When a special person in your life dies, it’s perfectly natural to feel immensegrief.

Grief is complex; it looks and feels different to everyone (viaEmpathy).

Grief is also a journey with many bends and detours.

woman crying in friend’s arms

There are no shortcuts or deadlines for when this process will if ever come to an end.

Instead, the effects of this loss will forever change your life.

You too have transitioned into a new phase, and finding your footing can take some time.

person holding dog collar

Humans do a number of things to celebrate the memory of friends, family, andpets.

That’s a natural instinct, grief counselor Alan Wolfelt told InStyle.

“We miss someone, so we reach for the closest alternative.”

two friends talking at a cafe

If you’re experiencing grief, transitional objects can help support you through this difficult time.

That’s why transitional objects hold the power to make that person feel present in your life once again.

It’s my Dad’s.'"

woman donating personal items

She added, “Maybe, subconsciously, I hope people do ask.”

“We renew their membership in the club of life.

We ‘remember’ them in this way.”

But you may also keep the items close for many years, notes Robert Neimeyer.