“Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.” - Pythagoras
Happy World Animal Day.
(Be Kind to Animals Week is observed in May!)
“We must find time to stop and thank the people that make a difference in our lives.” - John F. Kennedy
We are so thankful to be a part of this community, and humbled to serve you.
What change do you wish to see?
Relatives of those who have lost their loved ones to COVID-19 are organizing a National Moment of Silence in Washington, D.C. Tributes will be installed in the Ellipse (a park directly south of the White House) including a memorial wall and an art tribute of 20,000 empty chairs, representing a fraction of the human lives lost.
Join them on October 4th at noon EST to remember and honor the victims and families of COVID-19.
———————————
* A call for a National Moment of Silence on October 4th at Noon EST.
* A call for community Faith leaders to remember victims and families of COVID-19 with a moment of silence in their services.
* Tributes featuring live and recorded performances by speakers and artists.
* Art tribute of 20,000 empty chairs, representing a fraction of the human devastation of COVID-19, installed on the Ellipse.
* Memorial tribute wall where loved ones will be honored virtually and from the Ellipse.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org to educate yourself on early detection, donate to the cause and learn how you can get involved!
We often get asked, “What's appropriate to say to a grieving person?” We thought we'd turn it around and ask you all, “What are some of the best words of encouragement you've heard?
What little things in life make a big difference to you?
"Good is the transcendence of self in service to others."
- Michelle Nunn
Compassion towards all living beings, including animals.
Did you know the history of what we refer as Hospice today?
Today, let this virtual rose stand in memory of a loved one you have lost.
Boss’s Day was first created when an employee of State Farm Insurance Co. registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She wanted employees to have a day when they can honor their bosses.
Happy Boss Appreciation Day!
“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
- Mother Teresa
'If my love for you could grant wishes, you'd still be here by my side. Although my love for you is everlasting, I couldn't make you stay. God had greater plans for you. In honor of a guardian angel always by your side.'
Who has loved many pets over the years?
Some days I feel like dropping everything, and searching the ends of the earth for something that can fill this void inside I have from losing you. But then I think it's become part of me now, and I've grown to find comfort in the hollowness. It's lasting reminder of the beautiful impact you've had in my life.
For those who have tragically lost love ones, lost their homes, those evacuated from their homes, those waiting to go back to see the damage, our hearts go out to you.
To all the firefighters, first responders, pilots flying air support, and police officers working to keep our homes and wild spaces safe and intact, a heartfelt thank you and hopes for your safety.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. ~Helen Keller
Did you know this about Halloween?!
This article is from a few years ago but is still relevant, and a good read. Check it out:
NYTIMES.COM
Letting Children Share in Grief (Published 2012)
Yes, many families choose cremation, and there are many options for the type of memorial service and/or celebration conducted with a cremation. Contact us and we will go over a variety of options.
Whether you are attending a funeral for the first time or not, we find that it is always best to remember to simply listen when you talk with grieving friends and/or family. Express sympathy and then listen for how they respond.
Alex Trebek, host of Jeopardy!, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80 after a year-long battle of pancreatic cancer.
Trebek was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and grew up in a bilingual French-English household. While attending the University of Ottawa, he began working for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, where he became interested in a career in broadcast news. After graduating from college, he landed his first hosting job on a Canadian music program called "Music Hop" in 1963. Alex continued to host various game shows in Canada until 1973 when he moved to the United States to host a new game show called "The Wizard of Odds." It wasn't until 1984 that he began to host Jeopardy! In 2014, Trebek won the Guinness World Record for "the most gameshow episodes hosted by the same presenter(same program)" for having hosted 6,829 (now over 8,000) episodes of Jeopardy!
Alex continued to host Jeopardy! throughout his cancer diagnosis. His final show will air on Christmas day this year. We are sending strength and healing thoughts toward his family during this very challenging time.
Sweet quote.
Do you have your work boots on today?
World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 when the World Health Organization started seeing a rise in the number of individuals at risk of developing Diabetes. The day consists of lectures, activities, and campaigns aimed at raising awareness for the condition.
To all of those individuals who put the care of others before themselves. Paid or unpaid, you give your time, energy, compassion, care and love. We thank you. We hope you can find some time today for yourself too, self-care and self-love is so important.
