Ways to Remember a Lost Friend

When a friend passes away, whether suddenly or from a terminal illness, the grieving process can be hard to deal with. You are consumed with so much sadness, it's hard to think of a time when you'll be able to remember your friend without pain. Time will temper the hurt you feel, but can also fade the memories of your friend. Keep the memories of your friend and friendship alive with a few seemingly simple tactics.

Record Your Memories

• Everyone deals with grief differently, but one way to work through it and help remember your friend is to record the memories you shared with him or her. Write down or record any stories you have with your friend, including trips, shared secrets and times of comfort. As your grief abides and you can remember your friend without pain, you'll cherish these recorded memories.

Collect Memories From Others

• Your friend's death hasn't just affected you, so contact other friends or family members to share memories and stories with. Add these new stories and memories to your collection. Record stories on audio tape or make copies of home videos. Collect any newspaper clippings that may have featured your friend.

Create a Memory Book

• Keep all the stories and memories of your friend in one place with a memory book or box. Make additional copies for your friend's family or other friends to help with the healing process and to keep the memory alive. Add handwritten notes to remember tiny details that may fade as the years pass.

Celebrate Your Friend's Life

• While it's normal to grieve for the loss of your friend, don't forget that she had interests, likes and dislikes, too. Donate some time or money to a charity your friend felt passionate about, or conduct a fundraiser in your friend's memory to aid the cause. Play your friend's favorite song and remember how much she loved it.