, others may not be as lucky as I am. Books are always a source of comfort to those grieving, and the below are some of the better books on Amazon.com.
Grief can appear in many forms
Grief, like death, is a very personal experience. Try to take into account your grieving friend's needs when selecting a bereavement gift. Perhaps a gift certificate for a nice massage is all they need to finally relax and focus on themselves. A dinner out is also a very nice bereavement gift - take them to a very special restaurant and, if they're up to it, surround them with additional friends for support.Don't expect those grieving to necessarily call on you. You need to make the effort to call them. Since I've been home, my closest friends have called me on a daily basis just to check in. These calls are very sweet and are confirmation that I'm surrounded by tons of love. I know that these calls will fall off after awhile and that's fine - that's how grief works too. Each day becomes just a bit easier. Each night brings a sounder sleep. And, life goes on.
I will have no problem remembering my Mom forever
I love this little silver pendant engraved with "Remember me forever." I think it's especially appropriate for a younger woman who has lost a loved one.
Remember Me Always, Teardrop Necklace in Sterling Silver
Amazon Price: $67.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
Bereavement jewelry
I'm not a real fan of religious jewelry so I haven't spotlighted any here but there is a lot of this type of bereavement gift jewelry out there. Instead, I've selected some non-denominational jewelry to show you that would be great bereavement gifts.
Cremation jewelry (who knew?!)
Being Jewish, we don't cremate and I find these jewelry gifts a bit "oogey" (technical term) but I can understand others wanting to keep those close to them, well, close to them. These little necklaces are a way to carry a bit of your loved one with you forever. Just strange to me...but, you might like them.
Angel Wing Heart Sterling Silver Cremation Jewelry
Wing of an Angel Sterling Silver Cremation Jewelry
Renaissance Heart Sterling Silver Cremation Jewelry
Eternity Heart Sterling Silver Cremation Jewelry
Please leave me comments
I used to love to read all of the comments on my writings to Mom but, now, I'll just read them to the 6 dogs and 1 cat who surround me. Love comes in many forms, doesn't it?
Please leave me comments just to let me know you stopped by.
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favored1
May 4, 2012 @ 3:23 pm | delete
- We all came to love your mom through your writings, and miss her. As you, I never heard of this jewelry. A bit strange to me but others may find comfort in it.
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jptanabe
Mar 27, 2012 @ 8:24 am | delete
- Beautiful ideas for bereavement gifts! So glad you found something so beautiful to write about after the loss of your mom. I was hoping you'd keep writing!
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Ladymermaid
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:11 pm | delete
- Your mom will live forever within the article which you have so lovingly written. I am sure that she so appreciates this.
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GayleMcLaughlin Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- I am so sorry to hear about your mom! You were so faithful to her through the many years of caring for her. Thanks for these ideas about bereavement gifts. It has given me several ideas.
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vallain Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:55 pm | delete
- When I lost my sister, I bought a simple necklace with her name spelled out. Just having that around my neck each day was important to me. We each find out own way to grieve and pay tribute to the one we are missing.
This page will help others going through this difficult time.
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survivoryea
Feb 25, 2012 @ 5:53 pm | delete
- Love the remembrance lamp-how special and an idea I plan to remember if needed. Take care.
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ChrissLJ Feb 24, 2012 @ 7:55 pm | delete
- I like the idea of the remembrance lamp. What a perfect and personal way to remember your very special mother. (And yes, my four-legged fur children agree that love comes in many forms.)
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bossypants
Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:39 pm | delete
- So good to see you, again, Lori. You've been in my thoughts. As Peggy said, it sounds like you are doing well, safe in the love of many friends -- 2- and 4-legged.
Once again, you've turned your circumstances and experiences inot a lens that will help many others. Nicely done!
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gottaloveit
Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:46 pm | delete
- So sweet to be remembered, Bossy. I am doing well - I have a plethora of the best friends in the entire world surrounding me. I couldn't ever have hoped for a better support system. They loved my Mom as much as they love me. How lucky am I?!
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scarlettohairy Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:24 pm | delete
- Lori, I'm glad to see you're doing all right. I knew you would. This article is a great way to help you work through your new life. Keep on writing!
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gottaloveit
Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:45 pm | delete
- Thanks, Peggy, I'm doing fine - I think that's because I have absolutely no regrets. I did the best I could, I fulfilled my promise to my Dad and to my Mom, and my Mom was with me to the very end. She died at home as she wanted. Life goes on now - just not sure where it's going to take me next. Lvoe!
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TenPoundTenor
Feb 23, 2012 @ 9:56 am | delete
- What a wonderful idea. Great lens.
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I am unemployed...
For the past 5 years, I've cared for my adorable Mom, Gertie. With her gone now, I'm not sure what my new life will bring but, at the moment, I'm unemployed. A Data Manager for clinical trials by profession, perhaps I'll seek another position, but, for right now, I believe I'll seek a furry head to caress. That sounds about right.
Bereavement Gifts is my 135th Squidoo lens I've written. To see all of my Squidoo lenses, please come visit GottaLoveIt profile.
Bereavement Gifts is my 135th Squidoo lens I've written. To see all of my Squidoo lenses, please come visit GottaLoveIt profile.
by gottaloveit
I used to spend most of my days caring for my adorable 95 year old Mom, Gertie; she died peacefully in my arms Feb 15, 2012.
During down times (which...
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This beautiful necklace would be a great bereavement gift
"On Angel's Wings" Bereavement Pendant Necklace by The Bradford Exchange
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
