October 27, 2022

Mother Died…How Long Do We Keep Her Things?

Separating from a loved one’s belongings is one of the more difficult jobs you will have to do after a death. It is amazing how much is collected over a lifetime. You probably won’t get it done in a day and you will probably shed a few tears.

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August 18, 2022

Moving After a Spouse Dies?

One of the realities of losing a spouse or a parent is the impact that event has on living arrangements. Are we living in the “right” place? Is the house too big? Is it too far away from family? Will my surviving parent be safe where they live? Should I move to be closer to mom or should mom move closer to me?

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July 7, 2022

Where Should I Send my Condolences?

Do not put off contacting your friend to express your sympathy. Options and opportunities may have changes over the decades, but the importance of reaching out to those suffering a loss has not. A call or a written note is always just right. Social media is just fine under some circumstances and a personal visit is lovely. Additionally, many funeral homes have a place on their website to post condolences. This format allows your expression of sympathy to be delivered privately and quickly.

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June 9, 2022

When the Soul Leaves the Body … Reacting to a Sudden Unexpected Death

Sometimes, if you are open to it, you can receive amazing information in the most unlikely ways.  For example, there was a driver who was taking a woman to the airport when she received the news that a family member had died. The woman gasped and her driver, who was from another culture, asked if …

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February 3, 2022

How to Say the Right Thing at a Funeral

First, take a deep breath and relax. We all worry that we’ll say the wrong thing. Second, know that you don’t have to be eloquent. While we wish it were so, you can’t make everything all better with a few words. Here are a few simple ideas to keep in mind to be sure you …

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November 12, 2021

Three Ways to Support Someone Who is Grieving in Isolation

Grief is difficult in perfectly normal times. However, when a global pandemic has us isolated, we lose two important comfort and coping mechanisms. Hugs are very hard to come by these days. In normal times the physical touch of a hug fills the vacuum when a person who loves another is at a loss for …

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August 6, 2021

Writing the thank you notes

Writing thank you notes is usually one of the very first “after the funeral” tasks you will undertake. Anyone who made a donation or sent flowers should get a thank you note from a family member.

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July 9, 2021

What helps when a person is sad?

If you know someone who has experienced a loss or is going through a difficult life change, give them a journal. If you receive a journal use it.

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March 19, 2021

Losing a Spouse: Three to Six Months After Loss

Human contact is vital to your new normal. If your friends and family aren’t calling you, then call them.

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January 8, 2021

Our dog died and my family wants to get a new one. Why?

The pet who passed isn’t forgotten. People who have had multiple pets have a whole string of memories and stories. Those memories stay. They are with them always.

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