Heath Funeral Chapel is now offering Outdoor Video Services
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has changed all of our lives and jobs, our daily routines, and our ability to interact with others in person. Unfortunately, it also has changed our ability to hold traditional funeral or memorial services to honor loved ones.
Heath Funeral Chapel is now offering an outdoor video service alternative to families wishing to have a funeral or memorial service now rather than postponing a service until some future date. Our outdoor location will allow family members and friends to attend a live streamed broadcast service from our chapel in the comfort of their own vehicles, bringing people together while maintaining recommended social distance guidelines.
Heath Funeral Chapel is dedicated to serving the needs of Lakeland area families every day. We are following CDC guidelines and doing everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our community and our dedicated staff as we continue to serve families.
Who is your favorite teacher?
Today, October 5th, is World Teachers’ Day, when teachers’ organizations across the globe aim to bring awareness to the important work that teachers do every day.
Thank you, teachers!
We've made it to World Space Week. Who is looking forward to this week?
www.facebook.com/WorldSpaceWeek
“Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.” - Pythagoras
Happy World Animal Day.
(Be Kind to Animals Week is observed in May!)
'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.'
On October 13, 1775, the United States Navy was established.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!
Sweet quote.
Do you have your work boots on today?
"The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them."
- unknown
Here's an interesting podcast that examines why so many end-of-life patients get care that is ineffective -- and doctors say they wouldn't even prescribe for themselves.
WNYC.ORG
What Doctors Want from End of Life Care | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
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!
This special day, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is dedicated to those families suffering from loss. Whether it was a miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss of an infant, these bereaved parents need your support and love.
#infantloss #pregnancyloss
What's your best advice for living a happy 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.
So true!
We observe today as National Stop Bullying Day, also known as Unity Day. Let's join together to bring awareness to the dangers of bullying and the need to stand up against it. #nationalstopbullyingday
Wear orange today in solidarity. Learn more at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. If you have a friend or family member that works in hospice or palliative care in one capacity or another, make sure to send them a note of thanks this month! #hospicemonth #hospicecares
Did you know this about Halloween?!
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans, for serving, for your bravery, for the sacrifices you and your families have made and the protection you've given.
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.
Even when we cannot hear them, they are there with us, listening to us.
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.
Need some ideas for World Kindness Day? You got it!
- Send a note or message on social media to a friend or colleague
- Donate items to GoodWill or local animal shelter
- Buy coffee for the car behind you in the drive-thru
- Put spare change into an expired parking meter
- Shovel, rake or mow for a neighbor
Now go out and spread the love!
To lose someone you love
is to alter your life forever
The pain stops, there are new people,
but the gap never closes
This hole in your heart
is the shape of the one you lost -
no one else can fit it.
~ Jeanette Winterson
This is an interesting, non-traditional and earthy alternative to a guestbook at funerals and weddings, and the messages can then be kept on display in ones home.
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)
All life must end but love is endless.
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.
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
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.
Healing takes time
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)?!
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
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?!
We appreciate you, and are so thankful to be a part of this community. From all of us, Happy Thanksgiving!
“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!
“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back, it means that it's going to launch you into something great. Just focus and keep aiming.”
- Unknown
Every person grieves in their own way, based on their own experiences and relationship meanings. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way.
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.
Don't forget these tips next time you're visiting a cemetery.
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?
Today we remember.
Pearl Harbor December 7th, 1941
Who agrees?
Grief does not have to be a journey you go alone. Do you have any helpful ways you've reconnected a little with your family or the community? Share with us.
Did You Know?
Festivus is a secular holiday, celebrated on December 23rd. It was actually introduced to popular culture after an episode the 1997 episode of Seinfeld, “The Strike”. Do you celebrate Festivus?
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “look on the bright side…” once or twice, but did you know that December 21st is known as “Look on the Bright Side” DAY? Here are a few tips on staying positive:
1) Find one thing to be thankful for every day.
2) Be specific when expressing gratitude
3) Train your thoughts to recognize negative emotions and redirect them to things you’re grateful for, big or small.
We believe in celebrating a life.
Contact us when you are ready to plan a celebration for yourself or a loved one.
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!
Here are a few eggnog fun facts for you to share on Eggnog Day:
- More than 135 million pounds of eggnog are consumed each year.
