10 Virtual Ways to Remember Moms Who Are No Longer With Us

Mother's Day can be a bittersweet moment if you've lost Mom. Gathering together in groups, at home or graveside, to pay tribute to her memory offers much-needed support to get through what is often a difficult day. While they won't take the place of meeting in person, virtual and other online interactions provide a multitude of ways to celebrate and remember Mom despite gathering restrictions. Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

Mom's golden era brunch

Consider Mom's favorite era and create a worthy brunch, served from a meticulously set table or a casual buffet. From punch and casseroles to crepes and mimosas, choose a menu Mom would have loved and enjoy it while perusing old photos. Involve far-away loved ones by sharing recipes ahead of time and invite them to join an online FaceTime or Zoom call. You can even add to the fun by challenging everyone to raid the closet for their best era-appropriate ensemble.

Tour Mom's favorite destination, virtually

If you don't have videos to help you relive your family vacations, you can opt to visit Mom's favorite vacation spots onilne. If Mom was moved by majestic mountains, take a trip to the Alps. Or if a warmer climate was more her speed, visit the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority's (@travelsaintlucia) Pinterest page, providing a unique look at Saint Lucian culture. It's also fun to utilize the Google Street View of virtual maps to tour the cities she loved most.

Create Mom's top 50 playlist

Whether she sang at the kitchen sink, never missed an opportunity to attend a concert or just listened to the radio while driving, Mom definitely had her favorite songs. Involve family and friends through social media, asking them to share the songs they know Mom loved or tunes that remind them of her the most. Once you've compiled a playlist (try using Spotify or YouTube), you can share with friends or even host a virtual dance party in Mom's honor. Here are some songs to get you started.

Host a tribute video watch party

If your mom has a tribute video on DignityMemorial.com (search for her life story here), schedule a watch party with family and friends to share your favorite moments with Mom. (You can try Facebook's Watch Party feature.) If you don't have a tribute video, those old reel-to-reel movies and VHS tapes can be easily remastered for display across digital devices by local services. Drop off the film and tapes, and they'll take care of the rest. If you have a faded or damaged photo, or even one that's just too small for display, commission a local graphic designer to turn it into a beautiful piece of digitally painted art that can be printed and shared.

Livestream from Mom's final resting place

If the cemetery is open to the public but gathering in large numbers isn't possible, consider sharing your private visit via Facebook Live. You can create a memorable event with a simple reading, or schedule something more elaborate like a dove release. Contact your local Dignity Memorial cemetery to help organize a unique remembrance.

Order flowers delivered to Mom's gravesite from anywhere

Even if you can't visit Mom's final resting place, you can order a beautiful silk flower arrangement for her memorial site. With Cemetery Flowers, select a bouquet that fits her personality to be hand-placed by trusted professionals, who will send you a photo to share with friends and family. Or, select the subscription option so her gravesite is always finely decorated. Contact the cemetery directly to see available arrangements that can be placed any time.

Volunteer or give in Mom's honor

Many organizations are offering safe ways to volunteer or help your local community from home. You could organize a small group of your family or Mom's closest friends to spend a day at a local food bank or community center. Perhaps you have a tote full of Mom's scrap fabrics or leftover yarn. Whether you make them yourself or distribute the materials for a group effort, you could create face coverings or throw blankets for a local hospital. Find more ways to help support those affected by COVID-19 on VolunteerMatch.org.

Pay it forward: Send a gift "from" Mom

Mom always knew exactly what to say to encourage us. In her honor, send a card, a bouquet or a gift of gourmet food to a friend or family member who needs to hear those words today. Be sure to include a note to let them know what Mom might say if she were still with us, and then encourage them to pay it forward.

Recreate a portrait of Mom

Quarantine art recreation is all the rage today. Do something similar with your favorite images of Mom. Involve grandchildren through social media. You can create your own hashtag on Instagram or keep it private with a special Facebook group, group Messenger chat or group text. Make it more fun by having a competition and choose some of Mom's friends to be the unbiased judges.

All-about-Mom trivia night

Create your own trivia game all about Mom and host a virtual tournament via Zoom. You can keep it casual or use tools like Kahoot! so people can participate from their own devices. Keeping the questions varied between facts about her life and your funniest memories of her will keep the game interesting. Be sure to leave time for storytelling and laughter.

No matter how you choose to honor Mom this Mother's Day, involving friends and family, though virtually, can make it even more memorable. Contact us with any questions.