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What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation in Kent, OH?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:17 GMT

Summary

The next of kin typically provides legal authorization for burial or cremation.
Funeral homes often request identification, vital information, and signed authorization forms.
Documentation needs may vary by state and individual circumstances.
Funeral professionals help guide families through each step with care and clarity.

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation

Families in Kent, Ohio often ask what is needed from the next of kin when planning burial or cremation . According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral professionals typically rely on the legal next of kin to provide written authorization before arrangements can move forward.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that authorization supports transparency under the Funeral Rule, helping families understand their rights and choices. Next of kin most often includes a spouse, adult child, parent, or legally appointed representative.

Identification and Essential Documentation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the importance of accurate information when preparing an official death certificate. Because of this, funeral homes often request the following from the next of kin:

A government-issued photo ID for the person authorizing arrangements.
Vital details about the deceased, including legal name, date of birth, parents’ names, and Social Security number.
Signed authorization forms for burial or cremation.
Information required to complete and file the death certificate.

Providing this information helps ensure arrangements follow legal guidelines while honoring the wishes of the family.

Why Authorization Matters

Authorization confirms that the individual making decisions has the legal right to do so. For burial, families may need to confirm cemetery property or permit information. For cremation, a signed Cremation Authorization Form is typically required, and some situations may involve a brief waiting period or additional review.

Funeral professionals at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory support families throughout Kent, Ohio, helping them feel informed and cared for during a difficult time.

FAQs

Who is considered the next of kin?

The next of kin is typically a spouse, adult child, parent, or legally appointed representative authorized to make final arrangements.

What documents are needed to start arrangements?

Most funeral homes request identification for the next of kin, vital information for the death certificate, and signatures on authorization forms for burial or cremation.

Do requirements differ by state?

Yes. Requirements may vary by state or situation, so families should consult their funeral home for guidance specific to their location.

Written for Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, proudly serving families in Kent, Ohio with compassion and care.

About Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory

Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory serves families in Kent, Ohio with respectful funeral and cremation services. The funeral home is located at 628 W Main St, Kent, OH 44240 , and families may call (330) 673-5857 for thoughtful guidance and assistance.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Why Do Funeral & Cremation Costs Vary in Kent, Ohio?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:20 GMT

Summary

• Funeral and cremation costs may vary based on location, facilities, staffing, and service options.

• Families in Kent may notice pricing differences tied to personalization, professional care, and available amenities.

• Regulatory requirements, coordination, and documentation often influence overall costs.

• The FTC’s Funeral Rule ensures transparent, itemized pricing so families can make informed decisions.

Why Do Funeral and Cremation Costs Vary?

Families in Kent, Ohio, often ask why funeral and cremation costs can differ from one funeral home to another. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), these differences are common nationwide and are influenced by local operating expenses, staffing needs, and the type of services selected. All referenced guidance is accurate as of 2025.

Regional Costs and Overhead

Location plays an important role in funeral pricing. Funeral homes serving communities like Kent may face varying costs related to property, utilities, insurance, and staffing. These overhead factors can influence how services are priced.

Even within the same area, pricing may reflect differences in facility size, availability of staff, and the resources required to maintain spaces for visitations, ceremonies, and gatherings.

Facilities, Services, and Personalization

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List (GPL), which helps families understand what services are included and which options are optional. Pricing may vary depending on available amenities such as chapels, reception areas, or an on-site crematory.

Service choices also influence cost. A traditional funeral with visitation often involves more coordination, preparation, and staff time than direct cremation or a simple memorial service. Personalization—such as music, printed materials, or video tributes—may add to the total cost.

Professional Care, Coordination, and Transparency

According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation arrangements may vary based on service level and provider resources. Transportation, care of the deceased, required documentation, and scheduling all involve professional expertise and time.

Many families find it helpful to request GPLs from multiple providers, ask questions, and consider preplanning. Planning ahead may help clarify wishes and reduce stress for loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do funeral homes charge different prices for similar services?

Pricing often reflects local operating costs, facility offerings, staffing levels, and the amount of personalization selected.

What is a General Price List (GPL)?

Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide a General Price List showing itemized prices for services and merchandise.

