In times of loss, memorial cards serve as a tangible reminder of the dearly departed and the legacy they leave behind. These cards are more than just keepsakes; they encapsulate memories, emotions, and the essence of a loved one. For those who prefer non-religious options, creating a memorial card that aligns with their beliefs and values can be a comforting and respectful way to honor someone who has passed away.
This guide will help you understand the benefits of memorial cards and why non-religious options might be right for you. We’ll also provide suggestions for poems and other elements to include.
For non-religious families, the significance of memorial cards lies in their ability to provide comfort and preserve memories without incorporating religious elements. These cards can be a powerful way to honor the life and legacy of a loved one in a manner that feels authentic and true to their beliefs and values. Their versatility and inclusivity can provide a sense of unity and shared experience by focusing on the universal themes of love, loss, and remembrance.
Memorial cards and other similar keepsakes aim to create a lasting tribute that brings solace to those who receive them. Whether through a meaningful poem, favorite quote, or personal message, non-religious memorial cards offer a meaningful way to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one.
In lieu of prayers or religious texts, families often put a heartfelt poem on the back of the memorial card. Poems can be incredibly powerful in conveying emotions and memories that can capture feelings of love, loss, and remembrance. We have selected seven non-religious options that can beautifully capture the spirit of your loved one on a memorial card.
You are near,
Even if I don’t see you.
You are with me,
Even if you are far away.
You are in my heart,
In my thoughts,
In my life,
Always.
Author Unknown
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins
To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea—remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty—remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity—remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,
The times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
Margaret Mead
A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we love is stilled,
A place is vacant in our heart which never can be filled.
But always beautiful memories of one we love so dear.
Author Unknown
Those we loved remain with us,
For love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade,
Because a loved one is gone.
Those we love can never be,
More than a thought apart.
For as long as there are memories,
They’ll live on in our hearts.
Mary Alice Ramish
Time is not measured
by the years that you live
But by the deeds that you do
and the joy that you give—
And each day as it comes
brings a chance to each one
To love to the fullest,
leaving nothing undone
That would brighten the life
or lighten the load
Of some weary traveler
lost on life’s road—
So what does it matter
how long we may live
If as long as we live
we unselfishly give.
Helen Steiner Rice
If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
You’ll feel it from the heavens,
And it will heal the scars.
Author Unknown
Apart from poems, there are several other elements that can make a non-religious memorial card feel personalized and heartfelt. Families can choose to include a favorite quote or saying that resonates with the dearly departed’s personality or life philosophy. A meaningful quote can encapsulate their values and bring comfort to those left behind.
Another non-religious option is to tell a story or anecdote in a few sentences that captures the spirit of your loved one. Sharing a memorable moment can provide insight into their character and bring a smile to those who read it. This personal touch can offer guests a deeper sense of connection to the deceased and serve as a lasting impression of how they navigated life.
Memorial cards are a timeless way to honor those we’ve lost, providing comfort and preserving memories for years to come. For families looking for non-religious options, there are numerous ways to create deeply meaningful and personal tributes without using religious imagery or text.
If you need help creating the perfect memorial card, consider reaching out to the professional designers at Honor You, as we specialize in custom prayer cards for funerals. We can provide guidance and support, ensuring that your tribute is as meaningful and memorable as possible.