Gone But Not Forgotten: Creating New Traditions to Honor Your Loved One

By Roz Jones

As we conclude the Gone But Not Forgotten Blog Series, I want to explore a meaningful way to carry your loved one’s memory forward—by starting new traditions. These traditions don’t have to be tied to the holidays; they can be woven into your life throughout the year.

Creating a new tradition in your loved one’s honor is not only a healing experience but also a beautiful way to celebrate their legacy. It allows you to move forward while keeping their presence in your heart. These traditions can bring comfort and help foster positive memories for years to come.

Tips and Ideas for Starting New Traditions

Incorporate Something They Loved
Think about the things your loved one enjoyed and build a tradition around that. If they loved decorating the house for the holidays, make it a family event where everyone participates in their honor. If they had a favorite recipe, bake it together as a family and share stories about them while you cook.
Establish a Meaningful Ritual
Small, intentional acts can become cherished traditions. Consider lighting a special candle at the beginning of family meals or playing their favorite song during gatherings. These rituals are simple but powerful ways to keep their memory alive.
Make It Unique to Them
If your loved one had a particular hobby or passion, incorporate that into your tradition. For example, if they loved gardening, plant something in their honor each year. If they were passionate about art, gather your family to create artwork inspired by them.
Honor Their Values
Celebrate what mattered most to your loved one by giving back in their name. If they were involved in charitable causes, start a tradition of volunteering or donating to a cause they cared about. This not only honors their memory but also spreads their legacy of kindness and generosity.

Why Starting New Traditions Matters

For me, starting new traditions has been a way to navigate grief while celebrating the love and joy my loved ones brought into my life. These traditions create lasting memories, bringing comfort and connection even in their absence. They remind me that while they may not be physically here, their spirit and impact live on in every act of love and remembrance.

Carrying Their Legacy Forward

As you think about creating new traditions, remember that it’s not about replacing old memories but building new ones that honor your loved one’s life. Whether it’s an annual gathering, a small ritual, or an act of giving, each tradition becomes a bridge between their memory and your present.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Gone But Not Forgotten Blog Series. I hope these ideas inspire you to celebrate your loved one’s legacy in ways that bring healing, joy, and connection to you and your family.

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Memories and Milestones of President Jimmy Carter: A Life Well Lived “His Way”

By Roz Jones

The world has lost a great president, a man of faith, a father, a husband, a humanitarian, and so much more. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous journey in hospice care.

As we reflect on his remarkable life, I can’t help but think of Frank Sinatra’s famous song, “I Did It My Way.” President Jimmy Carter truly did it his way—with humility, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

President Carter’s decision to enter hospice care in February 2023 demonstrated the grace and acceptance that defined his life. For over a year, he remained surrounded by love and care, showing us the power of hospice to create meaningful moments even in life’s final chapter.

As caregivers, we know the immense challenges and rewards of supporting loved ones during this time. President Carter’s journey reminds us that with the right care and compassion, these moments can become beautiful memories.

This is the first in a series of reflections on President Jimmy Carter’s incredible legacy. Over the next two weeks, we’ll explore the milestones and memories that defined his life—from his presidency to his humanitarian work, and his unwavering partnership with his wife Rosalynn Carter.

Let’s honor his legacy by drawing lessons from his remarkable journey—both as a leader and as a man who faced aging and end-of-life with dignity. Join me for the next blog of the Memories and Milestones of President Jimmy Carter series, where I’ll explore President Jimmy Carter’s impactful presidency and the initiatives he championed for a brighter future.

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Gone But Not Forgotten: Creating a Memory Table as a Special Tribute to Your Loved One

By Roz Jones

As we continue the Gone But Not Forgotten Blog Series, let’s explore a meaningful way to bring your loved one’s presence into your holiday celebrations: creating a memory table. This simple, heartfelt tribute offers a tangible reminder of their impact on your life while giving family and friends a special space to reflect and share memories.

A memory table can serve as a gentle yet powerful way to honor your loved one’s legacy. Whether it’s set near the dining table, in the living room, or another cherished space in your home, this dedicated area creates a beautiful bridge between their memory and your holiday traditions.

Tips and Tricks for a Heartfelt Memory Table

Choose a Special Location
Find a spot where the memory table will be easily seen and appreciated. This could be near the dinner table, beside the Christmas tree, or on a prominent mantelpiece. The location sets the tone for the tribute and ensures it’s a central part of the holiday atmosphere.
Personalize It
Make the memory table a reflection of your loved one. Decorate it with items that represent their personality, hobbies, or passions. It could include their favorite holiday ornaments, a treasured book, or something that reminds you of a special moment you shared together.
Incorporate Photos
Use framed photos of your loved one, especially from past holiday celebrations. These visuals can spark fond memories and stories, keeping their spirit alive during the festivities.
Include a Special Note
Take a moment to write a letter to your loved one or jot down a cherished memory. Place these notes on the table or read them aloud during a special moment, like a holiday dinner. Encourage family members to contribute their own notes for a collective expression of love and remembrance.
Light a Candle
A lit candle is a timeless symbol of remembrance and can add warmth to the memory table. Light it during dinner, gift exchanges, or any time when you want to honor their presence.
Make It Interactive
Invite your family and friends to contribute to the memory table. They could add photos, small mementos, or written notes. This collaborative act creates a shared space of love, connection, and healing.

