There are two different types of people in the world: those who flip to the obituary section in the newspaper. And those who avoid anything that makes them think about their own morbidity.
That is until an obituary “goes viral” on the internet and ultimately lands itself a spotlight on the Today Show and all over our social media feeds. They become simply unavoidable. And somehow make you laugh when you’re not supposed to be laughing, right? The story gets you to feel something, maybe take note of your own life and how you’re living it. But most of all, it leaves you wishing “man, I wish I could have known that person.”
When we say obituary in this situation, though, we don’t mean the standard formula most obituaries succumb to: limited words, mmmmaybe a picture and the dates lived.
So why is it that some people get memorialized with an epic tribute and others get the tried-and-true death notice? Well one reason is the ridiculous cost of obituaries and why Epilogg is free. But that’s a whole other topic. Another reason? There’s just a lot of pressure to write it right, and we become unsure how to share to the entire world how much this person meant to our own little world. And layered on top of all of that is the stress of staring at the blank page that’s staring back at you.
So, inspired by some of the best obituaries ever written, we put together some tips to help you write a tribute with Epilogg that’s just as unique as your lost love:
1. Stories. Yes, facts of their lives are important – when they were born, the jobs they had, etc – but stories, the way they made people feel, the jokes they got a kick out of – that’s the good stuff. The actual life lived is what we connect with.
2. The so-them details. We’re all so unique, and Epilogg gives you the chance to share their catchphrases, the story of their lucky hat or the time they made cheese-less mac & cheese – the things that simply can’t fit in a regular obituary. What made them unlike anyone else? Share that.
3. Show, don’t tell. It’s pretty true that a picture can tell more than 1000 words, and they can take some of the load off for you. Especially in our digital age, we communicate so much through visuals. So share as many pictures as you can. Never forget the crinkle in their nose when they laughed. Honor the hairstyles over the years. Hold none back since they’re free in your Epilogg.
4. Add over time. Surely as you grieve and feel ready to share more or cling to cherished memories, your Epilogg can evolve and expand over time, unlike a traditional obituary that’s a one-time moment.
It’s such a gift to share WHO they were – not only to honor their life but also to inspire those who remain on how to live a life that will leave others wishing they could have known us too.