Can families compare prices before making arrangements?

Yes. Families may request a GPL, ask questions, and take time to compare options before deciding on services.

Written for Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, proudly serving families in Kent with compassion and care.

About Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory

Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory is located at 628 W Main St, Kent, OH 44240 . Families may contact the funeral home at (330) 673-5857 for guidance and support.

www.bisslerandsons.com

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Kent, OH?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:53 GMT

Summary

• Cremation costs can vary depending on the type of service selected.

• National data shows direct cremation is often the most affordable option.

• Including a memorial or funeral service with cremation can increase overall cost.

• Planning ahead helps families understand options and make informed decisions.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

Families in Kent, Ohio, often ask how much cremation costs and what factors influence pricing. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,280, while direct cremation typically ranges from $2,800 to $3,000. These figures are based on the 2024 General Price List Study and are accurate as of 2025.

Direct cremation generally includes the cremation itself, basic professional services, and required documentation, without a formal ceremony. When families choose to include a memorial or funeral service, additional services and the use of facilities may affect the total cost.

Why Cremation Costs Vary

Cremation costs vary depending on service options, merchandise selections, and location. Some families prefer a simple arrangement, while others choose services that reflect personal, cultural, or religious traditions.

Local considerations such as staffing, facilities, and regulatory requirements in the Kent area may also influence pricing.

Helping Families Plan Ahead

Many families find comfort in planning cremation arrangements in advance. Preplanning allows individuals to explore options, document wishes, and reduce stress for loved ones.

Funeral professionals are available to guide families through available choices with transparency and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation typically less expensive than burial?

Cremation is often less expensive because it typically does not involve cemetery property, burial vaults, or caskets. However, total costs depend on the services and options selected.

Can families still hold a service with cremation?

Yes. Families may choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life before or after cremation, depending on their preferences.

What does direct cremation usually include?

Direct cremation typically includes transportation, basic professional services, required documentation, and the cremation itself, without a formal service.

Written for Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, proudly serving families in Kent with compassion and care.

About Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory

Families in Kent, Ohio, can turn to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 628 W Main St, Kent, OH 44240 , or call (330) 673-5857 for caring and professional guidance.

www.bisslerandsons.com

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Kent, OH?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:49 GMT

Summary

• Funeral costs vary based on the type of service, level of personalization, and regional factors.
• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with burial is $8,300.
• A funeral with cremation has a lower national median cost of $6,280.
• Planning ahead can help families make informed decisions and reduce stress.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Families in Kent, Ohio, often wonder how much a funeral may cost and what influences pricing. While every service is personal, national data provides a helpful starting point when planning.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300. A funeral with cremation has a national median cost of about $6,280, based on the 2024 General Price List Study. These figures are accurate as of 2025.

Funeral costs often vary depending on the type of service selected, the use of facilities, and the level of personalization chosen. Services typically include professional care of the deceased, guidance from the funeral director and staff, coordination of arrangements, and transportation.

Some families may choose burial with a traditional viewing, while others may choose cremation followed by a memorial service. General merchandise selections, such as a casket or urn chosen to reflect a loved one’s preferences, may also influence the total cost.

Planning ahead allows families time to ask questions, understand available options, and make thoughtful decisions that reflect their wishes while easing the burden on loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is typically included in funeral costs?

Funeral costs often include professional services, care of the deceased, use of facilities, and transportation. Specific services vary based on the type of arrangement selected.

Are cemetery costs included in funeral pricing?

Cemetery-related expenses are typically separate from funeral home charges and are not included in the NFDA’s national averages.

Does planning ahead help manage funeral costs?

Yes. Planning ahead allows families to explore options, ask questions in advance, and make informed decisions that can help reduce uncertainty.

Written for Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, proudly serving families in Kent with compassion and care.

About Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory

Families in Kent, Ohio, can turn to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory for caring and professional guidance when planning funeral and cremation services. Located at 628 W Main St, Kent, OH 44240 , their dedicated staff can be reached at (330) 673-5857 to answer questions and provide support.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Finding the Right Words: Comforting Tips for Funeral Attendees

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:15:45 GMT

Finding the right words to express your feelings during such a deeply emotional time can feel daunting, and there is often a fear of saying something that might inadvertently cause more pain. We want to reassure you that your efforts to convey sympathy and your decision to be present are already profoundly supportive. In this guide, we'll provide you with straightforward advice to help alleviate some of this anxiety, ensuring that your words are both comforting and appropriate.

