Why do obituaries feel so important to us?They serve as a tribute, a record of someone’s life, and a way to honor their legacy. What makes a well-written obituary stand out?It’s personal, engaging, and captures the essence of who the person was. How have obituaries changed over time?They’ve become more personal, sometimes humorous, and often…… Continue reading Tips for Writing an Obituary
Blog
The Unexpected Ways Grief Shows Up—Because It’s Never Just Tears and Sad Music
Nobody warns you that grief isn’t just crying at the funeral and missing them on anniversaries. No, grief is a sneaky little bastard that shows up when you least expect it, hits you like a freight train, and leaves you standing there like, Seriously? Right now? 1. Triggers—A.K.A. Grief’s Favorite Party TrickYou think you’re fine.…… Continue reading The Unexpected Ways Grief Shows Up—Because It’s Never Just Tears and Sad Music
What Happens in Your Brain as You Die
𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗗𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 During a routine EEG scan, an 87-year-old man unexpectedly suffered a fatal heart attack—giving researchers a rare look at the brain’s final moments. In the 30 seconds before and after his heart stopped, brainwave activity surged in patterns similar to those seen during dreaming, deep meditation,…… Continue reading What Happens in Your Brain as You Die
The Ugly Side of Dying
Understanding what happens to someone at the end of life is crucial for several reasons. It helps to demystify the process of dying, alleviating fear and uncertainty for both the person dying and their loved ones. Death is often treated as a taboo topic, leaving many unprepared for the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of…… Continue reading The Ugly Side of Dying
The Simple Purpose of Being Here
We spend so much time searching for meaning, as if life is some great puzzle we need to solve before our time is up. But what if the answer is simpler than we think? What if our purpose here is simply to be—to live, to learn, to enjoy this place, and to be good to…… Continue reading The Simple Purpose of Being Here
BOOK: The Rest We Deserve: Grief and the Lessons of Winter.
Grief has a way of making us feel like we must keep moving, as though stopping for even a moment might let it consume us entirely. But that’s not how nature works, and it’s not how we work either. Just as the seasons shift, there’s a time for everything – even rest. Especially rest. Winter…… Continue reading BOOK: The Rest We Deserve: Grief and the Lessons of Winter.
Confronting Fears with a Terminal Diagnosis
Confronting fears amidst a terminal diagnosis may seem daunting, but it holds profound benefits. Not only for individuals facing this challenging journey, but also those grieving from a loss. First, let’s look at how confronting our fears can help those with a terminal diagnosis: Empowerment Through Acceptance: Accepting the reality empowers individuals to shape their…… Continue reading Confronting Fears with a Terminal Diagnosis
Planning an At-Home Funeral
Planning an at-home funeral involves several steps. Here’s a general guide: Check Local Regulations: Verify local laws and regulations regarding home funerals. Some places may have specific requirements or restrictions. Obtain Necessary Permits: If required, obtain the necessary permits for home burial or cremation. This may involve contacting local authorities or health departments. Prepare the…… Continue reading Planning an At-Home Funeral
Why ‘Lost Their Battle’ is the Wrong Thing to Say
While these expressions may be well-intentioned, they can have unintended consequences when speaking to someone with a life-limiting illness, disease, or disorder, like cancer. Here’s why: Implies Blame for the Illness: Phrases like “you can fight this because you are strong” may unintentionally suggest that if the person were stronger, they could avoid or overcome…… Continue reading Why ‘Lost Their Battle’ is the Wrong Thing to Say
Need to Plan a Funeral? Here’s a Checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you plan a funeral: Legal Considerations:Check local laws and regulations regarding funerals.Obtain necessary permits for burial or cremation. Budget:Establish a budget for the funeral expenses. Choose a Funeral Director or Decide on DIY:Decide whether to hire a funeral director or handle arrangements independently. Select a Venue:Choose a venue for the…… Continue reading Need to Plan a Funeral? Here’s a Checklist