One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is having to deal with the loss of people you care about. Longevity can feel like both a blessing and a curse at times. Yes, you get to experience more of what this lovely planet has to offer, but you also must deal with the grief of watching your friends and relatives pass away before you.

The agony of losing someone for the first time might be unbearable. Indeed, losing a loved one may be so upsetting that being around items that remind you of them can be tough. However, time gradually takes its toll, and what was once a piercing pain becomes a dull ache.

When this occurs, you can finally start the healing process. You might even be ready to take proactive actions to remember your loved one at this point.

It's a highly intimate experience to remember a loved one. Consider these creative ways you can take the next step in healing. 

1. Memorial Bench

A memorial bench is a very common method to honour the life of a loved one.

The bench can be placed in a gorgeous location, such as a favourite site they frequented, or even in your own garden, where you can sit and reflect on all the good times you shared.

There are numerous companies that will construct a memorial bench for you. However, purchasing the bench from a local garden centre and arranging for the engraving of a plaque yourself is a far more cost-effective option.

Many county authorities have initiatives where you can have a loved one featured on a park seat that will be displayed in a public park for roughly 15 years. That way, anyone who wishes to pay their respects can come down to the park and take 5 minutes out of their busy schedule to commemorate the person who has had such a significant impact on their lives.

2. Plant a Legacy Tree

Planting a tree is a popular gesture to commemorate a birth. Why not apply the same rationale to commemorating a loved one's life after they've passed away?

There are many 'green' cemeteries now that will turn human ashes into a tree. Companies like Mornington Green even treat the ashes before planting to help ensure a healthy and long-lasting memorial for your loved one. 

You can bring some of the tree's branches into the house every year when it blooms, symbolising the celebration of that life. It's also nice to spend time in the shade of legacy trees to remember that the life of your loved ones continues on. 

3. Create an Underwater Reef

What better way to honour the person's life than to turn their ashes into a permanent living legacy beneath the sea if they had a strong interest in the sea or ecology?

There are companies that can mix your loved one's ashes with carefully prepared cement and mould it into a permanent eco-friendly reef that, once buried, will provide a habitat for a variety of sea life.

After that, you can attend a unique ceremony to witness the eco-reef being buried at sea.

4. Turn Them into Fireworks

Sending a loved one into the sky in a firework show is a stunning way to remember them. There are several companies that will gather some or all of the ashes from cremation and turn them into a self-fired tribute or spread them in a professional display.

Fireworks are bundled with a prayer or personal memorial and are personalised with the name of the deceased.

5. A Keepsake Diamond

Because of the high carbon content of the human body, it is now possible to manufacture a beautiful diamond from ashes. This can then be cut to any size and used as a pendant, brooch, or ring, among other things.

The cost of transforming ashes into diamonds can be pricy. In most cases, you should expect to pay between $4,000 and $19,000. It does create a timeless keepsake, however, that will last forever. 

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience that most people must face. Remembering their lives and reflecting on your relationship is an important step in healing from loss. Creating a memorial is a great way to honour that person and make something that will last for ages.