The loss of a child is sure to be the most painful thing bereaved parents endure, and they may react to this loss in a wide variety of ways. The stages of grief may come and go in big and small ways, yet those who have lost a child will have to make practical decisions in the aftermath of the passing. They must decide on the text for the child's gravestone, which is task that can bewilder and overwhelm some. Try to stay focused and consider these do's and don'ts when choosing verses for the gravestone of a child.
Do Start by Considering What the Child Believed
Most parents choose the religion they want their child to follow based on how they were raised themselves, yet others choose it for other reasons. When choosing verses for a child's gravestone, consider what the child believed. If the child was a Christian, you want to start by considering Bible verses to place on the gravestone, whereas a child who did not have faith should not be remembered with religious verses of any kind.
Don't Present a Parent's Wishful Dreams on the Gravestone
Although every parent has endless daydreams for who their child will be and what they may accomplish in their lives, you shouldn't include those dreams within the verses you choose for a child's tombstone. The verses should be ones that truly reflect who the child really was, not the person people thought the child may become in the distant future.
Do Dare to Think Outside the Box for the Best Tributes
You don't have to rely on the most popular children's poems and nursery rhymes to find a sentence or snippet to use on the child's gravestone. Instead, think of sources of literature that other parents probably don't sort through when seeking a headstone verse. You may even opt to hire a writer to create an original verse based on information you give about the child.
Don't Copy What Has Been Done on Other Gravestones
If you are really struggling to come up with a verse to go on the child's tombstone, you may choose to look up the gravestones of other children. There are many posted online, or you may choose to visit local cemeteries. This is a good idea, but you should be careful not to copy what other parents have chosen. Instead, carefully select verses that reflect what your child loved and what you think they would want to say.
Finally, keep in mind that a cemetery gravestone will be a lasting tribute to the child. Many people will see it that will never know the child, and it should stand alone as a tribute to the child's life. A monument to the child will present them as they truly were. For help with picking out a gravestone, contact a company like Palmer Bros Granite Co.
Share