Today is the International Day of Older Persons, a day first recognized by the United Nations 30 years ago. This year, we'd like to recognize not only the older people in our lives, but also to highlight the role of the health care workforce in contributing to the health of older persons. Now more than ever, we must protect the health of our older community and support those who care for them. Thank you to all of our healthcare and hospice workers!
#FuneralFAQFriday
Someone I care about has experienced a loss, and I'm having trouble finding the words to comfort them. What are some ways to convey my empathy without saying the wrong things or providing a meaningless gesture?
Learn how to communicate empathy to those grieving with this helpful article from the Remembering A Life Blog:
https://rememberingalife.com/blog/practicing-and-communicating-empathy-to-support-grievers
REMEMBERINGALIFE.COM
Remembering A Life Blog | Practicing and Communicating Empathy to Support Grievers
Today is World Alzheimer's Day, which is part of World Alzheimer's Month- a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Currently, there are over 50 million people around the world living with dementia. We encourage you to not wait until after COVID-19 restrictions end to speak to your doctor about experiencing symptoms of dementia. There are several online or telephone options available. Visit www.worldalzmonth.org to see how you can get involved to raise awareness of dementia.
In the days after your loved one’s death, did anyone say to you, “you’re so strong” or something similar? If so, how did it make you feel? Did you feel empowered and encouraged or unseen and misunderstood? This phrase, meant as a compliment, can sometimes feel so off-putting to people who are grieving. The What's Your Grief blog goes into detail about what it means to be strong in grief.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-strong-in-grief/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
What Does it Mean to Be Strong in Grief? - Whats your Grief
We'd like to take a moment to remember the lives we lost on September 11, 2001, and thank the first responders for their bravery and courage on this day. September 11th is now the National Day of Service and Remembrance. We encourage you to stay safe and participate in 9/11 Day at Home! You can do simple good deeds such as volunteering, supporting charities or being kind to others. Learn more about 9/11 Day at Home by visiting their website: http://www.911day.org
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this topic. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is helping to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. NAMI has compiled a page of resources filled with information, crisis numbers and awareness. Visit their page: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month
If not now, when? You may be putting off planning funeral arrangements, waiting for the “perfect moment.” When the perfect moment never comes, this leaves decisions unmade and places the financial and emotional burden of planning on your family.
Join this FREE webinar to learn more about the benefits of planning ahead. Plus, register today and receive a $20 gift card.
RSVP today at http://cremationsocietyofmn.com/rsvp.
EVENTS-NA6.ADOBECONNECT.COM
CSM ShareLife Preplanning Seminar- 10/15/2020 1pm CDT
For World Mental Health Day, we'd like to offer some resources for those in our community. The past months have brought many challenges: for health-care workers, providing care in difficult circumstances; for students, adapting to learning in new ways, and anxious about their futures; for workers whose livelihoods are threatened; for people with mental health conditions, many experiencing even greater social isolation than before; and for those managing the grief of losing a loved one, sometimes without being able to say goodbye. These are just some of the struggles in our world right now. We hope you will use these resources to focus on your mental well-being and reduce stress.
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/mental-well-being-resources-for-the-public
Organizing your funeral in advance is the most loving gift you can leave your family. We can help you make your final wishes known, so your family doesn’t have to guess later. When the time comes, your family can have peace knowing they are celebrating you just as you wanted, and they didn’t have to make rushed financial decisions while grieving. They can find comfort knowing you’re always protecting them, even when you’re gone.
Join this FREE webinar to learn more about the benefits of planning ahead. Plus, register today and receive a $20 gift card. RSVP today at http://cremationsocietyofmn.com/rsvp.
CREMATIONSOCIETYOFMN.COM
Join us for a free preplanning seminar!
THU, OCT 15 AT 1:00 PM CDT
Free Online Preplanning Seminar
Today we celebrate teachers on a very special World Teachers Day. We'd like to say thank you to all of the educators who have adapted to continue to teach students, whether it be virtually, in-person, or juggling both. Your dedication to your students is admirable, and every day you make a difference! Thank you!
October 15 is Global Handwashing Day! Handwashing with soap is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 today and ensuring better health outcomes beyond the pandemic. Join us this #GlobalHandwashingDay to ensure handwashing is a priority now and in the future!
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Dealing with death in the family is never easy. The death of a baby, either through miscarriage or during infancy, is no exception. There are no instructions on how to grieve the loss of a child. It’s important to make sure you allow yourself as much time necessary to recover from the grieving process. Visit http://nationalshare.org/ to find support, access resources, and learn more about pregnancy and infant loss.