1. Presence is Comforting: Your presence at a funeral speaks volumes. Simply being there can provide immense comfort to those who are grieving. You don't need to worry about finding the perfect words; your support through your presence is invaluable.

2. Simple Expressions of Sympathy: It's okay to keep your words simple. A heartfelt "I'm sorry for your loss" is often enough to express your condolences. This simple phrase can provide a significant amount of comfort to the bereaved.

3. Personal Stories Are Treasured: Sharing a personal story about the deceased can be a touching tribute. It brings alive their memory and highlights the joy they brought to lives. Whether it's a humorous anecdote or a touching memory, these stories are cherished and can offer solace by reminding the family of the loved one's positive impact.

4. Say Their Name: Using the name of the deceased when sharing your memories can be very powerful. It shows that their memory is alive and respected. For instance, saying, "Mary's kindness was truly remarkable" or "John's enthusiasm was contagious," helps keep their spirit present in the memories shared.

5. Be a Good Listener: Often, the best thing you can do is listen. Allow the bereaved to express their feelings without judgment. Listening with empathy and without the need to offer unsolicited advice can be one of the most supportive actions you can take.

6. Offer Continued Support: Remember that grief doesn't end with the funeral. Offering your support, whether through a call, a visit, or a note, can be incredibly helpful as they continue to navigate their loss.

Navigating a funeral can often leave individuals unsure of what to say or do. By following these guidelines, you can provide meaningful support and convey your condolences in a manner that truly honors the memory of the departed.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Coming Together in Grief: Planning a Funeral with Family

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:12:06 GMT

Planning a funeral is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through. It's a time filled with sorrow and an overwhelming list of decisions to make—ranging from selecting the final resting place to choosing the music, food, and flowers. In these moments, you might find yourself caught between a racing mind and an inability to move forward, feeling unprepared yet burdened by the looming responsibilities.

However, this difficult time also presents an opportunity to bring your family closer together. Involving your loved ones in the planning process can be a source of comfort and support, transforming a heavy burden into a shared journey. Here are some gentle suggestions on how to include your family in funeral planning and make the process more manageable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Delegate with Compassion

Reach out to your family and friends; don't hesitate to let them lend you a hand. For instance, younger family members like grandchildren might be particularly adept at gathering and organizing digital playlists or photo displays. This not only helps in getting things done but also allows them to contribute to celebrating the life of the loved one they’re mourning. Such activities can be therapeutic, sparking memories and stories that bring smiles in a time of grief.

Encourage Participation in Details

Consider assigning someone the task of handling donations to a charity if that’s what you desire. You can ask another relative to select a few clothing options for the final day, and perhaps a friend could be in charge of arranging transport or managing logistical details like washing cars and contacting the cemetery. These tasks, while small, can greatly reduce the pressure on you and allow others to feel they are contributing in a meaningful way.

Foster Togetherness Through Tasks

Writing a eulogy or an obituary is a significant task that can be shared. Maybe a close family member or a dear friend could take on this role, incorporating shared memories and insights from others. This can be a beautiful way to collectively remember and honor the deceased. Additionally, organizing a post-funeral gathering such as a luncheon or brunch can be managed by someone who enjoys event planning, ensuring that the gathering is heartfelt and runs smoothly.

Accept Help Gracefully

It’s okay to let go and accept help. By spreading out the responsibilities, not only are you alleviated from the stress of managing every detail, but your loved ones also gain the comfort of being actively involved during this hard time. It’s a way to feel connected and supported, knowing that you are all in this together.

Remember to Heal

Planning a funeral with your family isn't just about delegating tasks; it's a way to create a support network, fostering a space for shared grief and healing. It allows everyone affected by the loss to contribute personally and meaningfully, which can be profoundly comforting and therapeutic.

During this tough period, remember that it’s not just the practical tasks that are shared, but also the emotional weight. Together, you can help each other move through grief with a collective strength, ensuring that the memory of your loved one is honored in a way that is as unique and special as they were.