- George Washington had his own eggnog recipe with using rye whiskey, rum, and sherry.
- Eggnog was once used to treat diseases like malaria fever.
"The miracle is this the more we share, the more we have."
- Leonard Nimoy
Veterans often experience traumatic grief. Watch the video to learn more.
We believe in celebrating a life.
Contact us when you are ready to plan a celebration for yourself or a loved one.
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!
You don't always need a plan...
Tommy Lasorda, longtime manager for the Dodgers, passed away today at the age of 93.
Lasorda was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania in 1927. In 1947, he was signed to the Philadelphia Phillies as a left-handed pitcher at the age of 18. After a great season in 1948, history was in the making when Lasorda signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the minor league draft. By 1960, Tommy retired from the majors. He built on his relationship with the Dodgers and became the third-base coach in 1973.
After Walter Alston retired as manager in 1976, Lasorda was named his replacement. Throughout his 20-year career, Lasorda led the team to 2 World Series, 4 National League pennants, eight division titles and was named the National League's Manager of the Year twice. In his honor, the Dodgers retired his uniform number. Lasorda was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 1997. His legacy will live on forever.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
"The miracle is this the more we share, the more we have."
- Leonard Nimoy
Thank you.
You don't always need a plan...
Tommy Lasorda, longtime manager for the Dodgers, passed away today at the age of 93.
Lasorda was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania in 1927. In 1947, he was signed to the Philadelphia Phillies as a left-handed pitcher at the age of 18. After a great season in 1948, history was in the making when Lasorda signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the minor league draft. By 1960, Tommy retired from the majors. He built on his relationship with the Dodgers and became the third-base coach in 1973.
After Walter Alston retired as manager in 1976, Lasorda was named his replacement. Throughout his 20-year career, Lasorda led the team to 2 World Series, 4 National League pennants, eight division titles and was named the National League's Manager of the Year twice. In his honor, the Dodgers retired his uniform number. Lasorda was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 1997. His legacy will live on forever.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The darkest nights may seem to last forever, but the sun will rise again, and it will get better.
Who do you plan ahead for?
Thank you.
WELL.BLOGS.NYTIMES.COM
The Widow's Doctor Visit
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?
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
Hank Aaron, one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, has died at the age of 86. He was a two-time National League batting champion and eclipsed Babe Ruth's home run record, hitting 755 homers. His career spanned 23 major league seasons.
His grand legacy extends far outside the baseball diamond. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and all baseball fans.
“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.”
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.
Today calls for a word-of-the-day. Ours is strength. What's yours? (can't think of one? you can steal ours today)
DAILYUNDERTAKER.COM
A Fitting Tribute
Cloris Leachman, American actress and comedienne, passed away this week at the age of 94.
Cloris was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. Her father founded the Leachman Lumber Company, which is still in business today. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School, she attended Northwestern University. However, after winning a scholarship for placing in the top 16 of a Miss America pageant in 1946, she began studying acting at the Actors Studio in New York City.
Her first starring role was in the film Kiss Me Deadly. Leachman continued to spend most of her early career in television roles, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the spinoff, Phyllis. Later, she would star as Ruth Popper in the film, The Last Picture Show, earning her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Leachman's more than seven decades-long career received many accolades. Her long list of television roles earned her 8 Emmys among 22 nominations, making her the most awarded actress in Emmy history (along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
WELL.BLOGS.NYTIMES.COM
The Widow's Doctor Visit
Reading Suggestion: Struggling to help a child understand death? Try this book “I Miss You: A First Look At Death” by Pat Thomas.
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.
Today calls for a word-of-the-day. Ours is strength. What's yours? (can't think of one? you can steal ours today)
Losing an unborn child is tragic enough, but when feelings often get pushed underneath the surface, where they're ultimately ignored, there grows emotional harm.
Please know that you are not alone in feeling immense grief after a miscarriage. And if you need support, do not hesitate to reach out to us or someone you love. We're here for you.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. ~Helen Keller
Reading Suggestion: Struggling to help a child understand death? Try this book “I Miss You: A First Look At Death” by Pat Thomas.
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
- Henry David Thoreau
And I love that our memories and love remain with me.
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.
Losing an unborn child is tragic enough, but when feelings often get pushed underneath the surface, where they're ultimately ignored, there grows emotional harm.
