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Finding a way to honor and remember a loved one can bring comfort in the face of grief.

For some, when a loved one passes away, we cannot really cope with the loss until we feel we’ve appropriately honored our loved one. Here are ten ways to say goodbye, honor, and remember your loved one:

1. Plant a tree in honor of your loved one’s life. Many people have a tradition of planting a tree in celebration of a birth. I think planting a tree that blossoms every year could be a wonderful reminder of the life your loved one lived.

2. Create an online memorial page. Online memorials are special in that they can include photos, videos, poems, stories, and memories. Plus, they can be shared among friends and family members and can be modified on a regular basis. My favorite tool for easily and quickly creating an online memorial is Tackk.

3. Display a portrait or old photos of your loved one. Rather than tuck pictures away in a photo album, find a way to display them on the walls or counters of your home and office. You could even have them incorporated into your home decor and jewelry using services like Shutterfly and Snapfish.

4. Maintain your loved ones collection. Was your grandmother an avid reader with an extensive book collection? Did your significant other have an awesome stamp collection? Find a corner of your home where you can display those things that were so dear to your loved one – maybe you’ll discover that you want to keep those collections going too.

5. Keep an accessory to wear when you want to remember your loved one. Perhaps your grandfather had a watch that he wore regularly, or your mom had a special pair of earrings … hold onto those items and take them out when you want to feel closer to your loved one.

6. Frame a cherished note, garment, or other memento.  Find something that was meaningful to your loved one, and have it professionally framed. Hanging something so unique on your walls will ensure that guests ask about it and that you’ll have the chance to share memories of your loved one.

7. Place a memorial plaque in a place cherished by your loved one. Did your sister have a favorite bench at the park? Was your brother a huge fan of the orchestra or basketball team?  Have a memorial plaque placed on that site and imagine your loved one enjoying the views, sites, and sounds. And when you visit, you will again be reminded of your loved one.

8. Make annual contributions in honor of your loved one’s life and death. What a better way to remember and honor your loved one than to contribute to a charity that was dear to them? Even if it’s just $5 or $10 per year, the act of making a donation on the anniversary of your loved one’s death is very powerful.

9. Light a candle. There is a wonderful Jewish tradition of lighting a candle that burns for 24-hours each year on the anniversary of a loved one’s death. No matter your religion, this annual ritual is such a great way to keep memories of your loved one alive, and it provides a ceremonial way of acknowledging loss.

10. Paint a picture, write a song, or snap a photo. Celebrate your loved one in a way that feels comfortable and resonates with you. If you’re an artist, create an artwork in honor of your loved one. If you’re a writer, put their story down on paper through a poem, short story, song, or novel. If you’re a photographer, take pictures of your loved one’s favorite places or views.