What has grief taught you? The What's Your Grief blog recently posted on social media and grief life lessons starting pouring in from all over the world. They've compiled 64 of those messages. Grief is not a one-size-fits-all feeling, and each person experiences it differently. What lessons have you learned?
https://whatsyourgrief.com/64-grief-lessons/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
The 64 Hardest Lessons That Grief Taught Me - Whats your Grief
Happy Halloween! An important part of any holiday is the memories you make with your family. Dress up, decorate pumpkins, enjoy some fall snacks together, watch your favorite Halloween movies and treat yourself to some candy! Stay safe and have fun this Halloween!
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month. More than 5 million Americans suffer from this disease, so making yourself aware and talking about memory loss concerns is important. The Alzheimer's Association has put together an informational page with a guide and conversation starters to talk about memory loss. Learn more on their page:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/memory-loss-concerns
ALZ.ORG
Approaching Memory Loss Concerns
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated each year to honor those who have died. The holiday is filled with remembrance, beautifully decorated altars, flowers, sugar skulls, delicious food, and more. My Modern Met offers a wonderful article on what the holiday is and how it is celebrated.
https://mymodernmet.com/dia-de-los-muertos-day-of-the-dead/
While the holiday season is always filled with excitement, this year will be slightly different as we navigate the additional stress of preparing for the holidays during a pandemic. Find creative ways to celebrate and make the most of the season. When times are difficult, we may grow even closer to those we love and find what is most important to us. Read more on the ShareLife blog:
https://sharelife.com/how-to-enjoy-the-holiday-season-safely/
SHARELIFE.COM
How to Enjoy the Holiday Season Safely - ShareLife
Thank you, Veterans, for your service and sacrifice. We honor you today and every day. Happy Veterans Day!
#FuneralFAQFriday: What do you say when someone says the wrong thing as you grieve?
The What's Your Grief blog gives some guidance for navigating those tough conversations we have with friends while coping with the loss of a loved one.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/people-say-the-wrong-thing-grief/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
4 Tips to Deal With People Who Say the Wrong Thing When You're Grieving. - Whats your Grief
From our team to your family, Happy Thanksgiving! We're taking a moment to be thankful for our friends and family. We're also thankful to everyone in our community who has trusted us to care for their family. We're always here when you need us.
#FuneralFAQFriday
How can you celebrate the holidays when you're grieving? The cycle of emotions can be difficult to navigate during the holiday season. This blog post gives some tips on how to cope and feel "present" during this time.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/8-tips-for-remaining-present-at-the-holidays-while-grieving/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
8 Tips for Remaining Present at the Holidays (While Grieving) - Whats your Grief
Happy Hanukkah! May peace, love, and joy come to you and your family during this Festival of Lights.
The most thoughtful gift you can give your family is peace of mind in the event of your passing. When you leave planning to others, they have to guess what you would have wanted. Planning ahead ensures that your legacy is in your hands.
Take your time considering what is important to you and how you would like to be remembered. When the time comes, your loved ones will have peace knowing your funeral perfectly honors you - because you made every decision. We're always here to discuss your options, just give us a call or visit our website to get started.
More than ever, this year people are thinking about traditions that will have to shift or won’t happen at all. After a year of distancing and isolation, the thought of a holiday without the usual family togetherness may feel like a difficult pill to swallow. Here are some creative ideas that can allow you to feel close with family when you can’t be together for the holiday.
Read more on the What's Your Grief blog: https://whatsyourgrief.com/alone-together-14-ideas-for-a-virtual-holiday/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
Alone Together: 14 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday - Whats your Grief
Today we celebrate Wreaths Across America Day.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
Take some time to remember our fallen U.S. soldiers and honor those who serve. Learn more about Wreaths Across America or find a participating location at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May you enjoy the magic of the season and stay happy and healthy.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis
From our team to your family, Happy New Year!
As this year has shown us, there are many things in life we cannot anticipate. This year plans were put on hold and we had to make unexpected changes to our daily routines. As we enter the final days of the year, we’ve put together a list of ideas on how we can make the most of our days and prepare for the year ahead.
SHARELIFE.COM
Making the most of our final days of the year - ShareLife
January is National Blood Donor Month. Did you know that every pint of blood donated has the opportunity to help 3 people? Blood donors are always in need, and we encourage you to seek out local drives and schedule an appointment.
Blood donation is fast, safe, and can actually improve your health. Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks.
#FuneralFAQFriday: I know I want to do something special for my loved one's celebration of life, but I don't know where to start. Can you give me some ideas?
A ShareLife celebration is as unique as your loved one, and we will work with you to create a beautiful event that honors their life. Take a look at some of the events we've held on our ShareLife inspiration page: http://sharelife.com/inspiration/
"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today we celebrate civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. The words, leadership, time, and energy he devoted to civil rights helped end segregation in the United States and worked to eliminate unfair practices throughout the nation that negatively affect the black community.
