A textual analysis of memorials written by bereaved individuals and families in a hospice context

Abstract

This article illustrates ways in which individuals and families memorialise dead family and friends through writing. St Christopher's Hospice chapel contains a ‘Tree of Life’ onto which paper ‘leaves’, written by individuals or families, can be attached. Twelve months after a bereavement, a Thanksgiving and Memorial Service is held and families and individuals are invited to write on an A5 piece of paper (T&M slip) sentiments or thoughts pertinent to the deceased. Both sets of writing which were collected and analysed in this study indicate a process of memorialisation and remembrance which is personal and descriptive and yet, because of the ultimate placing of the writing, quasi public. Some choose to write extensive pieces while others short sentences, but there are common themes to them in both content and style. The results of the analysis indicate that this writing forms a memorialisation process which, whilst unique for the individuals or family concerned, are common to all whose writings. Further, the analysis of the results indicates that recent models of bereavement can be seen through written memorials.