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 […]
I think we’ve all heard of the “stages” of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. {If you want my real take on the stages, and the history behind those stages there’s a book you can read on the topic.} Reader’s Digest version: they’re taken out of context and they’re cr@p. The ‘stages’ […]
There’s a song by the band Fall Out Boy called ‘Alone Together’. There something about the lyrics that just speak to me – especially: 🎶 I don’t know where you’re going – but do you got room for one more troubled soul…Let’s be alone together 🎶There are so many times in my life – after […]