Keeping in Touch with Family Members After a Funeral

Keeping in touch with family can be difficult even in ordinary times, but especially after family connections have been severed by a death. People often part ways after a funeral and never see each other again for years, especially if the deceased was the patriarch or matriarch that held the branches of the family together. No matter what the circumstances are, keeping in touch is easy if you follow a few simple tips.

Send Cards

Sending cards to family members for birthdays, anniversaries, and other events will show that you are thinking of them. You can even prepare the cards in advance a few times a year, and then you just have to mail them on the appropriate days.

Start a Newsletter

A great way for everyone to stay connected is through a family newsletter. Family members can send you information and updates that they would like included, so that everyone stays up to date and informed. You can send out the newsletter through the mail, email it, or even post it online using a private blog.

Use Social Media

Since nearly everyone is online nowadays, you can create a private group using social media services such as Facebook. Only family members who have been added can see and post to the group, so privacy is ensured.

Plan Gatherings

Regular gatherings or reunions are a great way to stay in touch with family members. You could have dinner and visit with one or two families, or organize a larger gathering and invite everyone. If your family is spread out across many cities and states, different members can take turns hosting and organizing the event.

Send Letters

In addition to cards, sending personal letters will let family members know that you are thinking of them. You can make a list of name and addresses, and send out one letter a week as you rotate through your contacts. A personal, handwritten letter will let someone know that they are remembered and appreciated.

Keeping family connections and relationships alive after a funeral can be difficult, but it is important and rewarding. You will regret losing track of someone, only to see them at another funeral – which could even be theirs. It only takes a small effort to begin connecting with friends and family, and those small efforts will produce lifelong results.