Traditional Visitation and Funeral Etiquette: A Guide for Proper Conduct
There is no question that, throughout the years, the rules of dress and etiquette have relaxed. There was a time when men wore suits to baseball games and families wore their Sunday best to travel by air. Now, many find it a struggle to get out of their pajamas to…...
Our Best Tips for Writing A Eulogy
Being asked to write a eulogy for someone can be both an honor and a burden. It is an honor in that your words will summarize who that person was, what they cared most about, and what was important to them. The gravity of your words can make it a…...
Three Tips for Having an Open Conversation About Last Wishes
It is not often an easy topic to bring up. Discussing last wishes during a holiday dinner or birthday celebration would be awkward and even inappropriate. But at some point, it is a necessary conversation to have with family members. Such a discussion may be more appropriate following the loss…...
Meaningful Memorial Ideas for Veterans
The loss of a veteran can be particularly painful. Whether they served for a few years or spent an entire career in the military, it frequently became a meaningful part of their lives. If a loved one was a veteran, it is completely appropriate and perhaps important to recognize that…...
The History of Cremation
Cremation as a way to dispose of human remains goes back to the Stone Age. Throughout the centuries, the popularity of cremation has ebbed and flowed, often impacted by world events. Plagues, war, famine, and religion have frequently affected the number of cremations at any time. In the United States…...
Four Factors that Affect Life Expectancy
Most people would agree that they would like to live a long, fulfilling life. Staying healthy, of course, plays an important role in that quest. The question is whether or not we are willing to make the choices, put in the effort, and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve that…...
Four Common Emotions that Come with Grief
It has been well-established that everyone experiences grief differently. That is, in part, what makes dealing with it so challenging. That is not to say, however, that there are some similar traits, feelings, and emotions that those who are grieving share. Here is a list of four common emotions that…...
Can Journaling Help Process Grief?
In the past, we’ve addressed grief and the myriad of ways to cope with it. There are in-person and virtual support groups, counseling, grief support pets, and simple conversations with friends. There is another coping mechanism that is gaining popularity when processing grief. It is journaling. Journaling for grief can…...
Funeral Extras to Skip to Cut Down on Costs
If you feel funerals and final services are expensive, you are not alone. It is also nothing new. For generations, families have tried to offset these costs through life insurance. Premiums could be as little as a few cents per week. One of the reasons funerals can be expensive is…...
3 Ways to Help Pets Adjust to Life After the Passing of an Owner(s)
We have all seen some heartwrenching photos and videos of pets in grief and disbelief after the death of their owner. They may wait patiently at the door hour after hour, waiting for the owner to return. They may sit attentively “on guard” at the foot of a casket or…...