Can't make a funeral.. ideas for something simple to do to mark the day

[SkaterGrrrrl]

Hi all, my uncle died this week. He lived abroad and I cant make the funeral. My sister and I are going to spend the day of the funeral together (the rest of our family are going to the funeral). She and I would like to do something together to say our goodbyes. We will have a 2 year old and a 4 year old with us so something simple they can join in with. Ideas so far

• Release balloons (bad for environment!)
  
• Throw flowers or petals into the river (kids can help)
  
• Scatter seeds somewhere (Forget me nots maybe?)
  

We will probably sing something the kids know too, like 'You are my sunshine'.

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[notadoctor]

I was going to suggest releasing Chinese lanterns with messages - it would need to be at dusk though which may not be ideal with little ones. Planting something with the DCs is a lovely idea.

Sorry for your loss.

[sunnyrosegarden]

Either find somewhere beautiful, with a view (your river, maybe?), take a rug and just spend a quiet half hour looking at the view, cloud spotting etc. Somewhere that creates a lovely memory for you that you can return to.

Or, buy a plant, let the children choose, and plant it together. Maybe bulbs that will come up in the spring.

[gaunyerseljeannie]

I think the ideas you have are lovely, you can get balloons that are not bad for the environment... you could tie labels with wishes or messages on them.
The person conducting the ceremony might be prepared to email you a copy so you can read through it yourself as well ( I don't mean out loud) that can make you feel part of things too.

[SkaterGrrrrl]

Thanks ladies, great feedback. Appreciate your advice.

[specialsubject]

I'm so sorry.

please don't release balloons/lanterns. Seeds are a great idea. As is appreciating a day.

we have a plant in our garden for a friend whose funeral we could not attend - a living reminder.

[Wonc]

I went to a memorial recently (same scenario as you, relative overseas) with a mini-service on the beach.
We 'toasted' with champagne, made short speeches and threw flowers into the ocean.
We took photos and shared them with overseas family members.

[Wonc]

Sorry for your loss Skater