Happy National Caregiver Appreciation Day AND National Family Caregivers Month!
(National Caregiver Appreciation Day is celebrated on November 13th and also March 3rd)
Make sure you give some extra love to grieving friends or family. Remembering an anniversary or birthday is a wonderful way to honor a loved one.
Searching for grief support for kids? Try this book, “Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies” by Janis Silverman.
There are approximately 110,000 children in foster care. The average child in foster care waits 3 years to be adopted. Each year more than 23,000 kids will age out of the system before finding a permanent home. National Adoption Day raises awareness of the great need for people who want to provide a forever family.
In this profession, we do see that children grieve, but not in the same ways as adults. Children still feel the pain of losing a loved one just as intensely. It’s important for adults to recognize the signs and know how to support a grieving child. Today, Children’s Grief Awareness Day, aims to provide education, information and guidance on nurturing a hurting child.
"You will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp."
– Anne Lamott
Grief is a love story told backwards...
A pet's love is so special!
The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. Are you grabbing your list and heading out for some deals or grabbing a blanket and watching a movie (or football)?!
Today is National Cake Day.
Yes, this year National Cake Day and Thanksgiving fall on the same day! Will you make room for cake, on top of turkey, stuffing, and pie?!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community, today and everyday!
When you experience a loss, it's helpful to have a few ideas that help you feel better right away. Here are a few tips.
1. Address your stress. Unfortunately, stress accompanies grief. Pause, take a few breaths, stand up, touch your toes, and see what stresses you can let go of today.
2. Text, call, email a friend and tell them how you are feeling. Does that feel too hard? Instead ask them how they are feeling, what’s new in their lives. Reaching out to a good friend, even the smallest, friendliest act, will lighten your mood.
3. Write your loved one a letter. Even if you never share the letter with anyone, just writing it can help you work through your grief.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
We are so thankful for all the volunteers in our community. Happy International Volunteer Day!
HOURS fly
Flowers die.
New days,
New ways,
Pass by.
Love Stays
---
Time is
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is Not.
By Henry Van Dyke
Everyone experiences grief in their own way.
HELLOGRIEF.ORG
The Experience of Grief | Hello Grief
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
- Helen Keller
On this day in 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in Paris, France. Today we continue securing human rights for all people on World Human Rights Day.
You know you're a hospice worker when...
Thank you to all hospice professionals for all you do!
I believe there are two sides to the phenomenon known as death,
this side where we live, and the other side where we shall continue to live.
Eternity does not start with death.
We are in eternity now.
~ Norman Vincent Peale
Today we remember.
Pearl Harbor December 7th, 1941
Whose laughter do you miss today?
Remembering their favorite songs...
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
- Helen Keller
You know you're a hospice worker when...
Thank you to all hospice professionals for all you do!
Compassion towards all living beings, including animals.
Grief can be unpredictable, it’s how we learn to live with grief, to live our new normal.
Cremation urns are made of wood, ceramic, granite, copper, bronze, brass, glass, porcelain, marble, etc. and are offered in a range of prices. There’s no right or wrong answer for what to do with cremated remains. It’s a personal preference, a matter of the heart. Many feel that displaying cremated remains is healing and reassuring. Regardless, your loved one will forever be remembered and missed dearly.
Whose laughter do you miss today?
A good book is good for the soul. What book are you reading currently?
"You are braver than you believe" ~Winnie the Pooh
"To care for those who once care for us is one of the highest honors." -Tia Walker
This quote rings so true. Do you agree?
Have you heard this popular quote? It actually comes from the book, The Inspired Caregiver - Finding Joy While Caring for Those You Love.
You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Inspired-Caregiver-Finding-While-Caring-ebook/dp/B00EWTJBLE
If you are with family and friends physically, or they are just with you in spirit, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with great memories old and new!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Hope you feel the love from cherished memories of the past and create a few new memories today too.
I understand.
Who has loved many pets over the years?
Happy New Year!
As we ring in 2021, know that it's okay to have mixed emotions. It's natural to feel anxiety or stronger emotions of grief, entering into a year where your loved one wasn't alive. These feelings may conflict with the hope and excitement you may feel entering into 2021.