Today is National Compliment Day! Take a moment today and compliment someone: whether it be a family member, friend, or an essential worker! It always feels good to make someone else feel valued.
We don’t always have control over people disappearing from our lives and sometimes there is no way to get them back. But, sometimes we do have control, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Today, we're sharing a post from the What's Your Grief blog about reconnecting with old friends. Read it on their site: https://whatsyourgrief.com/old-friend/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
Hey Old Friend: reconnecting with people who matter - Whats your Grief
February is American Heart Month! This is a great time to add some heart-healthy habits to your routine, such as staying active, eating healthy, and watching your weight. These are all important parts of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Pick a new heart-healthy habit like jogging or substituting sodas with water and try to stick to it for a whole month.
A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference.
We know that the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down, helping to end the mental health stigma.
Checking in on your family, friends, and colleagues is always important. But as the coronavirus pandemic continues, this is more important than ever. Here are ways you can support each other during the pandemic: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/coronavirus
This Valentine's Day, share the love and choose to become an organ donor. February 14 is National Donor Day! Did you know that as an organ donor you can save up to 8 people or heal more than 75 lives with your eye and tissue donation? That's an amazing way to express your love and give someone a life-saving gift.
Register today at https://www.donatelife.net/register/
There's a tombstone puzzle that visitors attempted to decode for 100 years.
"Bean buried his two loves side by side, erected the mysterious tombstone above them and didn’t tell a soul what it meant. He took that secret to his watery grave when he was lost overboard from a boat heading to Cuba. The epitaph drew curious visitors attempting to break the code to the little town of Wellesley over the following century. So many people came to make rubbings of the headstone that by the 1980s it was entirely illegible and had to be replaced with a replica. In the 1970s, a 94-year-old woman solved the code and told what Dr. Bean had written for his two wives."
This article reveals the solved puzzle, read more online:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bean-puzzle-tombstone
ATLASOBSCURA.COM
Bean Puzzle Tombstone
#FuneralFAQFriday
It's been a while since I've attended a funeral. What should I wear?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how you should dress for a funeral, but The Spruce offers a list of tips, clothing to avoid, and things to consider when dressing for a funeral or life celebration.
Read more on their site: https://www.thespruce.com/what-should-i-wear-to-a-funeral-1216549
What is 'Toxic Positivity' in Grief?
"We’ve been trying to explain that we can’t positive-vibe our way out of grief, often to a crowd of friends saying things like, “you’re amazing, you’re strong, you’re going to land on your feet, just get back to the gym and think good thoughts and you’ll be back to normal in no time!”. It felt like they would never “get it”. Until 2020, when suddenly some people started to understand why this language wasn’t useful. It turns out being amazing and thinking good thoughts while taking a walk doesn’t solve everything."
The What's Your Grief blog explains the difference between toxic positivity and positivity in grief, and how you can use positivity to help as you grieve.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-in-grief/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
What is 'Toxic Positivity' in Grief? - Whats your Grief
March is National Nutrition Month. Eating healthfully doesn't have to be complicated! Choose nutritious foods that have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Use these tips: https://sm.eatright.org/ERnotcomplicated
We are proud to be recognized by Governor Tim Walz as he has proclaimed March 7-13, 2021 as Funeral Directors Week in Minnesota! Thank you for this honor.
Today is National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day! During this difficult year, our team of compassionate professionals has gone above and beyond to help our communities find creative ways to honor and remember their loved ones and navigate loss. We thank all of our last responders for all they do each and every day. Your quiet strength and resiliency never goes unnoticed. Thank you!
March 19th is Certified Nurses Day. This day was created to celebrate the milestone of these healthcare workers receiving certifications. It also shows the dedication nurses have for lifelong learning. Studies show nurses with certifications provide a higher level of patient satisfaction, and we are so glad to have them on the frontlines helping our community!
“When we learn to love in separation, we fulfill our deep desire to continue loving and to feel our loved ones’ love for us. And we fulfill their deep desires to be remembered and cherished for what they have given and continue to give even after they’ve died.”
The What's Your Grief blog discusses the misconception of finding closure in grief, and how to cope. Read more on their site: https://whatsyourgrief.com/closure-isnt-a-thing-in-grief-and-thats-okay/
WHATSYOURGRIEF.COM
Closure Isn't a Thing in Grief and That's Okay - Whats your Grief
#FuneralFAQFriday
Why do we lay flowers on the graves of our loved ones?
We know it's a tradition, but it's important to understand these rituals and how they can help us with grieving. This article discusses the reasons why we use flowers to memorialize our loved ones.
https://beyondthedash.com/blog/etiquette-and-advice/why-do-we-lay-flowers-on-the-graves-of-the-dead/7259
BEYONDTHEDASH.COM
Why Do We Lay Flowers on the Graves of the Dead?