Why a Memory Table Matters

For me, a memory table is more than just a tribute—it’s a way to include my loved one in the moments that matter most. It creates an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect, and share stories, bringing a sense of closeness even in their physical absence.

This simple tradition has helped me navigate the holidays with a little more grace and joy, reminding me that while they may be gone, their love and influence are always present.

A Lasting Tradition

As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, consider setting up a memory table as part of your Gone But Not Forgotten traditions. It’s a tangible way to keep your loved one close, honor their legacy, and create a space where their memory can continue to bring warmth and connection to your family.

Let’s remember them with love, share their stories, and celebrate the impact they’ve had on our lives.

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Gone But Not Forgotten: Raising A Glass in Honor of Your Loved One

By Roz Jones

The holidays have always been a time for family, love, and togetherness, but after losing a loved one, they can also be bittersweet. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the people who are no longer with us and find small ways to keep their presence alive. One of the most meaningful traditions I’ve embraced is raising a glass in their honor.

This simple act—a toast—is such a powerful way to pause and celebrate their life. It’s an opportunity to remember their joy, their love, and the moments that made them unforgettable.

I want to share how you can make this tradition your own, just as I have, to keep your loved one’s memory close during this season.

Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Toast

Choose the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Whether it’s before dinner, during dessert, or at the start of a family gathering, find a moment when everyone can pause together. A toast doesn’t need to be long or elaborate—it’s the intention that matters most.
Incorporate Their Favorite Drink
Add a personal touch by including your loved one’s favorite beverage in the toast. Whether it’s a classic cocktail, a glass of wine, or a comforting cup of tea, this small detail can make the moment feel even more connected to their memory.
Write a Heartfelt Message
If you’re unsure what to say, take a few moments beforehand to write down a thought or memory that encapsulates your loved one’s essence. Whether it’s a funny story, a cherished moment, or a simple thank-you for the joy they brought to your life, your words will carry meaning and love.
Invite Others to Share
Create a sense of togetherness by inviting family members to join in the toast. Encourage them to share their own thoughts, memories, or wishes in honor of your loved one. This collective act of remembrance can be a powerful way to bond and heal as a family.
Keep the Atmosphere Comfortable
Remember, not everyone processes grief the same way. Keep the toast light, loving, and inclusive, allowing those who may not wish to speak to participate simply by raising their glass.

Why This Tradition Matters

Raising a glass in honor of your loved one is more than just a gesture—it’s an intentional act of remembrance that brings family and friends closer together. This tradition allows you to:

Celebrate the joy your loved one brought to your life.
Reflect on their legacy and the memories that continue to bring you comfort.
Foster a sense of unity and healing among those who shared in their life.

A Lasting Legacy

As you gather this holiday season, let the simple act of a toast remind you that while grief may feel heavy, love and connection endure. Each shared story, each raised glass, and each heartfelt word adds to the legacy of your loved one, keeping their memory alive in the hearts of those who loved them most.

So, let’s sip and save those special moments—because even in their absence, our loved ones remain an irreplaceable part of our story.

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Gone But Not Forgotten: Creating a Memory Journal to Preserve Their Legacy

By Roz Jones

As we continue our Gone But Not Forgotten Blog Series, let’s explore a heartfelt way to keep your loved one’s memory alive: creating a memory journal. Writing down your thoughts, emotions, and cherished memories not only honors your loved one’s legacy but also provides a meaningful outlet for your grief.

A memory journal becomes a treasure trove of stories, keepsakes, and reflections that can be shared with family members, passed down through generations, or simply revisited when you need to feel close to your loved one.

Tips and Tricks for Creating a Memory Journal

Choose a Special Journal
Select a journal that feels significant to you—whether it’s a simple notebook or an intricately designed one. Personalize it by adding your loved one’s name, favorite colors, or a photo that reminds you of them.
Invite Family Contributions
Make the memory journal a family project. Ask relatives to contribute their favorite stories, special moments, or reflections about your loved one. This collective effort not only creates a richer memory book but also brings family members closer together.
Add Meaningful Keepsakes
Enhance your journal with mementos like photos, event tickets, or handwritten notes. These items add a tactile element to your memories, making them even more vivid and heartfelt.
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Dedicate time during the holidays to revisit the journal. Gather family members to read entries, share memories, or even add new reflections. This tradition can be a comforting way to feel connected and honor your loved one during special times.
Write Freely and Authentically
Let your thoughts flow without judgment. Include everything from happy memories to moments of sadness—every emotion is valid and part of your healing journey.

Why a Memory Journal Matters

Grief can feel overwhelming and isolating, but a memory journal offers a tangible way to process those emotions. It’s a space to:

Reflect on your loved one’s impact on your life.
Celebrate the joy they brought to you and others.
Capture the small details that might otherwise fade with time.

By documenting these memories, you create a living tribute that preserves their legacy and helps you—and your family—navigate the journey of healing.

A Lasting Legacy

A memory journal isn’t just for you; it’s a gift for future generations. Imagine your children or grandchildren reading about the loved one who shaped your life. Through your words, they’ll come to know the person you’ve lost and the love you’ve shared.

Start small, take it day by day, and remember—this journal is your space to honor, grieve, and heal. Let it be a source of comfort and connection as you move through the seasons of life.

Stay tuned for more tips in the Gone But Not Forgotten Blog Series as we continue exploring ways to cherish and celebrate our loved ones’ legacies.

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