Facebook Memories and Those we Lost

Facebook memories can often be a fun look back into the past with friends and family. They are often unexpected, and it can be interesting to see how much has changed. But sometimes these memories remind us of those we lost. Photos with loved ones who have since past, or the post announcing funeral plans for your loved one can pop up unexpectedly. These Facebook memories can trigger feelings of grief and loss.

Celebrating Their Lives

Facebook memories can be painful when you see them. Try to make it positive. Share the memory and commemorate it. Rather than focusing on your loss, try to think of the good times with your loved one. 

Remembering the Good Times

Old photos on Facebook can trigger a lot of good memories as well as feelings of grief. Remember the good times with your loved one on the memory by revisiting those events. If the memory is from a ball game, go to one. If it was at a restaurant, go there. Celebrate the memories you shared with your loved one by making a tradition out of it. Take your friends or family with you to celebrate the traditions you had with your loved one.

Holiday Memories

It is easy during the holidays to feel grief when there is one less person at the dinner table; but it can be even worse when you are reminded online by family photos of you all with your loved one. Try to see these moments as milestones, rather than painful reminders. Another year has gone by; and while you still miss your loved one, the holiday is still spent with your family. New photos are taken, and posted online. Soon, newer memories will appear on Facebook. That doesn’t mean we forget our loved ones; but rather, we grow and make new memories.

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are a number of resources out there. For our Grief Resource center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here.

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.