We hope these suggestions help ease your journey through funeral planning. For more guidance and support, feel free to reach out or visit our blog. Remember, in times of loss, you're not alone let your circle of family and friends help carry the burden and bring you solace.

www.bisslerandsons.com

What’s the Difference Between Entombment and Interment

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:26:44 GMT

There’s a lot to consider when looking for either your or your loved one’s final resting place, to the point that it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The decision only becomes more complicated when you’re met with unfamiliar vernacular. One choice you may have to make is between entombment or interment. But what exactly do those terms mean? And what’s the difference between interment and entombment?

What Does Entombment Mean?

Generally speaking, entombment refers to when a decedent or their cremated remains are put in a specific location above ground rather than buried in the ground. The two main options when choosing entombment are mausoleums and columbariums, which are above-ground structures in cemeteries. If you choose to be entombed in a mausoleum, you will be buried in a casket in one of the mausoleum’s crypts. Meanwhile, if you choose to be cremated, you’ll be placed in an urn in a niche in a columbarium.

However, there are additional options when choosing entombment in a mausoleum or columbarium. In the case of community mausoleums or columbariums, you will be entombed with other individuals outside of your own family. However, some families choose to invest in a private or family mausoleum or columbarium. Private mausoleums or columbariums can be for just one family or even just one individual.

What Does Interment Mean?

The main difference between entombment and interment is that the former takes place above ground while the latter takes place below ground. When we talk about interment, we typically mean the process of burying a loved one or their cremated remains into the ground. If someone were to have been buried in a grave, you would say that they were interred. However, when an urn is buried rather than placed in a columbarium, you can also say that the urn was interred.

As cremation has become more popular, the traditional definition of interment has somewhat changed. You may hear interment referred to simply as your loved one’s final resting place, regardless of whether it's above or below ground. But, traditionally, the definitions of entombment and interment differ based on where your loved one is buried.

It’s also worth noting that you may also sometimes hear the term inurnment, which can be confused with interment. But inurnment simply means that your loved one was cremated, with their cremains being placed inside of an urn. Someone can be both inurned and entombed in a columbarium or inurned and interred in a cemetery plot.

www.bisslerandsons.com

What Are Burial Vaults and Grave Liners and Why Do I Have to Buy Them?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:20:51 GMT

When saying goodbye to someone you love, you have a multitude of decisions to make. Some you might be prepared for, while other questions are new to you. One topic that many people are unfamiliar with is the concept of burial vaults and grave liners, which you may have to have in your loved one’s final resting place.

But what exactly do these terms mean? And do you need one?

What’s a burial vault?

A burial vault is a container that goes around the casket and is designed to protect the casket from outside elements. With its seal and inner lining, it helps keep the integrity of the casket, but it also prevents the ground from collapsing in where the casket is buried.

Burial vaults are often made from concrete, although they may sometimes be made from other materials, like metal or plastic. The lining inside the vault is also typically made from plastic, as plastic is non-porous and doesn’t allow water in and out.

What’s a grave liner?

Grave liners and burial vaults serve similar purposes and are sometimes erroneously used interchangeably, but they have a few significant differences. Grave liners, which are also typically concrete, also go around caskets. However, grave liners don’t have a seal or inner lining. They don’t protect the casket as much as burial vaults do, but they do fulfill the same duty of upholding the ground in a particular grave.

As concrete is porous, unlike the plastic lining in a burial vault, water and dirt can more easily enter the casket space, making the casket deteriorate faster than in a burial vault, though it’s worth noting that neither a burial vault nor a grave liner can completely prevent deterioration of the casket.

Do you need burial vaults or grave liners?

Only a few states require the use of an outer burial container. The cemetery you’re making plans with will be able to help you navigate what you’re legally required to do for burial.

But regardless of state law, many cemeteries do require the use of either a burial vault or grave liner, as these outer burial receptacles play a vital role in the upkeep of the cemetery. Both burial vaults and grave liners help keep the ground from collapsing in at a grave site. Without these containers, the ground can become uneven, creating safety hazards for visitors, compromising the integrity of the burial sites, and causing maintenance issues for the cemetery staff.

