Creating a memorial for a loved one who has recently passed away can keep their memory alive for many years after the funeral service. When the funeral service, memorial service or life celebration service has ended, often times people wish to have a permanent reminder of their loved one. Many people opt to create a memorial to pay tribute and have something in honor of the person they lost.

There are some unique and traditional ways that you can do to create a memorial but before we look at the top ten, consider some questions which may help you to decide what would be right for you. What did your loved one value? What made them happy or brought joy into their life?

1. Plant a tree in their memory. You can plant a tree on your property or another location where you have permission to do so. Trees can be purchased at a garden shop or seedlngs can be also be purchased on web resources.

2. Place your loved one's photo on a stamp! This is such a cool idea because you can use this stamp when you send out thank you's or cards throughout the year to your family and friends. You can get a customized stamp at web resources such as photo.stamp.com.

3. Donate a memorial bench, stained glass window, or memorial tile. There are many organizations that provide you this opportunity. You can have your loved one's name on a sign mounted on a bench, stained glass window (located in churches) and engraved within a memorial tile.

4. Plant a section in a garden of flowers. You can allocate a section in your garden to plant perrenials each year in honor of your loved one. You can also have stepping stones or a rock with their name engraved on it and place it in your garden.

5. Start a college scholarship. Consider any sports or hobbies the deceased loved or enjoyed. Start a scholarship under one of these favorite pastimes or even a special organization he supported. Not only would you be creating a memorial but also helping a college student be able to fund a tuition.

6. Create a video tribute. You can take a collection of photos throughout their life and make a video dvd slideshow. This can be played during the memorial service and can be distributed to family members after as a form of tribute and remembrance.

7. Create a memorial booklet. You can create a memorial booklet by expanding on the funeral service program. Make a booklet that contains more about their life, include photos and special memorabilia as well as the obituary and funeral order of service. This can be distributed to all attendees or just close family members.

8. Create a memorial website. These types of websites are increasingly becoming popular as the internet continues to become an online way of life. Often website provide a "forever" option with one flat price and your website will remain forever. They are quite interactive in which you can receive postings from family, friends and visitors.

9. Keep a special memory journal. You can create a private journal of your own which will house all of your own special memories, how they impacted your life, what you learned from them and your thoughts as you live life without your loved one. This is also very benefiical in the healing process.

10. Create a special item in honor of their memory. Handcrafted items such as a quilt, knitted blanket, and memory board are all items that can be used daily or displayed prominently wihtin your home. You can also light a special candle for them once a month or more frequently if you desire.

Dealing with loss is never easy and is challenging for everyone. It's is important to choose a memorial that you feel comfortable with and feel good about doing. Memorials are also a great way to help you in the healing process and keeps you focused on doing something positive. You can also create a tradition and pass it along to your children or future generations.