For most people, discussing or choosing burial means literally that—burying the remains of a loved one in the ground. Most cemeteries are filled with rows and rows of graves of the dearly departed, all of whom have been laid to rest six feet underground. This is such a common and accepted tradition of laying a loved one to rest that it is rarely questioned as the best—if not the only—burial choice. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘memorial’
Using Art for End-of-Life Planning
Saturday, April 27th, 2019Sitting down with your loved ones and having a frank discussion about death, dying, and burial is tough to do. In our culture, we do everything we can to avoid or even deny the realities of death, often leaving all the decision-making and funeral planning until it is too late. And those who do take a more proactive approach to their funeral plans often do so in secret—not sharing any of their arrangements until their families read their wills. (more…)
Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death
Friday, June 8th, 2018Most people recognize the importance of sending flowers, a gift basket, or a condolence card when a loved one dies. This small gesture helps the family know they are not alone during their difficult time, and also helps you move forward with your own grief. (more…)
What To Do on the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Death
Wednesday, June 28th, 2017Almost anyone who has experienced loss will tell you that holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries tend to be some of the hardest moments to get through. While everyone else is out celebrating and enjoying themselves, you are mired in memories and the painful reminder of your loved one’s passing. In fact, if your loss was recent, these days have a tendency to feel incredibly burdensome at a time when they should be anything but. (more…)
Memorial Tattoos
Tuesday, February 7th, 2017Dealing with grief in the aftermath of funeral planning is, to put it mildly, a difficult task. While the challenges of choosing a casket, paying for a funeral, and coordinating the memorial service can be overwhelming, it is what follows that provides the real struggle. (more…)
Cemetery Decorations for Fall
Monday, September 26th, 2016Decorating headstones and gravesites is a great way to show your love for the dearly departed and help contribute to the ambiance of a modern cemetery. Memorial Day tends to showcase a cemetery awash in red, white, and blue—while the winter months favor Christmas red, green, and gold. From wreaths and crosses that can be placed on top of the grave to headstone flowers that can be draped over the top of larger monuments, there are many different ways to decorate for the holidays. (more…)
Planning the Committal Service
Monday, June 6th, 2016When it comes to funeral planning, there are several different kinds of services you will need to consider. A wake, vigil, or visitation takes place prior to the funeral, offering loved ones a chance to gather (either in the presence of the deceased’s remains or not) to give their last respects. A funeral service is the formal ceremony that takes place at a church or funeral home with the body in attendance. A memorial service is similar in format, though it does not include the body and can thus be held anywhere, at any time. (more…)
How to Start a Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016When a loved one passes away, we often want to find something that honors their memory in a big way—and a scholarship fund is a good platform for doing just that. By providing a foundation for someone’s education, you are giving a gift that lasts an entire lifetime. And by making it part of a loved one’s legacy (by including their name on the scholarship or earmarking the funds for a field of study they were passionate about), you can ensure that their memory lives on in an important way. (more…)