After a loved one dies, you will want to memorialize their life as best as possible. This can be done through beautiful funeral services and by living a fulfilling life in their honor.
Also known as gravestones and grave markers, headstones were first used in ancient times by the Romans. These markers were used to honor fallen soldiers after battle. Today, headstones are beautiful reminders of a loved one's memory and the life and legacy they are leaving behind. Here are a few tips to show love and add personality when designing your loved one's headstone.
Names/Nicknames
One of the biggest mistakes many family members make is using the deceased's full and formal names on the headstones. Of course, this would be suitable if the loved one was only known by the one name.
However, if most of their family and friends knew them by their shorter, more casual name or a nickname, make sure to use it on the headstone.
For example, if the deceased's name is Jennifer or Robert, but they were more known by Jen and Bob, consider using the shorter names to memorialize their life and personality.
The shorter names can be engraved in a few ways. You can include the shorter name or nickname in larger print with the full, formal name underneath. Or, you can use the formal name as the main part of the headstone with the shorter nickname in quotations.
Life Roles
Everyone has a role in life and this role should be commemorated on a person's headstone after death.
Your loved one was most likely a special person in your life, so make sure to showcase this relationship on their marker. Be sure to include if your loved one was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, son, daughter, wife, mother, aunt, uncle, or grandmother, etc.
If the loved one was a teacher, mentor, doctor, or soldier, make sure to include these roles, as well. Because these were key parts of the loved one's life, they should be honored for these roles.
Use words to describe how loved this person was and will continue to be. Cherished, admired, loved, inspirational, and missed are good adjectives to include with the roles of your loved one.
Quotes/Verses
In most cases, your deceased loved one had a favorite quote, song, or verse that they admired. These words and phrases may be found in a favorite song, book, poem, or in the Bible. Since they held a special place in your loved one's heart while they were alive, they should be included on their headstone.
In the Bible, Matthew 5:8 is a wonderful verse that may offer some emotional support after the loss of a loved one. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" may be short, but it offers a beautiful reminder for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you do not believe your loved one had a favorite quote or verse, consider writing your own message to have engraved on the headstone. A few quick words on how much they mean to you will be a short and simple message to showcase their personality.
Photos/Symbols
Words are not the only elements that you can include on a loved one's headstone. Many people are opting to add photos and symbols that represent the personality and life of the deceased.
Choose a photo of your loved one or a full family photo to have emblazoned on the headstone.
If your loved one had a hobby or passion, try to include this part of their personality on the grave marker. A fish or boat symbol is perfect for someone who spent a large portion of time fishing. If your loved one was a lifelong fan of a sport's team, include the team's motto, mascot, or symbol on the headstone.
The headstone is an important part of remembering the dead. With these tips, you will be able to create a beautiful and personable headstone for your loved one. Talk to your funeral home or visit sites like http://www.hitzemanfuneral.com to see what other options there are.
