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Grief Support Resources

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  While moments of grief occur in everyone's life, the death of a loved one can cause significant emotional pain and trauma. This trauma is far worse for people who have witnessed their loved ones pass on, for example, due to an accident or prolonged illness. If overlooked, grief could lead to deeper psychological issues or mental illnesses such as depression.   Grief Support The grieving process can take so many forms; you don't know how you'll react or feel until you're experiencing it. There are no wrong or right ways to grieve. All you can do is try to cope with your feelings in a way that feels right to you.   Grief, loss, and bereavement support groups are vital resources for those who have lost loved ones because they can connect with others going through a similar grieving process. For example, a parent who has lost a young child would seek out a support group where others with a similar loss gather and share their feelings. These groups provide those grieving ...

Writing an Obituary

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  Writing an obituary is always difficult, but it's especially sad when you have lost a loved one. After the loss of someone special in your life, like a parent or friend, this task can seem unbearable and overwhelming at times. The first step towards writing an obituary should be getting all related information and any photos that may help tell their story. Here are some tips according to funeral basics.    Step one: The obituary should announce that the person has died, provide their name and a brief description, including any information about age or where they passed away (i.e., hometown). This information should be summed up in a sentence or two.    Step two: The obituary should include some biographical information such as birth date, upbringing, and education. The person's accomplishments are also relevant to have in the bio section and what they were most proud of, including anything from getting a degree at university all the way up to being a grandpare...

Is Cremation a Substitute for a Funeral?

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  When it comes to our afterlife, there is no easy answer. While you may have indicated your wishes before your death, the ultimate decision comes down to your family. The decision is also affected by your budget, religious and personal beliefs, and other intangible factors.    The decision to cremate is on the rise. According to the Cremation Association of North America , cremation has grown 1-2% yearly since 1963, with more than 50% of Americans choosing cremation over burial since 2015. Cremation is expected to increase to 64% by 2024.    It’s not surprising that cremation providers have seen a rise in inquiries about their services, especially as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Funeral Directors Association reports an increase in direct cremations since the onset of COVID-19. Cremation provides a way to say goodbye to loved ones while following social distancing guidelines and travel precautions.    Cremation is not a ...

What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Service?

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Funeral services are an essential part of how we as a society say goodbye to those whom we love. It is the final farewell before someone is put to rest, and it's what often gives us closure.  Most funerals will take place at the funeral home or church that you choose for your loved one, but there are also other options available such as cremation urns, scattering ashes in a favorite location, etc.  Whatever option, funerals are a very personal choice, and the one who is lost deserves to be afforded every honor  and dignity. In the days that follow a funeral, mourners will often share memories about their beloved. Sharing stories is one of the best ways to make sense of what has happened and can help those in mourning come to terms with their loss. It's never an easy process, but by telling your loved ones' story you honor them for who they were, and oftentimes it's therapeutic to discuss the impact they had on your life.  Funerals also provide an opportunity for love...

The Benefits of Pre-planning a Funeral

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            It’s unsettling to think about your mortality, and it’s a conversation that most people avoid. However, although it’s a challenging conversation,  it’s essential to talk to loved ones about the end of your life. Making decisions ahead of time alleviates your family from the stress and the guilt of doing enough to honor your life.  To help relieve their families, more people are pre-planning their funeral or their own memorial services. The following are the benefits of pre-planning your service.  Choose How to be Remembered . How do you want to be remembered? Maybe you had a long career in music you’d like to recognize. Perhaps you’re very environment-oriented and would like to encourage donations in your memory to an environmental group. Your wishes are defined by making pre-arranged funeral plans, and your family knows how to celebrate and honor your life.  Protect Your Family from Increasing Costs Pre-planning can ...

Is Cremation A Substitute A Funeral?

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  Funeral services almost always include a memorial service with a burial service at the cemetery. However, as time goes on, more and more people are choosing cremations over burials. Though this can be a wonderful way to commemorate the life of a loved one, many people are often left wondering, “Can I have a funeral or memorial service with cremation?” The celebration of a loved one’s life certainly doesn’t have to end just because you chose cremation. In fact, many people believe that cremation offers more options for funeral and memorial services! The choice is up to you, and with such a personal decision, A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services is ready to help you weigh all the options. Here are just a few of the ways you can have a memorial service with a cremation:  Traditional Funeral Service. Because funeral services are often held before the body is cremated, you can actually still have a traditional funeral service, and even an open casket should you choose to do so!...

Memorial Service Ideas for Cremation

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  When it comes to honoring your loved ones after they died you want only the best, and if your loved one was cremated you have more flexibility to plan something either before or after the cremation. It can range from a traditional service right through to a unique ceremony that involves throwing lanterns into the sky. The choice can be tailored and personalized to honor your loved one. Here are some more tips and ideas to consider, according to the Cremation Institute.   Traditional Cremation Funeral Service If you are hesitant to choose cremation because you would like to have a funeral service, there is no reason for concern. A traditional memorial service usually happens before the actual cremation process. If desired, this would provide the opportunity for an open casket as well. You will still need to consider what to do with the ashes afterward. If keeping with tradition, you can have a burial and graveside service, just as you would at a traditional funeral. Al...