Posts Tagged ‘death’

Funeral Planning and Community Support

In an ideal world, funeral plans would always be a family affair. Siblings would come together from around the country to bury a parent. Friends and colleagues would pitch in to help a bereaved spouse struggling with finances. Entire communities would mourn the passing of a child. While these types of scenarios can and do happen all the time,  that is not always the case. There are many times when one person is left dealing with funeral plans and loss all on their own—and they may need to find support to make it through. (more…)

Funerals by Sea…and Air?

Funerals by sea are fairly common in this day and age. While your opportunities to send a body out to sea with a Viking funeral pyre or with a military farewell are not always possible, you can scatter ashes into the ocean (or lake) or opt to have cremated remains encased in a coral reef. (more…)

Speaking at a Funeral: Public Speaking Tips

One of the most memorable parts of a funeral or memorial service are the stories people tell about the deceased. Whether part of a formal eulogy, or an individual standing up to share a favorite memory, these are the things we carry in our hearts long after the service. The way the deceased touched people’s lives, how they made an impact in the world, what they meant on an emotional level…all of these things capture life in a way photos and basic prayers cannot. (more…)

Planning a Funeral in Your Twenties

Early funeral planning is considered one of the best ways to save money and ensure that your death does not cause an undue burden on those you love. By setting aside funds, specifying your wishes, and/or purchasing a burial package, you can cover all the details of your funeral and get back to the task of living. (more…)

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

When a death occurs, some people choose to surround themselves with family and friends as a way to cope. Being alone during this time can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with not only your grief, but day-to-day pressures like taking care of your kids, figuring out how financial matters stand, and self-care. (more…)

Can I Hold a Funeral on a Holiday?

One of the most popular sayings in the funeral planning industry is that no one can time the moment of their death. No matter how much preparation you do in advance, the loss of a loved one is always a shock—and the shock often comes during a bad time of the week, month, or year. (more…)

Funeral Visitation Etiquette

By now, most of us know how to behave ourselves at a funeral or memorial service. We understand the importance of funeral attire, punctuality, keeping kids and technology devices quiet, and offering condolences. Because funerals are more like a church service, in that mostly what is expected of you is to sit and listen, they are not quite as difficult to navigate as other funeral events. (more…)

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

When a loved one dies and leaves all of his or her personal effects behind, it can be a great comfort to hold onto some of their most beloved belongings. Valuable artwork, a china cabinet that has been in the family for centuries, personal touches like perfume or a scarf—all these things can be passed on and treasured as you find ways to cope with your grief. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to keep everything, which means you will eventually need to sort through their belongings. (more…)

Pre-Planning a Home Funeral

Making advance arrangements for a funeral is almost always a good idea, but there are times when it makes more sense than others. Home funerals are one of these times. (more…)

How to Find Green Funerals in Your Area

A growing concern for families all across the country is how to say goodbye to a loved one in a way that honors his or her lifetime—and also honors the planet we all share. It is becoming more and more apparent that our habits, trends, and traditions are not always the best for the environment, and any way we can shift our worldview to make more eco-conscious choices is a good thing. (more…)