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 …
The Benefits of Creative Therapy for Grief
Grief is heavy. Every one of us – no matter where we are in life – will at some point come face to face with the seriousness of grief. Unattended grief can manifest as physical sickness, depression, anger and can affect us in a wide variety of other ways, so it is important to give grief the support and attention …
Understanding Veterans Burial Benefits
“There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.” – Walter Reuther The brave men and women of the military have done us all a great service. The very least we can do to show our appreciation …
How (and Why!) to Write Your Own Obituary
If you’ve ever had to write an obituary for a loved one, you know what an intimidating responsibility it can be—to try to sum up someone’s life on a piece of paper is nothing short of profound. To ease the difficulty during the period of loss, many individuals are choosing to write their own obituaries—a task that can feel difficult, …
Food and Feelings: the effects of comfort foods during stress
“When I think of comfort food, grandma’s house immediately comes to mind. My childhood never missed a good, hearty, feel-good meal when we would visit. From a stack of homemade buttermilk pancakes to unforgettable chicken and dumplings, fried chicken that was even better the next day, or an extra-peppery pot roast… just how grandpa liked it. I have a lot …
“How can I feed them?” 23 food delivery ideas for the bereaved
“Food is comfort. When we think back, times that we have shared with our family generally involve meals or gatherings. Eating and laughing are memories that bring us comfort and when a death occurs, we want to provide comfort to someone who is hurting. It is the act of giving someone food that is the way we express that which …