Finding the right words to say to someone who has been bereaved can be really tough, and though you have the best of intentions, sometimes you end up hurting them more by saying the wrong things. Have you ever found yourself in that position of saying something really inappropriate?Here are a few pointers on what to say and what not to say. *** Do you laugh when someone’s grocery bag…
Many people choose to read memorial or bereavement poems at a funeral. Some of the world’s greatest poets have written down their thoughts and feelings on the loss of their loved ones, which may help you understand your own emotions. Whether it is finding the perfect way to express your love, or finding the words that capture what your loved one would have thought, poetry can give you great comfort in voicing…
Take some. Leave some. Love some. Hate Some. Then tell us what has worked for you in holidays past, or how you plan to cope with the holidays this year. Because the holidays are tough for all of us, the least we can do are share our tips and tricks with one another to make the season just a smidge more tolerable. Acknowledge that the holidays will be different and…
I recently read a quote from grief researcher and theorist Kenneth Doka that said: “All grief becomes disenfranchised over time” To be honest, I read this off a PowerPoint slide that I randomly stumbled upon on the Internet so I don’t have much context (though I can tell you that the name of the presentation was “Disenfranchised Grief in the 21st Century: New Problems, New Strategies”). Regardless, I think I understand…
When your dad has died, you might want to honour his life and legacy by reciting a memorial verse or poem at the funeral service. During a difficult time, it might be a struggle to find the right words to express what he meant to you. Whether you are looking for inspiration to help you pen a few special words in an eulogy or looking to something meaningful to say,…
The death of a best friend can mean losing the very person you’d usually talk to in difficult times. If you’re grieving a friend, these poems may be a comfort, or could be your way of telling a grieving friend you’re there for them on their own journey through bereavement. “I often hear from people say: ‘other people were much closer to them, so why should I be taking it…
If one of your close friends has ever experienced a major loss, you know that watching somebody you care about suffer is, in itself, a type of suffering. Understand that there’s no way to solve all of your friend’s woes during this time. You can, however, offer support. Here are some ways you can be there for somebody you care about when they’ve lost somebody close to them. Listen and…
There are many myths associated with the grieving process, and it can be frustrating for those who are grieving to hear false information during such an emotional time. It is important to understand that the grieving process is different for each person, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve. In order to effectively process these grieving emotions, whether that is for ourselves, or perhaps to be a…
Birthdays and other special occasions can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one. Facing a day that’s supposed to be filled with love, often, inevitably turns into a day consumed with grief. “Grief is just love with no place to go.” –Jamie Anderson. At our funeral home, we believe that grief and love coincide. Remember, just because your loved one isn’t physically with you doesn’t mean that…
