The Role of Space in Remembrance (part 3 of 6)
Grief is deeply personal, yet the spaces in which we remember our loved ones—including our pets—can profoundly shape the healing process. Scholar Henri Lefebvre (1991) argued that space is not just a physical location but something created through human experience, interaction, and memory. At Eternal Tides, we recognize that honoring a pet’s life requires more than just a place—it requires a thoughtfully designed memorial space that fosters reflection, connection, and remembrance.
Lefebvre distinguished between three types of space: perceived, conceived, and lived. Perceived space refers to the tangible, physical world—such as our Memorial Space, designed for comfort and tranquility. Conceived space is shaped by cultural and societal structures, influencing how we understand loss and aftercare. Lived space is where emotions and memories reside, where grief transforms into storytelling and ritual. By integrating all three, Eternal Tides creates an environment where families can grieve, honor, and find peace in their own ways.
The role of space in remembrance is not just about location but about intention. As Yi-Fu Tuan (1977) noted, a place becomes meaningful when infused with experience. That is why our Memorial Space is more than a room—it is a sanctuary where pet owners can pause, reflect, and celebrate a lifetime of companionship. Unlike clinical or impersonal settings, a carefully curated memorial space acknowledges that saying goodbye is both a moment of loss and an opportunity for honoring a beloved friend.
By fostering a space of remembrance, we allow for a grief journey that is as unique as the pets we cherish. Whether through personalized ceremonies, quiet reflection, or the gentle embrace of community support, we invite pet owners to engage in the meaning-making process of remembrance—because the love we share with our pets deserves to be honored in a space that truly reflects its depth.
References
Lefebvre, H. (1991). The production of space (D. Nicholson-Smith, Trans.). Blackwell.
Tuan, Y.-F. (1977). Space and place: The perspective of experience. University of Minnesota Press.
Massey, D. (2005). For space. SAGE Publications.