Before purchasing a grave liner or burial vault, be sure to speak with the cemetery staff regarding their requirements. They’ll be able to answer any questions about these containers and ensure that you choose the right one for your loved one’s final resting place.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Food and Funerals: The Comfort of Sharing a Meal

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:15:13 GMT

Why Food Plays a Crucial Role at Funerals

Food not only nourishes the body but also comforts the soul, making it a significant part of funeral traditions. Offering food signifies care and supports the healing journey during such tough times.

The Best Times to Offer Food

Wondering when to bring a meal to someone grieving? Anytime is thoughtful—before, immediately after, or even weeks into their grieving process can be right. What matters is your thoughtfulness and recognition of their needs during these hard times.

Making Your Offer of Help Just Right

It can be hard for someone in grief to recognize their own needs, including hunger. If you're thinking of helping out with a meal, keep it simple and considerate. You might say, "I'd love to drop off dinner for you tomorrow—how about a turkey roast and a broccoli casserole? I'll bring it by in the morning, ready to heat whenever you’re ready."

Receiving Food with Grace

It's okay to be honest if you're overwhelmed by food offers. A polite, "Thank you, we're set for now, but could we take a rain check?" shows appreciation while being practical.

Coordinate with Friends

If you’re part of a circle of friends, it might be a good idea to coordinate who brings meals when. This way, the bereaved family receives a variety of meals spread over the needed period without redundancy.

Don't Skip Breakfast

Breakfast items can be a delightful change. Consider a basket with granola, muffins, or a simple breakfast casserole to start their day gently.

Easy Meal Ideas

Sheet pan dinners are a breeze and make both cooking and cleanup easier. There are plenty of recipes online that require minimal prep but deliver comforting flavors.

Options for Non-Cooks

If cooking isn’t your thing, a gift card to a local restaurant known for takeout is a thoughtful alternative.

Staying Present Post-Funeral

It’s crucial to remain supportive even after the funeral. Sharing a meal like a loaf of homemade zucchini bread over tea can make a significant difference to someone facing the loneliness of bereavement.

This gentle approach helps maintain the essential support system that those grieving a loss deeply need. Whether it's through a timely meal, a thoughtful card, or simply your presence, your support is always cherished.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Understanding Funeral Costs: A Guide to Planning with Care

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:28:11 GMT

When the time comes to think about funeral arrangements, one of the first questions many of us have is, "How much will it cost?" It’s natural to look for a straightforward answer during such an emotionally charged time. However, much like finding the perfect car, the cost of a funeral varies widely depending on personal choices and specific needs.

Why There's No Simple Answer

Just as you wouldn’t expect a single price tag on all cars—since they come in various styles and brands and offer all different types of upgrades—funerals too can differ greatly. They can range from simple ceremonies to more elaborate services, each affecting the overall cost. This variation is why direct comparisons are tricky and why personalized guidance is invaluable.

How Funeral Costs Break Down

1. Service Fees: These are the basic fees charged by funeral homes for arranging the service. This fee typically includes planning, securing necessary permits, preparing notices, and helping with the coordination of the ceremonies.

2. Personalization Options: Just like choosing a car that fits your needs and preferences, funerals can be personalized to reflect the unique life of your loved one. Costs may include embalming, viewing, a casket, or additional services like a memorial video.

3. Venue and Transportation: Funeral homes provide beautiful spaces that are designed specifically for funerals. There is often plenty of parking and large rooms for families and friends to gather and honor their loved one. Depending on whether you choose a funeral home chapel, a religious venue, or an outdoor setting, costs can vary. Transport also adds to the total including the hearse and other vehicles.

4. Additional Costs: These might include flowers, obituaries in local newspapers, and any catering for the funeral service. Each choice reflects personal preferences and will influence the overall budget.

Making Informed Choices

It's helpful to meet with a funeral director who can outline all the options available, along with their costs. Funeral homes are required to provide a standardized price list, which ensures transparency and helps you make decisions without any pressure. This meeting should be free of charge and is the best step towards understanding the full scope of what a funeral could entail financially.

