We have all heard of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But are they really in order? Which one comes first? How do you know when you’re grieving and is there ever an end to the process? Let’s break down each stage, and see how it impacts the healing process. “Grief – for those of …
Everything You Wanted to Know About Pallbearers but Were Afraid to Ask
Carrying the casket during a funeral as a pallbearer is not only a great honor but a tradition that dates back centuries. This is a big responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. If you have been asked to be a pallbearer, it is an honor and a privilege. You have been asked to accompany a dearly loved …
5 Present and Future Benefits of Preplanning
When the time comes, do you want your loved ones to have to make difficult decisions about your funeral? Instead, consider preplanning your funeral or cremation. Preplanning has many benefits for both you and your loved ones. Preplanning is the process of making end-of-life arrangements in advance. This can include anything from deciding on burial or cremation to finalizing service …
Photos to Fingerprints: Unique Ways to Keep Your Loved Ones’ Memories Alive
When someone we love dies, it can feel like a part of us dies with them; what many of us don’t realize is that a part of them will live on forever – our memories of them. From a unique cologne that they wore, to their smile or laugh… or even their special way of looking at the world around …
Professional death assistance? What you should know about End-of-Life-Doulas and how to plan for support
While death is inevitable, it is still something that many of us are uncomfortable talking about. This discomfort can make it difficult to know how to support a loved one who is dying. However, by reaching out to a professional end-of-life doula, you can ensure that your loved one has the support they need during this difficult time. No matter …
What not to wear to a funeral and 7 other etiquette faux pas
Manners matter, especially when you’re attending a funeral. What you wear and say can make or break an already difficult situation. It can be nerve-wracking trying to follow etiquette rules that you don’t know or understand. Let’s go over some basic things you can keep in mind so you can feel comfortable and confident, and most importantly – be able …
Preserving memories: how to create a memorial website to honor your loved one
When a loved one dies, it is important to find ways to honor and remember them. One way to do this is by creating a memorial website. This can be a place for friends and family members to share memories and photos, and it can also act as a virtual shrine to the person who has passed away. What is …
10 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Your Loved Ones After a Loss
You probably already know this, but grief can do really funny things to people. It can make them act impulsively, lash out in anger, or withdraw completely from the world. And in some cases, it can cause in-fighting among friends and loved ones. It’s important to be patient with your loved ones during this time and to understand that their …
Caring for the grieving during the holidays: 5 ways to help
Decorating the tree, carving a turkey, or something as simple as a favorite holiday song can be difficult for many of us when we have lost someone in our lives that made it special. The holidays can bring a flare-up of sorrow, loneliness, anger, and other strong emotions. “I remember the first time we sat down for Christmas dinner after …
Beyond Thanksgiving: the mental, emotional and physical benefits of habitual gratitude
With the coming of Thanksgiving and “National Gratitude Month,” it’s easy to be thankful in November. But what most of us don’t think about is the year-round physical, mental and emotional benefits of habitual gratitude. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you”, it’s holding space for appreciation when thinking about all the things you have in life. It’s realizing when we …