When a loved one dies, it can leave a hole in your life. Some people find comfort in virtual conversations with a departed family member or friend.
Others report noticing signs, like their favorite earrings going 사람찾기흥신소 missing only to appear back in the same place later or repeating numbers such as 11:47. People also report hearing a loved ones voice or smelling familiar smells.
Obituary Records
Obituary records are one of the most important resources you can use to find out if a loved one died. A death notice usually contains information such as age, birth date and place, names of living relatives, maiden name, occupation, place of burial and other pertinent details.
In addition to online obituary databases like Legacy or Ancestry Library Edition, you can also use websites that partner with or collect obituary information from funeral homes such as National Cremation or EverLoved. Many of these sites also allow you to set up alerts for specific people or areas so that you can receive notifications when a new obituary is published.
You can also search your local newspaper for obituaries or contact the librarian at your public library to search through old copies of newspapers on microfilm. Some libraries also have specialized print indexes for obituaries such as the Boston Obituary Database, which provides index entries that can tell you where and when an obituary was published so you can look for it in a database or microfilm.
Public Records
Finding long-lost family members requires a delicate balance of determination and sensitivity as you navigate historical records, DNA testing services, and online ancestry platforms. But these tools can offer valuable insights into familial connections that may not be available elsewhere.
Public and state records can also be helpful when searching for a missing relative. These include information on bankruptcy, birth, death, and marriage, as well as professional licenses like cosmetology, nursing, therapy, and law. These records can help narrow your search by revealing current addresses and contact information.
Printed telephone directories are another good resource for locating a lost loved one. These are often available online or in the reference section of a library. In addition, many of these sites allow you to search by name and address history. It is important to remember that reuniting with long-lost family members can be emotionally challenging, so it is vital to respect their feelings and boundaries and let them decide whether they want to reconnect.
Social Media
Social media can be a cathartic way to share memories of a lost loved one. In the past, many families have been reunited thanks to photos and videos posted online.
Depending on the policy of each social media platform, it may be possible to memorialize or remove your loved one’s account after their death. For example, Facebook allows immediate family members to request that the account be removed by providing identification documentation and proof of death.
Other platforms like Instagram allow you to turn your loved one’s profile into a memorial page so that only existing followers and friends can engage with the account. Twitter doesn’t offer a memorial option but you can contact the company to ask them to delete the account for you.
Personal Interviews
Personal interviews are a great way to connect with family members and preserve memories. They are also a useful tool in tracing lost loved ones.
When conducting a personal interview, it is best to have the person’s photo ready, so you can match it up with photos on social media or the Red Cross website Trace the Face. It is also a good idea to video or audio record the interview.
Remember that memory is a powerful thing, and the answers to your questions may change over time. Be cognizant of your family member’s feelings and do not push them to discuss sensitive subjects.
It is important to ask a variety of questions and to use objects that will trigger memories, such as photographs, music and documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses and old yearbooks). Using these types of things can help prevent your family member from giving you surface-level responses. This is especially true when the interview concerns a traumatic event, like the coronavirus pandemic.