9/11 Two Years Later: Finding Comfort Through Remembrance

(PRWEB) August 21, 2003

CONTACT NAME: Renee Wood

CONTACT PHONE: (630)845-1624 (Office)

             (630)262-1282 (Home)

CONTACT E-MAIL: thecomfortcompany@ameritech.net

9/11 Two Years Later: Finding Comfort Through Remembrance

(PRWEB) August, 2003 -- The days before the anniversary of a loved one’s death can be an anxious and stressful time. The second anniversary of September 11th will be no different. As the families of the victims brace themselves for a fresh wave of grief, The Comfort Company, an online retailer of unique sympathy and memorial gifts, offers a list of ten ways to remember the victims of 9/11 and bring comfort to their grieving families:

1. Call or send a card: Many of the victims’ families report that the silence has become louder and more painful during the second year following the attacks. “I think most people have forgotten and have gotten on with their lives,” comments the mother of a firefighter lost when Tower II collapsed. Calling to say “I am thinking of you today and remembering your loss” lets them know that their loved ones have not been forgotten.

2. Plant a living memorial: Consider sending or planting a tree in honor of one who died. Trees represent the beauty and continuity of life. A specially planted tree will be a perinnial memorial of the one who died and serve as a healing reminder in the years to come. The tree can also become a part of a remembrance celebration–such as a pine tree that is planted and decorated during the holidays.

3. Share a memory or photo: Sharing a memory or photo of someone who died will give the victims’ families a living, breathing snapshot of their loved ones. Says one father who lost his son, “I didn’t realize the past was so important until the future died”. Be generous with your memories and know that sharing helps to heal the hurt, not add to the pain.

4. Visit the grave: If you know someone who lost a loved one on 9/11, one of the most thoughtful actions you can take is to go out of your way to visit the victim’s grave. Leaving flowers or a small pebble near the headstone will let family members know you were there and will provide comfort beyond measure.

5. Donate a book or toy: Consider donating a book to the library or a toy to a children’s hospital as a memorial to the person who died. One widow recalls when a neighbor donated a toy fire truck to a local shelter. “It was a very touching way to remember my husband.... I get joy when I think of child playing and dreaming of becoming a firefighter. It was my husband’s dream.”

6. Give a long, strong hug : For many people, their main hug-giver is gone. Reach out and give a heartfelt hug to someone who has spent the past two years with empty arms and an aching heart.

7. Say the victims name: This is difficult, uncomfortable and absolutely necessary. Those who lost loved ones on 9/11 will tell you that hearing their loved ones name is like music to their ears. If you find this difficult, begin with a simple statement, “I know you must be thinking about (victim’s name) today, and I wanted to let you know that I am remembering him/her, too”.

8. Be There: When asked what would be comforting to her on the second anniversary of her loss, one widow replied, “What I want is for a friend to show up on my doorstep with a box of Kleenex and nowhere to go”. The bereaved need to be given permission to grieve, to cry and ultimately... to heal.

9. Send or Light a candle: Many victims’ families have found lighting a candle in honor of their loved ones to be a comforting ritual. Like the glow of a candle–memories can warm the heart and light the way for someone who is suffering.

10. Carry or wear a linking object: A linking object is a small keepsake–a piece of jewelry or other memento that reminds you of the one who died. This object can be carried or worn as a way to keep a memory close.

The Comfort Company was founded by Renee Wood, a memorial gift specialist. Formally a neonatal intensive care social worker, Wood understands the importance of remembrance as a necessary step toward healing.

For more information, or to obtain additional grief-related resources, please visit: http://www.thecomfortcompany.net.