Losing a father is never easy. Special days such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays can bring up feelings of grief. If you want to do something special to honor the legacy of your father, grandfather, great-grandfather or father-like figure in your life, here are a few ideas.

Plan a Family Meal

Spend time with family and plan a meal that your father would have liked. This can allow each family member to contribute something to the occasion. You can share stories and memories with one another. This also gives you a chance to lean on other family members for support.

Plan a Trip

Is there somewhere your father always wanted to go but never got the chance? You can plan a trip to this location in honor of his memory.

Or perhaps there was a place your father or grandfather liked to go. If so, you could also plan a trip to visit that location. Whether it's a sporting event, zoo or exotic destination planning a trip to honor a legacy is a great way to ease some of the pain of loss. A trip can help not only honor a memory but also help make new positive memories in honor of your lost loved one.

Support a Cause or Charity

Unfortunately, illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's claim the lives of far too many men in this country. To honor your father's legacy, consider donating to a cause or charity that helps provide support, grief resources and research to help others that are going through a similar ordeal. If possible, attend a run or walk to support the cause and help raise awareness. Helping others and socializing with individuals who have been through a related struggle may help some of the grief process.

Today and every day, you can honor your dad’s legacy in a creative, thoughtful and loving way. We hope these tips can help.