What a beautiful story. And it brings to mind the parable of "walking a mile in someone else’s shoes". Your husband will always be alive in your memory, but but to know that so many people will be walking in his shoes has almost a cosmic irony. Where will those shoes take them ? What will they accomplish that you husband could not ? 

We try to hold on to the wrong things, our immortality lies in what we leave behind and the good that we do. 

Don’t forget that the best images and artifacts are in your forever memory.

Thank you for the inspiring story.  Giving away your beloved’s possessions is part of the grief work that is very difficult, and at the same time very rewarding.  You are giving something he loved to someone he loved.  I remember my late husband had ties and some hats, such as his Irish Tweed Crumpled hat, which I gave to one of his closest friend.  I gave his Straw Bowler to another beloved friend.  Sheet music to another one.  It was as though I was giving him to them.  And, in sharing, I discovered that my grief work was turned into a positive time instead of going into deeper depression than I already was in.  And, how glad I am to see Soaring Spirits, a site I will check into today.

Grief work takes "as long as it takes" , as my bereavement counselor used to say.  And, the presence of the loved one returns at the most unexpected moments forever.  It is as though the beloved’s soul somehow takes time to mingle with your own, and so, at certain times you know exactly what he would be advising you, or saying to you, or thinking.  And, it is that nearness that is the most enduring quality that will reinforce and sustain you forever.  It is called Love.

Hold the memories of your loved one who has died always close in your heart, but the kindest thing you can do for family members who come after you is to "spill" out your feelings in words on paper.  You will find that they must rush out in a torrent, but they may come to you in small moments or stories remembered.  The stories capture the person so well, and if you can bring up things - perhaps years later - that add to the family history of your loved one, please write it down.  Sooner or later, all of us are sorry we did not ask certain questions of those who have passed.  . and recovered memory often can fill in the gaps.

More often than I would like, the phone rings with the news that someone who has been a piece of my life has passed on.  After the first surge of emotions has swept through, I find that if I can put into words my feelings, my personal memories, the good times and laughter we had shared, it forms a eulogy. 

A family member does not necessarily know the person as well as the best friend does, and your words bring out facets and stories most of friends and family have no idea of.  I make a copy for each member of the close family members and have it in their hands within a day or so.

Sometimes - more than sometimes - the minister or rabbi has not met my friend - so there is thanksgiving to be able to speak at the service about the deceased that comes over as a warm tribute.  My words - eulogies to others - are often read at the church or at the gravesite - for I feel I have captured the person well enough that everyone attending is touched in unexpected ways. 

Yes, you can send flowers or charitable gifts, but nothing will be forever remembered forever like the words that say "I care".  I believe that the stories I tell reflect - not so much the "accomplishments" that we already know, but what lay within that made my friend beyond special.  The thanks I have been given tell me that these words are the "keepers" in truth - and cherished.