Memory journal

Writing as a way to remember

After someone dies, many people find it helps to write: memories, things they wish they had said, how a hard day felt. The Dougy Center (opens in a new tab), the national grief center for children and families, says there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and that people express grief through art, writing, music and play. Researchers describe "continuing bonds," the ways grieving children and adults stay connected to the person who died (opens in a new tab). A journal is one of those ways.

This journal offers gentle prompts if you don't know where to start: a day you never want to forget, something they always used to say, a letter to them, how today felt. You can also just write.

Private by design

Your journal is saved only in this browser, on this device. Nothing you write is sent to the Amin Foundation or anyone else. We can't see it, and we can't recover it. That also means:

• Anyone who uses this browser on this device could open it.
• Clearing your browsing data, or using a private window, deletes it.
• It won't appear on your other devices.

To keep a copy, use Download my journal (a plain text file saved on your device) or Print my journal. Delete everything removes it from this browser for good.

How to use the journal

1. If you like, write the name of the person you are remembering. It appears on your printed journal.
2. Choose a prompt, press Give me a prompt, or write freely.
3. Press Save entry. Your entries appear below, newest first, and you can edit or delete any of them.

There is no schedule. Some people write every day for a while; others come back on birthdays and anniversaries. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that grief can return at milestones, even decades later (opens in a new tab). A journal can be a place to put those days.

Writing can stir up strong feelings. If it becomes too much, stop, and reach out. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab), free, confidential and 24/7, including when you just need someone to talk to. The grief support navigator can help you find groups and counselors.

For more, read grief journaling prompts, ways to keep a sibling's memory alive and anniversaries, birthdays and holidays after a loss.

What you can do today

1. Write one entry, even a single sentence.
2. Download a copy so it's safe.
3. Tell one person you trust that you are writing about them, and share a memory if you'd like.