Tips for Planning

· Plan Ahead: Whenever possible, discuss and maybe even pre-plan funeral arrangements. This approach can alleviate the burden during a time of grief and ensures that choices are made thoughtfully.

· Compare Options: Feel free to visit different funeral homes and compare their services and prices. Each funeral home will offer a range of options suitable for various preferences and budgets.

· Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for specifics about any costs or services you do not understand. A good funeral director will be patient and helpful, ensuring you feel comfortable with your choices.

While the question of cost is a significant one, remember that the value of a funeral lies in how well it reflects the life and wishes of your loved one. As with many things in life, families can expect to pay more for higher quality service, which is something to consider before choosing a funeral home based solely on cost.

Take your time to understand and choose options that best fit your family’s needs and budget, ensuring that the service you select is both meaningful and manageable financially.

www.bisslerandsons.com

What Is the Purpose of Embalming?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:23:15 GMT

Embalming can be a controversial topic. Some people are opposed to it, whether due to personal or religious reasons, but for others, embalming is an important part of starting their grief journey and getting a chance to say goodbye to the person they love.

For these reasons, embalming is a widespread practice, especially in the cases of open-casket funerals and viewings. What exactly does embalming mean? And what’s the purpose behind its use?

Why Are People Embalmed?

To understand the purpose of embalming, we first need to look at what embalming is. Embalming is the replacement of all bodily fluids with a preservative solution. This solution helps prevent the growth of bacteria and effectively slows the body’s decomposition.

After the body is cleaned and internal fluids are replaced by the solution, what happens next varies according to the wishes of the decedent’s family. Often, the next step is for the decedent to be prepared for a viewing or funeral, such as by being dressed in clothing provided by the family or having makeup put on them to make them look more like they did in life.

Embalming actually serves multiple purposes. Embalming is required in some states in the case of contagious diseases, as embalming plays a vital role in disinfecting the body and keeping others safe from spreading illnesses.

However, the main reason why people choose embalming is to slow the rate of the decedent’s decomposition, which can allow families more time to plan services and to hold funerals days after the loved one’s death. Embalming does not stop decomposition, but it can extend the process. For those who wish to avoid embalming, refrigeration can be another option that also helps to slow the decomposition process.

For many people, when they get one final opportunity to see their loved one before they enter their final resting place, they take comfort in seeing them as they did in life. If a loved one’s features changed before they passed, such as in the case of a long-term illness, embalming can help them return to how they looked before. Seeing a loved one the way you want to remember them is a powerful feeling, one that can help family and friends as they begin their grief journey.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Dressing for a Funeral: Comfort, Respect, and What to Wear

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:18:26 GMT

Attending a funeral is one of those things that makes everyone pause, not just because of the emotional weight, but also the big question: "What do I wear?" Let’s discuss.

First up, showing up is what really counts. It's not so much about your outfit as it is about your presence. Whether you're there to offer a comforting hug, share fond memories, or just be a supportive face in the crowd, your being there matters more than whether your shoes are perfectly polished.

Now, onto the fashion part. This can vary a lot depending on who you're saying goodbye to. For example, if it’s your traditional 80-year-old grandpa, things are likely to be on the formal side. You might see his old buddies in more conservative looks. For guys, think slacks and a collared shirt. If you've got a sport coat, throw it on; a tie is a nice touch but not mandatory. Ladies, you can't go wrong with dress pants and a neat sweater or blouse. If you're feeling a dress or skirt, absolutely go for it—just keep an eye on the neckline and hem.

But what if the service is for someone younger, or it's a non-religious memorial? These can be a bit more laid-back. You might even get invited to a 'celebration of life' that could have a theme—like, if the deceased loved golf, you might be teeing up in your best golf attire.

The rules have definitely relaxed over time. Black isn't a must anymore. Just aim for something neat, clean, and subdued. Think about what you’d wear to a serious job interview—that level of smart.

Here’s the bottom line: A funeral isn't the place to strut your latest fashion find. It's about respect and remembrance. So, scan your wardrobe for something understated and appropriate—you can’t go wrong with that mindset.

