Keeping Their Memory Close, Even When They're Gone
- david cortez
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 17
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Whether it was expected or sudden, there’s a quiet ache that lingers, along with a desire to keep their memory alive.
At A Life Portrait, we believe that grief doesn’t have to be rushed. A memorial website can be more than just a placeholder for dates and photos. It can become a space to reflect, to remember, to grieve, and to honor a life that meant everything.
Here’s how to create a memorial website that feels personal, healing, and lasting.
Start with Their Story
Begin by thinking about what made them them. What did they love? How did they spend their time? What moments defined them?
You can start small:
A short biography in your words
A timeline of important life events
A few favorite photos to begin telling their story
There’s no right way to do it. Some people find comfort in writing out detailed memories; others prefer just using photos. We will help you with organizing their story.
Choose the Media That Reflects Their Life
Memories can come from numerous forms.
You might include:
Photos from all stages of life (childhood, milestones, candid everyday moments)
Videos that capture their laugh, their voice, or how they moved through the world
Voice recordings—perhaps they told a favorite story, or you have messages they left behind
Keepsakes like scanned letters, artwork, or recipes
If you're using A Life Portrait, you can upload all of these in one place and have them organized automatically.
Picture sharing a few simple memories on your dad’s birthday, then placing them next to a video of him blowing out candles from years ago. It becomes something more than nostalgia. These moments remind us that grief doesn’t erase joy. It helps us feel their presence even more.
Invite Others to Contribute
One of the most powerful parts of a memorial website is the opportunity to see how others experienced your loved one.
You can invite family and friends to:
Share their own photos and videos
Record a voice message or write a short memory
Leave words of comfort for others to read
Sometimes, hearing someone else's story helps you see a new side of the person you miss and that can be a beautiful gift.
Create a Space That Grows With You
Grief isn’t linear, and healing takes time. That’s why your memorial site doesn’t need to be finished all at once. It can grow.
Add memories as they come to you. Upload a new photo when you find one. Record your thoughts on a special day or anniversary. Let the memorial evolve as your connection with them continues in your heart.
A memorial site isn’t about closure. It’s about connection. And connection doesn’t end just because someone is gone.
How A Life Portrait Can Help
We created A Life Portrait to take the weight off your shoulders, because organizing memories shouldn’t feel overwhelming when your heart is already full.
Unlike traditional memorial sites, A Life Portrait offers:
Turnkey simplicity – We guide you step by step, so you can create something meaningful without needing to design or build anything from scratch.
Media-rich storytelling – Combine photos, videos, voice memos, and scanned keepsakes to capture their personality in every form.
Automated tribute video – With just a few uploaded photos, we’ll generate a beautiful, time-synced video to help tell their story. No editing skills needed.
Smart organization – Upload what you have, and we’ll help group it by time, people, and places so you can build over time, not all at once.
Private and shareable – You choose who can view, contribute, or interact. Keep it just for yourself, or open it up to loved ones near and far.
Collaborative – Invite friends and family to share memories, stories, or media, making it a shared space of love and remembrance.
Whether you want to start slowly or you’re ready to build something today, we’re here to help you honor their life in a way that feels personal, healing, and manageable.
Take the First Step When You're Ready
There’s no timeline for grief, and no perfect way to remember someone. But when you feel ready, creating a memorial site can be a quiet, meaningful way to reconnect.
It’s not about having all the right words or the perfect photo. With A Life Portrait, it’s about starting, whenever you’re ready. Because their story deserves to be remembered...not just today, but always. Click to learn more about A Life Portrait.
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