Archive for June 2011
Funeral Planning
June 10th, 2011
To plan a funeral for a loved one is going to be one of the most difficult events a person has to overcome in their life.
To commemorate a life well lived, one of the first things you should do is, remember all the things your loved one enjoyed such as music, movies, and any other interests. These are essential to the memory of your loved one.
A few other notes:
- Find a funeral home that is close by so you don’t have to travel too far.
- Connect with a funeral director you feel comfortable with and who understands what you and the family want to remember about your special loved one.
- Pick a couple of close friends, lover, or family member to deliver the eulogy. A eulogy is, is a speech that someone close to your loved one has written personally to talk about the life of the now deceased. It’s usually given at a funeral by a very close friend or relative to share all the memories that had with that special someone.
- When planning a funeral it’s always helpful to have an energetic person to help you plan out this special ceremony.
- Pick a funeral service that is right for your deceased loved one.
- Some other things you should consider are: making a guest list, the date and time, and the food that will be there.
- Make the memorial service more memorable, by having photos or videos of your loved one with you, friends or the family. Show and play them at the service after everything has been said. Everyone will start to remember all the good times they had with that special someone.
- Choose a casket or urn that is affordable and appropriate.
It’s very important you choose the burial ground where you will lay your loved one down to rest or where you will scatter their ashes.
This is how to plan a memorable funeral.
Thanks to our friends at Life & Death blog for letting us borrow from their post.
For more information about grief, cremation and memorial service planning, please call Wendell Cox at 214-343-4040 or visit our website.
LC
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Being Aware of Grief
June 6th, 2011
A friend recently told me of a coworker of hers who lost a loved one. While some time has passed since their passing, our friend still has his good and bad days.
What kind of signs should I look for so I’ll know what to say or how to act with my friend? There are signs you’ll notice as their day starts and as it goes on:
- How are they walking or standing? What’s their body language?
- Are they talkative or quiet?
- Do they have an appetite?
- Do they seem distracted from their work?
- Did they show up late, take a long lunch or leave early?
- Or are they working long hours–there when you arrive and staying when everybody else goes home?
- Do you notice a change in appearance or attitude?
What should you do or say? Try a few of these:
- Be calm and even toned when you speak to them.
- Try talking about every day things. Share your life and ask about theirs.
- Be supportive if the subject of loss comes up.
- Invite them to coffee or lunch.
- Offer to car pool with them.
Distraction and support are but two ways you can help. By no means, do not try and be a counselor–leave that to professionals.
For more information on grief and grief care, see our blog.
LC