It can be a strange feeling, but know that we are here for you.
We wish you healing, self-patience, peace and happiness in the new year.
A little food for your soul today...
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
By Harry Scott-Holland
I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss.
- Rita Mae Brown
Is there someone you are remembering today?
I understand.
“Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop” - Anonymous
Share this quote with those you love.
Carrying you with me today and always.
Grief is often unseen and therefore can be a very lonely journey.
Remember, we are always here for you.
A little food for your soul today...
How to support the grieving:
- Ask them for stories.
- Send a handwritten note with a special memory or words of encouragement.
- Help them make decisions.
- Don’t talk about the future or try to fix how they’re feeling.
- Anticipate their needs. Don’t wait for them to call you and ask for help, because they probably won’t.
- Be consistent – keep showing up even after the initial period of grieving. You won’t say all the right things at the right time, but your presence will be a great comfort.
How to support the grieving:
- Ask them for stories.
- Send a handwritten note with a special memory or words of encouragement.
- Help them make decisions.
- Don’t talk about the future or try to fix how they’re feeling.
- Anticipate their needs. Don’t wait for them to call you and ask for help, because they probably won’t.
- Be consistent – keep showing up even after the initial period of grieving. You won’t say all the right things at the right time, but your presence will be a great comfort.
“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of others.....for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
- Albert Einstein
Anticipatory grief is experienced when a person feels grief before a death has occurred. It’s common for people who know or are caring for someone with a life-threatening illness.
"Don't Cry for Me," a poem on grief.
In what activities, thoughts or approaches do you find happiness?
Larry King, who spent 6 decades as a news interviewer, died this weekend at the age of 87. He interviewed an estimated 50,000 people in his career, from celebrities to disaster victims to world leaders.
His interview style was casual and not confrontational, yet had the ability for his guests to easily open up to him.
The legacy of the stories told in his interviews is vast and lasting. We send our condolences to his family and friends.
Did you watch Larry King Live often? What was the most memorable interview you watched?
Missing someone can be hard. No matter if they’ve been gone a week or years, you still miss them every day. You feel like those good times you shared with them are just memories, but you can still enjoy those activities while you think of your loved one.
Whether you are attending a funeral for the first time or not, we find that it is always best to remember to simply listen when you talk with grieving friends and/or family. Express sympathy and then listen for how they respond.
Reminders of our loved ones can be found in the simple details of our lives and often come at just the right moment, when we need them the most.
Recovering from grief is hard. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
Cicely Tyson, American actress and model, passed away last week at the age of 96.
Cicely was born in East Harlem and was a successful fashion model before beginning her acting career. Her first film role was in "Carbin Gold" in 1956. In the early 1960s, Tyson was cast in the role of Stephanie in the play, "The Blacks," which became the longest running off-Broadway non-musical of the decade. In 1972, Cicely was nominated for both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for best actress for her role of Rebecca Morgan in "Sounder." Tyson's decades long career includes roles in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" (1977), "Roots" (1977), and "The Help" (2011), to name a few.
Although her acting career earned her many awards and nominations, she described receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama as her most important accomplishment and "the most important thing that could happen to me."
A lasting and inspiring career.
Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Recovering from grief is never linear.
It may be the only club that no one wants to join, where the price of membership is very high, and offers no refunds. It’s a secret club where you gain instant membership, and are a member for life.
Losing a loved one and the grief that accompanies = the club that no one wants to join.
The only benefit of this club is the support of its members. When life moves on around you, fellow members are there… they grieve along side. They get it.
We can lift each other up.
The Psalm Of Life - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!-
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,-act in the living present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
Reminders of our loved ones can be found in the simple details of our lives and often come at just the right moment, when we need them the most.
Recovering from grief is hard. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
On talking about the loss of a loved one.. "These are the experiences that mark us and make us, just as much as the joyful ones, and just as permanently...long after you get your last sympathy card, or your last hot dish."
Hear Nora McInerny's powerful Ted Talk, "We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it"
YOUTUBE.COM
We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it | Nora McInerny
End Hate. Love yourself and others with strength and courage.
Sweet quote.
Do you have your work boots on today?
