As we head into the gift giving season full steam ahead, I’ve been paying particular attention to the “gifts” that are suggested in obituaries – the donations made to honor a person’s memory their favorite charity or their life’s work.
For years I have sent checks to whatever followed the phrase “in lieu of flowers,” but it seems now that, like everything else connected with dying these days (memorial services, do-it-yourself obituaries, funeral attire, parting gifts, etc.), there is a lot more creativity in what is suggested in place of plants.
The more common suggestions often target the disease that caused the death: heart, cancer, diabetes, ALS and more. There are donations to animal groups, churches, schools, foundations and libraries. Money is even suggested to fight suicide, drugs or depression:
Donations will be contributed to an anti-drug education program in his memory…
Here are some others that offer creative but still meaningful alternatives, the first one especially important during the holiday period when blood banks run low:
In lieu of flowers, please give the gift of life by donating blood and platelets to your local blood bank…
In lieu of flowers, which she always hated, she would love if people donated to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
…gifts to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The Blue Ocean Institute would serve her intentions appropriately…
Donations will be used to plant trees and park benches, honoring his love for life.
Please consider an adoption from your local “life” animal shelter…
This one leaves the creativity entirely up to the reader or friend:
His children ask that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.
In a time of grief, words often fail us. We want to express our heartfelt sympathy, but finding the gift that can share our sentiments and provide comfort is not always easy.
When you plant a tree in memory, you are leaving a living legacy behind.
This UNIQUE and ELEGANT certificate will bring care and compassion for today and hope and healing for tomorrow to the family of your loved one.
A Tree Instead Corp. will ensure that your gift is delivered with care and sensitivity.
www.atreeinstead.com One tree... One lifetime of memories
And, finally, the ultimate reminder that life is fleeting and that no expression of love should go untold lest it be too late:
In lieu of flowers, please hug a loved one and take a moment to express the value they bring to your life.
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