What to Do as Executor of an Estate

August 23rd, 2018
What to Do as Executor of an Estate

What to Do as Executor of an Estate

If you have been named as the executor of an estate after someone dies (also sometimes referred to as an executor of a will), your job is to oversee the deceased’s financial accounts, property, assets, debts, and other items included in a will. At the time of death, the management and disbursement of these finances becomes your responsibility—and the responsibility can often be a large one. (more…)

Do I Need a Funeral Home for Cremation?

August 19th, 2018
Do I Need a Funeral Home for Cremation?

Do I Need a Funeral Home for Cremation?

When you are overwhelmed by grief and want to say goodbye to your loved one in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and respectful, cremation is one of the best options out there. By avoiding many of the more traditional aspects of a funeral (the casket and burial, embalming, choosing a headstone, holding a viewing), you not only save money, but time and energy as well. This is especially true if you are planning to hold a private memorial service or ash-scattering ceremony at a later date. (more…)

Writing a Sympathy Card for the Loss of a Distant Relative

August 14th, 2018
Writing a Sympathy Card for the Loss of a Distant Relative

Writing a Sympathy Card for the Loss of a Distant Relative

Most of us know what a sensitive subject death is when the deceased was someone close to you. Losing a parent, sibling, spouse, or child is one of the most difficult experiences, and showing your support through sympathy cards, funeral flowers, offers of physical support, and attending the funeral is common. (more…)

Technology and Grief

August 4th, 2018
Technology and Grief

Technology and Grief

A few decades ago, the only way to reach out after a loss was through face-to-face interaction and notices in the newspapers. A death notification via obituary, phone tree, or community organization (like a church) was the most common way to hear about a death. This meant that days or even weeks might have passed before you heard the news, and that your grief was a personal and private thing. The funeral was the only opportunity to meet with others who shared your loss and, once over, it might have been difficult to find a safe place to talk about your grief. (more…)

Physical Side Effects of Grief

July 30th, 2018
Physical Side Effects of Grief

Physical Side Effects of Grief

Many people assume that grief is a process that takes place only within the mind and the heart. After all, losing a loved one is not like being in a car accident—you hurt, yes, but not in a physical way. There are no broken bones to mend, no surgery that can fix the problem and make you whole again. (more…)

What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

July 25th, 2018
What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings

One of the most difficult things to do after a loved one dies and the funeral has ended is to clear out the deceased’s personal possessions. There are no official guidelines about how long you should hold onto things like clothes, books, and personal mementos, which makes this process difficult. Is one week too soon to pack everything up and donate it to charity? What if you cannot or do not want to get rid of anything at all? Or, as is often the case with valuable objects, what if there are multiple family members all clamoring for the same thing? (more…)

Unique Places to Scatter Ashes

July 22nd, 2018
Unique Places to Scatter Ashes

Unique Places to Scatter Ashes

Most people who scatter the cremated remains of a loved one do so in the traditional places: a body of water, a garden, or a favorite patch of forest. Oceans and rivers are especially popular choices, as there is something about the rhythmic movement of the water that brings feelings of peace and continuity. (more…)

How (and Why) to Write Your Own Obituary

July 19th, 2018
How (and Why) to Write Your Own Obituary

How (and Why) to Write Your Own Obituary

It might sound unusual, but in our modern age of social media, it is becoming more common for people to write their own obituaries before they die. And it is not because they have a terminal illness or are facing death. In most cases, these are people who are perfectly healthy and look forward to a long and active life. The obituary is a “just in case” option should they die suddenly. (more…)

How to Find a Qualified Grief Counselor

July 15th, 2018
How to Find a Qualified Grief Counselor

How to Find a Qualified Grief Counselor

When a loved one dies, your period of grief and bereavement does not end with the funeral. In fact, for most people, this is when the hard work of moving forward through a life without your loved one begins. (more…)

Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

July 10th, 2018
Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

Five Ways to Personalize a Funeral Service on a Budget

A funeral does not have to be expensive or flashy to be memorable. As is often the case, the most important thing about a funeral is people coming together. That is why a heartfelt eulogy can make a bigger impact than an ornate casket, and a small gathering at the deceased’s home can be more intimate than a grand catered event. (more…)

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