Remembering Those We Lost on 9/11

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Tuesday, September 11, 2018


September 11th means a lot to Americans across the country. A day of tragedy, of loss, of heartache. The loss of 2,997 American lives. But to us, in the New York City area, the day truly hits hardest. Many of the lives lost were family and friends. Almost everyone in our city lost someone that day, or because of illness caused by that day. Ask almost anyone, and they remember what they were doing when the towers were hit. With so much loss, it is important to understand the grief of the day, and to know what you can do to honor your loved one on this day.

Dealing With Grief

Grief is a complicated and complex emotion. It can sneak up on you slowly or hit you hard and suddenly. Many survivors and those who lost loved ones alike are stricken with grief on September 11th. It is important to understand your grief, and to know that it is natural. Everyone grieves differently.

For many people, 9/11 also represents a different kind of loss. A loss of safety, a loss of trust in the world. After such tragic events, such heartbreak, it is natural to feel this way. When we remember our loved ones that we lost this day, we are also remembering this lost sense of safety in our own everyday lives.

Light a Candle

If your church has a room or section for memorial candles, light one for your loved one. Be the light for your loved one on this tragic day.

Visit the Memorial and Museum

The 9/11 memorial in Manhattan is often packed with friends and family of those lost on that day. It can be comforting to be surrounded by those who went through the same heartache and loss as you and your family. There are usually eulogies, speakers, and ceremonial blessings for your loved ones. 

Visit their Burial Site

Travelling to the cemetery to visit your loved one is a common occurance on the anniversary of a death, especially when it is a sudden one. It is good to take loved ones to the cemetery, visit the deceased, and remember all of the good times you had with them.  

Memorialize Your Loved One at Home

Some families dedicate a part of their home or their yard to their loved one. While cemeteries may be far or hard to get to, a small monument or dedicated shrine in your backyard or garden can make you feel closer to them. We can help you design and create a custom memorial for you. 

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Sensory Memory and Grief

Memories of lost loved ones can play a major part in our grief. If you see an old photo or an object that reminds you of a memory, you may be flooded with emotions. Sensory memories are those trigg...

Choosing the Right Funeral Home

When a loved one passes, or when pre-planning your funeral, it is important to choose a funeral home that you are comfortable with. Planning a funeral can seem daunting, especially when you are dea...

Should You Attend the Funeral of an Ex-Spouse?

When a loved one dies, it can seem obvious that you should attend the funeral. However, when it comes to your ex-spouse, it can get trickier. Divorces and separations can drastically affect the par...

Firefighter Funeral Services

When a firefighter passes away, there are often special practices associated with their funeral services. This is especially true if they died in the line of duty. Below, we will discuss the differ...

Survivor's Guilt & Coping with Grief

After a traumatic or sudden passing of a loved one, it is common for people to experience Survivor’s Guilt. Survivor’s Guilt is a type of grief that creates feelings of wrong-doing surrounding ...

Consoling Non-Religious Mourners

After the death of a loved one, it is common to say platitudes to the family like “they're in a better place” and “I’m praying for you.” But what if the family member of the loved one is non-religi...

Meditation and Working Through Grief

Meditation is a practice for fostering balance and serenity. More people turn to meditation as a way to find peace in a hectic work week, or to help them stay focused. Big tech companies like Googl...

Terminal Illnesses and Grief

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to process your grief and be there for them. Often, family and friends can be an important support network for the sick individ...

Remembering Mom On Mother's Day

As Mother’s Day draws closer, it can be hard to avoid all the greeting card stands and gift displays in stores. After losing your mother, the upcoming holiday can feel bittersweet. Below, we will d...

Phobias and Funerals

Fear can be a powerful driving force in life, but it can also play a big part in dealing with death. Everyone fears something, and fear can often stop us from experiencing new and unique things. Wh...