You’re probably reading this and thinking “Wow – is that rEaLlY Sharing Solace posting again!?!?” You’re not imagining things, it’s really me…and yes, I’ve been awfully quiet for a while…Not because (my) grief stopped existing {gaw, I wish!}Not because I ran out of things to say {we all know that’s not gonna happen…}And, DEFINITELY not […]
On a recent trip to Houston, I made my hubby take me to the National Museum of Funeral History…yea, I know I’m one of the few that would use vacation time to visit…but it was actually pretty neat and we weren’t the only people there!!After the lights came back on (there was a multi-block wide […]
This piece was originally publish in American Funeral Director magazine.Everyone knows about Mother’s Day – the second Sunday in May each year – and probably even celebrates it in some form or fashion. And also, for the 86,000-plus mothers each year who’ve had to bury their baby, this is not the only significant holiday in […]
A few years ago, I realized something: “No living thing stays broken – it either begins to heal…or it dies.”Maybe it’s a bit simplistic but it’s still profoundly true; and resonates deeply with the grief and healing journey. When we’re in the thick of it, grief can feel like it’s broken us beyond repair. But […]
Welcome to spring, the season of renewal. A time when the earth begins to thaw, and those teeny tiny seeds buried deep in the soil start to think about growing… For grieving families, this season can serve as a gentle reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and healing can take root – if […]
Yes, Valentine’s Day has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of chocolate wrappers, conversation hearts, rose petals, and maybe a few lingering emotions too — some sweet, some a bit more…well…bittersweet. For those of us navigating the tricky waters of grief, this holiday can be a double-edged sword, reminding us of both the love […]
In this profession, love and loss are constant companions – to each other and the families in your care. As funeral directors, you are tasked with guiding families through their most difficult times, often without taking a moment to address your own emotional well-being. For continued longevity, innovation needs to be ingrained in every area […]
Let’s talk about those two sneaky little words that always seem to find their way into just about any grief conversation: “At least.”We’ve all heard them (and probably said them too): “At least you had time to say goodbye…” “At least they didn’t suffer…” “At least you’re young enough to try again…”Here’s the thing – […]
{or, When the tinsel starts coming down the tears still do too}As funeral service professionals that get the importance of offering bereavement support, let’s talk about the January phenomenon “everyone knows about” but nobody discusses: Post-Holiday Grief. Doing what you do and providing services and resources to your families, you must see this play out […]
This picture, and the story surrounding it, is possibly the most scandalous image I’ve ever taken. Can’t you tell?For those new here, you might need a bit of backstory: Even though my daughter died just after she was born, in my mind, she is always an infant – and – whatever her ‘would be’ age […]