Memorial Ideas Wanted

[MelissaS8]

Hello

I'm not ready to share the whole story, but we had been planning a WDW vacation for April 2020 with the two of us, our three daughters (ages 12, 11, 9) and some extended family. We haven't been since our honeymoon in 2007.

Soooooo, my husband passed away 8/30 suddenly. We still want to go to WDW, but is there anything anyone can think of that we can memorialize my husband while down there? How about photo ideas?

Thanks!

 

[kylenne]

Hello

I'm not ready to share the whole story, but we had been planning a WDW vacation for April 2020 with the two of us, our three daughters (ages 12, 11, 9) and some extended family. We haven't been since our honeymoon in 2007.

Soooooo, my husband passed away 8/30 suddenly. We still want to go to WDW, but is there anything anyone can think of that we can memorialize my husband while down there? How about photo ideas?

Thanks!

I am so sorry for your loss.

Recently I listened to a podcast where a woman gave a trip report with a similar situation, except instead of a spouse who passed, it was one of her children who passed after a long battle with cancer. They really wanted to honor him and include him on the trip in spirit so they got a pair of Mickey ears and embroidered his name on it. Cast members were so moved by her story that they actually paid for the ears and took photos, hugged and cried with them. So did the other guests in line.

I say this not to tell you to expect “magic” but I was really touched at how such a simple thing that we take for granted as parks fans (ears) could have so much meaning. It stayed with me. I think it’s a wonderful idea and something you could consider.

 

[kerepka625]

I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss.

My family and I are heading down in a couple of weeks and will be honoring my mom's life while we are there. This October will be the fifth anniversary since she lost her battle with cancer. I have a tradition of leaving a red rose somewhere she loves each year, and will be leaving one in Magic Kingdom on October 7th. I'm also hoping to have a photo pass photographer take a picture of my family holding her photo.

I also find peace in doing things for others to honor her memory. Little things like buying a child a Mickey bar, a balloon, or handing out some gift cards will bring joy to someone else and make the day a little easier for me.

I wish you my sincere condolences. The best advice I received was to remember that the darkness is not a dead end, it's a hallway. Keep going.

 

[cgattis]

So sorry for your loss. I think it’s great that you’re going to go on with your trip. You need some happy time.

I love the ears idea. I was thinking maybe take a pic of him you guys could hold in your meet and greet photos. Or maybe a plush of his favorite character.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[bopper]

Some ideas:


https://touringplans.com/blog/2014/06/10/honoring-loved-one-disney-world/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/ways-to-honor-loved-ones-while-at-disney.3301586/

 

[hes122]

A friend of mine passed away last year and her husband and adult daughters took a trip to remember her (Disney was a very important part of their family). They did many of the things that she liked (ate at her favorite restaurant, had a bottle of her favorite wine, etc.). It was a beautiful way to remember her.

Last fall when I was there, my group and I stopped by Crews Cup one night towards the end of our trip and each ordered a glass of her favorite wine and had a toast to her.

 

[TinkSassy]

Going anyway is a great idea - I was 12 when we lost my mom and my Grandma pushed the trip. We didn't do any sort of memorial - but what Grandma focused us on is making new happy memories and finding our rhythm without daily life in the way. It sort of re bonded the new family dynamic with a shared experience. Talk to your kids on what they want - remember not everyone does well with memorials (me being one) and they need to share - after some more time as it is too raw right now - what they are comfortable with. The ideas given have been great.

I'm sorry for your loss and thinking of you and your kids.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Was there a favorite ride, show, character of your husbands? You could have shirts made up with Dad's Crew on the back and then get all the photos taken around the parks as possible. ( I'd recommend Memory Maker for this )

 

[Nancyg56]

I am so sorry for your loss. I think taking the trip in his honor is a good idea. My Mom never made it to DIsney with us, however she always enjoyed our trip planning and the pictures, we took, etc. We took our trip two weeks after we lost her, and whiel I admit much if it is a blur for me, it gave all of us a chance to celebrate her in a place that was safe, KWIM? It was removed enough to give us the distance to celebrate rather than to mourn.

I hope your family will be able to do this as well. I like the ears idea posted upthread. Ears are joyful. I would suggest you all get a pair, and when you return home they can all be together as a very special memento of a very special trip.

 

[AngiTN]

Do you have a favorite photo of him?
You could get a photo frame mat authographed and then put his photo in it, or a collage version if there are several family photos you like, including a photo of you on your trip

I am really sorry to hear about your loss and hope the trip gives some solace

 

[bopper]

Or make a photo pin of him and have everyone wear it