Honouring a loved one who has passed away is a deeply personal journey, and there are countless ways to keep their memory alive in our hearts and lives. Whether through grand gestures or simple, heartfelt acts, honouring a loved one allows us to celebrate their life, acknowledge their impact, and find comfort in our connection to them. As I’ve been watching the Olympics, I’ve noticed how often athletes compete in memory of someone they’ve lost. This has made me reflect on the extraordinary lengths people will go to honour a loved one.
Take Olympic gold medallist Lola Anderson, for example. Competing in the women’s quad sculls team at the Paris Olympics in 2024, she shared the moving story of her father, who inspired her to achieve this monumental goal. On his deathbed, he handed her a note in which she had written about her dream of becoming an Olympian many years before. His encouragement and belief in her dream spurred her on, driving her to compete this year and ultimately win a gold medal in his honour.
Olympian Tom Daley lost his father to a brain tumour on May 27, 2011, just days after his 17th birthday. His father, who passed away at the age of 40, was one of Tom’s biggest supporters, constantly encouraging him as he trained for the Olympics. In an interview, Tom spoke about the immense sacrifices his father made, such as taking him to countless training sessions, to help him achieve his dream. His dad proudly watched him compete in the 2008 Olympics, though Tom did not win a medal. Sadly, his father passed away before Tom could realise his Olympic dream of winning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. Tom’s victory was a poignant tribute to his father’s unwavering support and dedication. In another heartfelt gesture, Tom named his son Robbie after his dad, further honouring his memory.
It left me imagining what it would be like to win an Olympic medal in memory of a loved one, a deeply emotional achievement that merges personal victory with profound sentiment. As the national anthem plays and the medal is placed around your neck, the overwhelming sense of pride would be intricately woven with a poignant remembrance of your loved one. Their memory would have fuelled your dedication and perseverance, turning the victory into more than just a personal milestone it becomes a heartfelt tribute to their enduring influence on your life.
Imagining each moment on the podium feels like a silent conversation with them, a heartfelt acknowledgment that their spirit and inspiration have been integral to your journey. The medal, gleaming in the spotlight, symbolises not just athletic excellence but a legacy of love and dedication. In honouring a loved one through such a prestigious achievement, athletes like Lola Anderson and Tom Daley remind us of the powerful connections that drive us to pursue our dreams and the profound impact of those we cherish.
Though We Can’t All Be Olympians, We Can All Find Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Our Loved Ones Memory
While becoming an Olympian is an extraordinary way to honour a loved one, most of us won’t find ourselves standing on that prestigious podium. However, the spirit of honouring those we’ve lost is universal, and there are countless meaningful ways to celebrate their memory. Here are some ideas to help you find your unique way to keep their legacy alive:
Create a Memorial: A memorial is a timeless way to honour a loved one. This can be as simple as a dedicated space in your home with photographs, candles, and personal mementos. Alternatively, you might plant a tree or create a garden in their memory, providing a living, growing tribute to their life and legacy.
Participate in Their Passions: Engaging in activities your loved one was passionate about can be a powerful way to feel connected to them. Whether it’s continuing a hobby they loved, such as painting, gardening, or cooking their favourite recipes, participating in these activities can bring a sense of closeness and joy.
Donate or Volunteer: Contributing to a cause that was important to your loved one is a meaningful way to honour their memory. You can donate to a charity they supported, set up a scholarship in their name, or volunteer your time to organizations that align with their values and interests.
Share Their Stories: Keeping your loved one’s stories alive by sharing them with others helps to preserve their memory. Write down your favourite memories, share anecdotes with family and friends, or create a scrapbook filled with photos and notes. This not only honours their life but also ensures that future generations can learn about and appreciate their legacy.
Celebrate Their Life: Special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays can be difficult after losing a loved one. Turning these moments into celebrations of their life can be healing. Gather with family and friends to share memories, light candles, or release balloons in their honour. These rituals can provide comfort and a sense of continuity.
Dedicate an Achievement: Dedicating a personal achievement to your loved one can be a powerful tribute. Whether it’s completing a marathon, earning a degree, or winning an award, dedicating these milestones to their memory acknowledges their influence and the inspiration they provided throughout your journey.
Create Art in Their Memory: Art can be a profound way to express your feelings and keep your loved one’s memory alive. Paint a portrait, compose a song, or write a poem that captures their essence and what they meant to you. These creative expressions can be therapeutic and a lasting tribute to their life.
Establish a Tradition: Creating a new tradition in honour of your loved one can keep their memory alive in your daily life. This could be something as simple as a weekly walk in their favourite park, a yearly family gathering, or a regular donation to a cause they cared about. Traditions provide a structured way to remember and celebrate them.
Reflect and Meditate: Sometimes, the most meaningful way to honour a loved one is through quiet reflection. Set aside time to meditate, pray, or simply sit with your thoughts and memories. Creating a space for reflection can bring peace and a deeper connection to their spirit.
Honouring a loved one is a deeply personal and individual process. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate their memory—what matters most is finding what feels meaningful and comforting to you. Through memorials, stories, and dedicated actions, we can keep their spirit alive, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire and influence our lives.
We wish all our Olympians competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics the best of luck, whether they are honouring a loved one or fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024
