Archive for the ‘After Death’ Category

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Coping with Funerals and Loss

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Coping with Funerals and LossIt’s inevitable that as we age, more and more of our friends, relatives, and acquaintances pass away. Funeral planning, which seems so far away during our youth, becomes almost second nature as the decades pass, even though the pain of each death can be just as acute as the first.

For many people in this situation, it can be difficult to reconcile one’s own mortality with the joys of living. However, the real purpose of funerals is not only to commemorate the deceased, but to celebrate life. If you’re having a difficult time with the passing of a loved one, or if you’re seeking ways to look beyond funeral plans to the life you have ahead of you, here are a few helpful steps:

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Attending the Funeral of an Estranged Friend or Family Member

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Attending the Funeral of an Estranged Friend or Family MemberMany times, we are unable to reconcile disagreements, estrangements, and relationships before a loved one passes away. It doesn’t matter whether you spent years not talking to one another, or if the disagreement is recent and still very painful – it’s never easy to deal with death when there are lingering emotions that haven’t been sorted out. And in cases where the emotions are negative, there are even more considerations to keep in mind during the funeral planning process.

Some of the key questions to ask yourself before attending the funeral of someone you have been estranged from include:

Can you (and the family) put aside any bad feelings for the day? Most of the time, a funeral is considered something of a neutral zone, in which everyone is allowed to bereave and pay their respects as they see fit. If this isn’t the case in your particular situation, it might be better to find a different way to say your goodbyes.

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Search Tools for Finding Graves

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Search Tools for Finding GravesGravesites are often so much more than a final resting place for a deceased loved one. In many cases, famous cemeteries and celebrity graves become a draw for tourists, historians, and locals interested in paying their respects. Almost all cemeteries are open to the public, and although there might be restrictions regarding headstone rubbings or leaving flowers or other items at the grave, you can usually visit any grave you wish.

If you’re looking for the grave of a certain person – whether a celebrity, important historical figure, or an ancestor of your own – there are great online resources you can turn to for help.

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Famous and Beautiful Cemeteries

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Famous and Beautiful Cemeteries When making burial arrangements or funeral planning, many people pay attention to the ambiance of the final resting ground. After all, this is the place loved ones will visit for decades as a way to remember a life lived and lost.

Modern cemeteries tend to have a fairly clinical feel to them, with well-laid out plots and modest headstones – which is great for maximizing the available space and providing a serene place for visiting the graves of those we love. However, much of the charm of older burial grounds is lost in these types of cemeteries. In fact, some of the best places to be buried include those where a little bit of wilderness and a whole lot of history combine to create a verdant, timeless setting.
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Setting Up a Memorial Website

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Setting Up a Memorial WebsiteTechnology has truly changed how we live, and it has also altered our funeral planning. While obituaries, funeral programs, and headstones used to be how we would remember loved ones, we now have even more options. Many people now construct memorial websites to honor their loved ones in perpetuity.

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Choosing the Right Words for a Headstone

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Choosing the Right Words for a Headstone One of the most lasting pieces of funeral planning is the words on the headstone. Whether they are clever, meaningful, or just informational, it is these words that will embody the final message of the deceased at the cemetery. Because of this, it is important that the final arrangements made to theheadstone represent what the deceased and the deceased’s loved ones want the world to remember.

Virtually all headstones have the deceased’s name and the years of birth and death. Many modern stones also include the actual birth date and date of death as well. These decisions depend largely on how much space the headstone offers as well as the style of other commemorations at the cemetery.

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Funeral Costs: a Detailed Price Breakdown

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Funeral Costs: a Detailed Price Breakdown The average funeral costs between $8,000 and $12,000, including everything from casket and embalming to a burial plot and a memorial service. However, not all of this money goes to one place. Each component comes with its own price tag, and many products and services can be purchased through wholesalers or discount companies, which can considerably lower the overall cost of the funeral.

If you are funeral planning or preparing to say good bye to a loved one, this list of funeral services and their costs should give you a better idea of what to expect to pay. Please note that these are average estimates, and will vary depending on where you live and what specifics you choose.

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Is Cremation Appropriate For Everyone?

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Is Cremation Appropriate For Everyone?Cremation is becoming an increasingly viable choice for those who wish to step away from traditional burial platforms. With lower overall costs, a healthier environmental stamp, and the ability to personally connect with the deceased remains, there are a number of good reasons to consider this funeral planning option. However, because cremation has not become quite as widespread as traditional burial, some families may not be ready to take this step.
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How to Pick the Right Funeral Home

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

How to Pick the Right Funeral HomeIt doesn’t matter whether you’re getting ready for funeral planning, or if you’re in the midst of the sudden death of a loved one – picking the right funeral home can be a difficult choice. From traditional funerals that incorporate religious customs to more modern green funerals, there are many different ways to honor those who have passed, and all of them come with their own benefits and drawbacks.

That’s why making the right decision in planning a funeral is such an important first step. After all, finding the right location will allow you to not only respect the wishes of the deceased, but also to provide a proper outlet for grief for all the family members and friends.

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Coping with Loss

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Coping with LossThe one part of funeral planning that almost no one can prepare for is the act of grieving over the loss of a loved one. There is no way to know for sure how death will affect you until it happens, and the way you process your emotions is unique to you and your relationship with the deceased.

Just like planning a funeral, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Whether you turn to religion, to familiar comforts, or take your time in coming to terms with your loss, there are resources you can turn to in order to make the process easier.
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