Turning a Tragedy into a Tribute: A Literature Review of Creating Meaning after Loss of a Loved One

Abstract

The issue of the death of a loved one is unavoidable and must be experienced by all. We must endure it and its effects regardless of who we are or what we have. Death creates a strong emotional impact, and we are powerless to its force and influence. However, it is an experience that can and has been transcended. People can flourish and thrive after the death of a loved one (Egnew, 2005). Creating meaning is defined as people remembering their deceased loved one in ways that add value to their life and the memory of their deceased loved one. This can be done through artistic expressions and various other methods. By inspiring meaning, the survivor perpetuates the value and importance of the loved one's life by living out that meaning. Living out meaning involves the courage to overcome the pain of loss while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good. One thus transcends the loss and develops a permanent link between oneself and one's deceased loved one. One understands that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond one's understanding, and that there is always tomorrow.

Keywords

creating meaning loss parent

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