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 …
Virtual funerals, etiquette and grieving: 16 steps to healing
It’s no secret that virtual meetings have taken our world by storm since the appearance of COVID-19. While virtual streaming services have been around for years, many families are choosing to limit in-person funeral services to immediate family and putting the rituals online so friends and family can participate safely. But celebrating and grieving the loss of a loved one …
Grief in children: colorful ways to help children deal with life and death
Children deal with loss much differently than adults. While adults are able to voice their feelings to others, which helps them in the grieving process, children express grief in different ways. Instead of talking to family and friends, journaling, praying, etc, children may use art, play, and imagination to express their emotions. Even if a child appears to be handling …
New Ownership at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory
Murrell W. Thornhill IV New Co-Owner with Chris Tharp For Immediate Release Lynchburg, VA: Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. announced today that Murrell W. Thornhill IV has become an owner of the company. Thornhill started in the industry at Community Funeral Home in Lynchburg, the first African American-owned funeral home in Lynchburg, established in 1946 by his grandfather, M. …
Financial Assistance for COVID Related Funerals Available April 12
6/29/21 Update: FEMA has amended the policy to include some unconfirmed COVID deaths. “Applicants who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020, will be able to submit a death certificate that does not attribute the death to COVID-19 along with a signed statement from the certifying official listed on the death certificate, coroner, or medical examiner …