Grieve on your own terms... and timeline
When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it… you just learn to slowly go on without them, but always keeping them tucked safely within your heart.
Our thoughts go out to the individuals and families of those affected by the power outages and bitter cold in Texas. To those who have lost a loved one during this time, know that you are not alone. Our hearts are with you in your time of grief.
In support and love, we're sharing this beautiful photo of the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet.
When you experience a loss, it's helpful to have a few ideas that help you feel better right away. Here are a few tips.
1. Address your stress. Unfortunately, stress accompanies grief. Pause, take a few breaths, stand up, touch your toes, and see what stresses you can let go of today.
2. Text, call, email a friend and tell them how you are feeling. Does that feel too hard? Instead ask them how they are feeling, what’s new in their lives. Reaching out to a good friend, even the smallest, friendliest act, will lighten your mood.
3. Write your loved one a letter. Even if you never share the letter with anyone, just writing it can help you work through your grief.
Who do you plan ahead for?
The Best Things to Say to Someone Who is Grieving
1. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
3. I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.
4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
5. My favorite memory of your loved one is…
6. I am always just a phone call away
7. Give a hug instead of saying something
8. What can I do for you today?
9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything
10. Saying nothing, just be with the person
Sometimes grief hits us unexpectedly. Anything can catch you off guard.
It may be watching a football game with family, a song on the radio, or even a friend's perfume.
Here are some tips to help you cope:
1. Find a place to reflect in private
2. Reminisce about your relationship
3. Focus on the good
4. Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions
When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it… you just learn to slowly go on without them, but always keeping them tucked safely within your heart.
Cremation urns are made of wood, ceramic, granite, copper, bronze, brass, glass, porcelain, marble, etc. and are offered in a range of prices. There’s no right or wrong answer for what to do with cremated remains. It’s a personal preference, a matter of the heart. Many feel that displaying cremated remains is healing and reassuring. Regardless, your loved one will forever be remembered and missed dearly.
Who do you plan ahead for?
The Best Things to Say to Someone Who is Grieving
1. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
3. I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.
4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
5. My favorite memory of your loved one is…
6. I am always just a phone call away
7. Give a hug instead of saying something
8. What can I do for you today?
9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything
10. Saying nothing, just be with the person
Sometimes grief hits us unexpectedly. Anything can catch you off guard.
It may be watching a football game with family, a song on the radio, or even a friend's perfume.
Here are some tips to help you cope:
1. Find a place to reflect in private
2. Reminisce about your relationship
3. Focus on the good
4. Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions
FINE = "Feelings Inside Not Expressed." When someone you love is grieving, they might say everything is fine, but please take the extra effort to help them anyways. "Fine" is often far from it.
HOURS fly
Flowers die.
New days,
New ways,
Pass by.
Love Stays
---
Time is
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is Not.
By Henry Van Dyke
What are you doing to grow yourself today?
Compassion towards all living beings, including animals.
We believe in celebrating a life.
Contact us when you are ready to plan a celebration for yourself or a loved one.
“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it...”
- Wilferd Peterson
Today, let this virtual rose stand in memory of a loved one you have lost.
"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone."
~ Rose Kennedy
Healing takes time
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, we want to take a moment to recognize those we lost and extend our heartfelt support to their families and loved ones.
We also want to thank every first responder and essential worker who has continued to help keep us as safe as possible while risking their own health.
As we navigate the "next normal," we hope to continue to support our community in their time of need.
Who has loved many pets over the years?
Your spark of madness is what makes you, you. Never lose what makes you different from all the rest.
“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it...”
- Wilferd Peterson
"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
- Rumi
Grief is often unseen and therefore can be a very lonely journey.
Remember, we are always here for you.
"The darkest nights produce the brightest stars..."
As a community, we have not been immune to grief the past year. Today, in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Boulder, Colorado, we grieve together across the nation. We are heartbroken for all those in Boulder.
We honor the ten lives lost, as we mourn with their families and friends. We recognize Officer Talley's heroism and grieve with the law enforcement community.
May they rest in peace.
#boulderstrong
Love is stronger than death even though
it can't stop death from happening,
but no matter how hard death tries
it can't separate people from love.
It can't take away our memories either.
In the end, life is stronger than death.
~ unknown
