Writing to Your Loved One After They’re Gone

When we lose a loved one, one of the most difficult things to endure is not being able to talk with them again. Maybe it’s a conversation you wish you had while they were alive, maybe you would like to just tell them about your day or a funny movie you saw. Whatever it is, not to be able to able to have these conversations anymore can be rough. One thing that can help is journaling. Directors of funeral homes in White Oak, TX explain how you can get started.

Most of the time when people hear “journaling” they think of a teenage girl sitting on her bed writing “Dear Diary…” However, journaling can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a summary of your day, poems or songs you write, or, in this case, notes to your loved one.

Luckily for this activity, it doesn’t take any more than a pen or pencil and a notebook. You may opt for a simple spiral notebook from a dollar store, or decide to invest in a fancier journal you may find online or from a nice bookstore; what you choose is entirely up to you.

One thing to note here is that it is important to use a pen and paper rather than typing the words out on a computer or smartphone. Writing the words out gives your brain more time to really connect with the thoughts and feelings you are wanting to express.

So now you have your journal, your pen and you are ready to write. Don’t worry if you feel awkward at first or kind of stuck and not sure exactly what to write. This is normal. Even though this journal is for your eyes only, you may feel judgment as you start to write something and not feel really “free” to just write what is in your heart. This will get easier.

In the beginning, you can focus on one idea you would like to talk to your loved one about. Maybe you want to share a funny story you heard with them. Perhaps you want to talk about what you like about your new job. As time goes on you will begin to feel freer and your writing may take on a path of its own. Just breathe, let go of any judgment and give yourself permission to just go for it.

You can write as much or as little as you would like. You may find that some weeks you have a lot to say and write every day. Other weeks maybe not so much. Don’t put a set amount on how much or how often you should write. This is an activity that should help you feel better and heal from the pain of losing your loved one, not make you feel bad if you don’t do it for 2 hours every day.

After your loved one’s services from funeral homes in White Oak, TX, journaling like this can help to feel close and connected to them while working through some of your pain and grief. Just remember to write from your heart and you will do fine!