Please know that you are not alone in feeling immense grief after a miscarriage. And if you need support, do not hesitate to reach out to us or someone you love. We're here for you.
Have you noticed that happiness is contagious?
In what activities, thoughts or approaches do you find happiness?
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
- Henry David Thoreau
And I love that our memories and love remain with me.
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.
We’ve said it from the day our kids were born 👼, “We’d do anything for our kids. Anything.” Well, this might be one of the most wonderful things we could possibly do for them… despite how sad the situation is.
There’s one very important thing our Wills/Trusts don’t cover: Our Funeral Preplanning & Funeral Funding.
When we go, though we don’t know when that will be, the last thing our kids should have to do is stress or worry. An amazing gift, whether they realize it in the moment or not, is allowing them to do one thing when we pass and one thing only: Grieve.
But, how can we preplan for the unpredictable? A savings plan might not be enough and we don’t exactly have a “goal date” to save for. The answer is actually quite simple and cost-effective.
👉 Tap [Learn More] to discover the power of funeral preplanning.
HEATH.SMARTPREPLANNING.COM
Avoid the Emotional and Financial Burden
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
3 simple words say it all
Have you noticed that happiness is contagious?
Sometimes you can find a hint of sunshine during a storm
Grief is a love story told backwards...
New research by Marie Curie highlights the importance of being open in the final days
SCOTSMAN.COM
Openness will improve the final days of the dying
We’ve said it from the day our kids were born 👼, “We’d do anything for our kids. Anything.” Well, this might be one of the most wonderful things we could possibly do for them… despite how sad the situation is.
There’s one very important thing our Wills/Trusts don’t cover: Our Funeral Preplanning & Funeral Funding.
When we go, though we don’t know when that will be, the last thing our kids should have to do is stress or worry. An amazing gift, whether they realize it in the moment or not, is allowing them to do one thing when we pass and one thing only: Grieve.
But, how can we preplan for the unpredictable? A savings plan might not be enough and we don’t exactly have a “goal date” to save for. The answer is actually quite simple and cost-effective.
👉 Tap [Learn More] to discover the power of funeral preplanning.
HEATH.SMARTPREPLANNING.COM
Avoid the Emotional and Financial Burden
You'll always have a special place in your heart for the special hospice workers that cared for your loved one, showed such compassion, and sat by your family's side in the last days.
When someone passes, it’s hard to clean out their belongings. Here are a few tips to help make letting go a little easier when you’re ready.
1. Take pictures of things that aren’t practical to keep.
2. Turn a favorite shirt into a pillow, or a pile of favorite clothing into a quilt.
3. Make a scrapbook featuring your favorite memories.
4. Decide on a number of things you’ll allow yourself to keep, and part with the rest.
5. Invite family and friends over for a storytelling party.
6. Start a new tradition in their honor.
7. Repurpose or remake jewelry into pieces you’ll wear or can pass around.
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.
Sometimes you can find a hint of sunshine during a storm
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change."
- Jim Rohn
Coping with the death of a loved one brings enormous challenges for the whole family. Grieving may never completely end, but working through difficult feelings can become easier with time. Through support, open conversations, and finding ways to keep the person’s memory alive, families can begin healing together. To learn more about ways Sesame Street offers support through difficult times click on the link below:
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/grief/
You'll always have a special place in your heart for the special hospice workers that cared for your loved one, showed such compassion, and sat by your family's side in the last days.
When someone passes, it’s hard to clean out their belongings. Here are a few tips to help make letting go a little easier when you’re ready.
1. Take pictures of things that aren’t practical to keep.
2. Turn a favorite shirt into a pillow, or a pile of favorite clothing into a quilt.
3. Make a scrapbook featuring your favorite memories.
4. Decide on a number of things you’ll allow yourself to keep, and part with the rest.
5. Invite family and friends over for a storytelling party.
6. Start a new tradition in their honor.
7. Repurpose or remake jewelry into pieces you’ll wear or can pass around.
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.
Have you heard of an Honor Flight? Do you know someone who's taken one?
Such a great organization!
HONORFLIGHT.ORG
Honor Flight Network
What change do you wish to see?
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
All life must end but love is endless.
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change."
- Jim Rohn
