How to Gracefully Honor Your Loved One Online

When you’re grieving, it can be difficult to navigate the etiquette of social media. Below are some guidelines for putting up a post that reflects your loved one’s personality while still honoring the grieving process.

Take Some Time

It might be best to not post something on social media right away. You may be experiencing some extreme emotions, don’t feel pressured into posting a message, give yourself some time to settle until you feel ready.

Get Permission from Family

It’s best to ask family members for permission to post tributes, photographs, or stories about your loved one online. Some family members are very private people and they might prefer not to see sensitive information posted on social media.

Being Authentic

Be genuine and express how you feel. It’s appropriate to mention names, especially if that person was close to you. But remember, it’s also important to tread lightly, especially in sensitive situations.

Search for Inspiration

If you’re having trouble finding the right words to express your emotions, try searching for inspirational quotes. Some quotes are short and to the point, while others offer a longer, more drawn-out reflection. Whatever you choose, giving words to what you’re feeling can be healing. It can help you make sense of what you’re going through, and it can remind you that you’re not alone. Don’t be surprised if the words you find help you process your grief better than anything else.

Facebook Memorial Pages

A Facebook memorial page helps friends, family, and acquaintances remember the person who’s passed. You can memorialize a person’s profile, timeline, photos, videos, and page. Once that process is completed, their information is only visible to their friends and they’ll no longer appear in searches outside of their direct network. To memorialize a person, go to their profile on a computer and click the three dots on the top right. When the drop-down menu opens, you’ll click “Find Support” and select “Something Else.” Here, you’ll have the option to memorialize the account. Keep in mind that Facebook will require proof of their death and some other details before completing the memorialization.

Your Loved One’s Assets

Probate is the legal process that handles the distribution of a deceased person’s property. This process varies by state, but typically, it involves filing a petition with the court that names the executor of the deceased person’s estate. In Centennial, for example, all wills and estates without a will in the State of Colorado must be probated. The executor’s role is to oversee the estate and to distribute the deceased person’s property according to the terms of the will. The executor pays debts of the deceased person’s estate, pays taxes, and distributes the remaining property to designated beneficiaries.

If you’re selling a loved one’s old house, you’ll need the help of an experienced real estate professional who knows how to work with accounting specialists, attorneys, and heirs.

Celebrating and Honoring Your Loved One

Celebrate your loved one’s life by honoring them in a way that represents their life. A tribute on social media is a way to share a message of love and remembrance while a memorial urn can become a beloved heirloom that celebrates and honors your loved one in a unique way.