getting started  

The statement "I am not a writer" is often the biggest barrier to writing a Tribute.  Relax.  All you need to be is sincere.  You are telling a story.

Everyone has done something special for others.  Each person at one time or another has gone "above and beyond" to merit our admiration and respect.  For some, this is one heroic act.  For most, it is an accumulation of many small acts.  Regardless, these individuals are the bright lights and the shining beacons that inspire us.

If you look closely at the background of our TributeWall, you will see some of the acts that we believe merit a tribute.  These include:  Kindness, Selflessness, Courage, Generosity, Humility, Faith, Zeal, and Perserverance.

 
introduction

Sometimes it is easiest to compose the introduction last. It only needs to be brief and is usually a statement or quote that sums up the particular reason for the tribute, the person's life, or the person's character.

Some suggestions include:

• A typical act or way of acting
• An inspirational or poignant quote.
• Something uplifting that someone has said about him or her -- maybe an employer, community leader, coworker, or friend.

 
body 

There is no right or wrong way to write. Do so as if you were talking to someone on the phone or writing a letter. It sometimes makes interesting reading to include quotes from the person to whom you are paying tribute, and his or her friends, family, or co-workers.

It may be easiest to divide the body into informal sections such as:

• Personal History
• Personal Qualities
• Acts and Deeds

 
conclusion 

You may like to sum up his or her personality, character or life's journey. Maybe you would like to include a thank you. This is a chance to write words that you may not be able to voice.