How to Write a Meaningful Obituary
If you are asked to write an obituary, it is understandable you may approach the task with a certain amount of apprehension. An obituary, after all, is not only a summary of a person’s life but to some degree, places a punctuation mark upon it. When understanding the responsibilities of…...
The Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy
Sometimes the meanings between two words are so similar, they can be difficult to tell apart. It can be particularly challenging when those two words sound similar like sympathy and empathy. These words are often used in connection with the death of a loved one. What is the meaning of…...
Five Ways to Support Grieving Loved Ones
Talking with someone who just experienced the loss of a loved one can be sad, uncomfortable and awkward. We often just don’t quite know what to say or do. Our apprehension may lead us to avoid talking directly to them at all, but that can lead to its own problems.…...
Why Do We Grieve?
The death of someone close to us can lead us down a path of asking some deep and profound questions. Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Why do I need to go through this? When it comes to grief, what is it and why do we…...
How to Be a More Empathetic Person
Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is what allows us to share in the grief of another person, even if we didn’t personally know the deceased. Some people seem to be extremely empathetic, connecting with others on a deeply, almost profound…...
Five Memorable Funeral Services in the United States
History is filled with memorable final services and funerals, particularly of those who have achieved fame in the arts or politics. Here are five of the more elaborate, interesting and heartbreaking funerals experienced in the United States. Abraham Lincoln The 16th President of the United States was only 56 years…...
Best Practices to Take Care of Yourself During Grief
There are plenty of resources to describe grief and how best to deal with it. The fact is, while the stages of grief may be similar, how we as individuals experience them, are far different. Do you know what’s great about that? It makes our journeys not only unique, but…...
Five Songs for a Celebration of Life
Celebrations of Life have become increasingly popular for final services, as families move away from dark and somber traditional funeral services. Families have found solace and, to some degree, joy in relating fond memories and celebrating the contributions of individuals. Celebrations of Life have also created a need for new…...
What Is Embalming?
Embalming has been a part of how we treat the deceased for over 7,000 years. Modern embalming practices using chemicals, however, became popular during the American Civil War. Embalming practices were not only used on soldiers killed in the war, but during that time, travel became more extensive in the…...
Popular Types of Virtual Support Groups
If you or someone you know can benefit from joining a grief support group, you shouldn’t let social distancing concerns stop you. There are a variety of virtual support group options that can provide the companionship, understanding and empathy you need during a difficult time. In fact, some have found…...