Grief and Loss

Father's Day After Loss

Losing a father is a traumatic experience, whether you were close or not. While healing is not an overnight process, there are ways to cope and make the process a little less painful.

There’s no manual for many things in life; how to raise a child, how to foster a healthy relationship with your partner, etc. Similarly, there’s no guidebook for coping if you lose a parent. Losing a parent is an everyday ache as you continue to remember the special moments you shared. This can make the healing process long and complicated.


Losing a father is a traumatic experience, whether you were close or not. While healing is not an overnight process, there are ways to cope and make the process a little less painful.


Each day, week, or year may bring fresh memories and a fresh wave of sadness, especially on Father’s Day. With Father’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a short list of ways you can honor your father, even if he is no longer physically present.


Write Him a Letter

The best way to go about this coping mechanism is to write it as though he’s still here, and to tell him what’s been happening in your life. Be sure to add details about anything that’s changed; family, friends, school, work, etc. If the two of you had special traditions, you can also mention how you keep those alive even though he’s gone.


Mentioning how much you miss him and how you would have loved to have him around on this special day is another anecdote you may want to include. While this can feel odd as you write it down, it helps to take the weight of grief off your shoulders. Once you finish, you can keep this letter in a special place and continue the tradition every year to create a special keepsake for your father, and for yourself.


Visit A Special Place You Two Shared Together

This could be a burial site, a hiking trail, a park, a favorite coffee shop - any place where the two of you may have shared special memories. The intention is to spend time in this special place, to hold room for uncomfortable feelings that may surface and to acknowledge them in a healthy way. Visiting a place the two of you went together frequently may also make you feel closer to him.


If you’re visiting a grave or hiking trail, bring flowers or something similar to leave in his memory. If you’re visiting a coffee shop or park, purchase or bring his favorite foods, or enjoy the ones you shared together. Wherever it may be, try to recreate the moments you shared there, and to welcome any feelings that may arise.


Bring Out Old Photographs and Keepsakes

Taking time to bring out photos from his past to share with family is a nice way to remember your father. Or even to just scroll through your phone and enjoy looking at more recent photos. You can also put together a slideshow or photo album.

Whatever you decide to do, photos (or videos!) are a great way to remember the entirety of your father’s life, and to look back on fond memories.


Spend Time with Friends and Family

Although this may sound counterintuitive, sometimes spending important days like this alone can make you feel isolated and therefore more upset. If you don’t feel like spending time alone, inviting family over is a great way to grieve, or to happily celebrate, with those who knew your father. You can even invite some of his friends over to relive some of the best memories each of you had with him.


Participate in a Moment of Silence

Set aside some time during the day to respectfully sit in silence to honor your father. During this time, whether you are spending it alone or with others, be sure there are few distractions so you can really focus on connecting with your father and his memory.


Taking time to do something special on Father’s Day, even when your dad may not physically be with you anymore, is an excellent way to keep his memory alive and to nurture your connection. Our loved ones are always a part of us, and although Father’s Day can go from a fun day to celebrate dads to one filled with sorrow, there are still many ways to honor your father, whether he is still with you or not.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.