Remember, what you wear won’t overshadow the importance of simply being there. Share stories, offer support, and don’t stress too much about your attire. Whether it's a somber traditional service or a casual send-off, your respectful presence is what truly matters.

www.bisslerandsons.com

Embracing Family in Funeral Planning

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:09:00 GMT

When it comes time to say goodbye to a loved one, the focus of the funeral often naturally falls on the family. It's the people who loved and knew the deceased best—spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and even coworkers—who come together to remember and honor their life. After all, a funeral serves primarily those who survive; it is a rite that helps us shift our focus from the circumstances of death to celebrating the life that was lived.

Personalizing the Planning Process

Understanding that a funeral is not just for the deceased but for the comfort of the survivors can profoundly shape how we approach planning these important ceremonies. If you're contemplating your own future arrangements, start by considering what would bring comfort and solace to those you will leave behind. What memories would make them smile? How can your life's story best be told in a way that honors your relationships and the shared experiences that meant so much?

Involving your family from the outset is not just practical but essential. Each family member may have a unique memory or perspective that can contribute to a more personalized and meaningful service. Whether planning ahead for yourself or arranging a service for a loved one who has passed, engaging everyone in the conversation can lead to a beautiful, collective tribute.

Reflecting Unique Personalities in Services

For those planning a service after a loss, consider incorporating the memories and voices of all who were close to the deceased. Children and grandchildren, in particular, can provide poignant insights and memories that celebrate the unique personality of your loved one. Don't hesitate to ask your funeral director for creative ideas to help reflect these personal elements in the ceremony.

It used to be that funeral planning began with questions about the deceased's faith or their specific wishes, and while these are still important, they shouldn't overshadow the needs of the living. For example, if tradition suggests a closed casket but you need a moment to say goodbye, it's okay to speak up. Or, if you'd prefer a eulogy that focuses more on life stories than religious elements, that should be embraced too.

The Lasting Impact of Thoughtful Planning

The impressions made by a funeral are lasting, often forming the final memories that survivors carry forward. This makes it all the more crucial to craft an experience that resonates with and comforts those who are grieving. This doesn't mean every detail needs to be solemn—photographs, favorite songs, and even lighter moments can all play a part in the celebration of life.

In essence, making family the cornerstone of funeral planning not only ensures that the arrangements reflect the true spirit of the deceased but also fortifies the bonds among those who remain. It’s about creating a moment in time where the family can mourn, reflect, and begin to heal together. As you plan, remember that these decisions are about more than just logistics; they're a testament to a life well-lived and the impact it had on others. Thus, whether you're pre-planning your own service or organizing one for someone dear, let compassion, love, and shared memories guide you.

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How Loved Ones Are Honored on the Day of the Dead

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:27:59 GMT

For many Americans, the arrival of October means nearing a day of candy, scary stories, and haunted happenings. But for many other parts of the world, they’re approaching a time in which they can celebrate and honor the lives of the loved ones they’ve lost. And in some of these places, those holidays are times of somber reflection.

However, one holiday honors the lives of those no longer with us through a joyous celebration in which the world we live in blends with the world of the dead. Although this holiday occurs in several countries in South and Central America, we often think first of Mexico. Why and how does Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead?

Why do we celebrate the Day of the Dead?

There’s a common misconception that the Day of the Dead is Catholic in origin, but that’s not entirely true. The Day of the Dead traces its roots back to the Aztec people in what is now central Mexico. Once Spain conquered the Aztec empire, the Catholic Church incorporated the indigenous celebrations honoring the dead into the already-existing Catholic dates of celebration All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1 and November 2, respectively.

Many Catholic countries, including Spain and Italy, have their own traditions of celebrating All Souls Day and All Saints Day, but the Day of the Dead is most commonly associated with Mexican culture. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead, or el Día de los Muertos, is a three-day celebration in which Mexican families welcome the souls of their relatives back to the land of the living. According to tradition, the gates of heaven reopen on October 31 to allow the souls of children to return to their families for 24 hours. Adults are welcomed back to do the same on November 2.

Day of the Dead is not a day for mourning, nor is it simply the Mexican version of the more American celebration of Halloween, as it’s often thought of. This is a day in which the border between the worlds of the living and the dead dissolve, when families may reunite with the ones that they love. The spirits are welcomed back as honored guests, and families feast, drink, and dance together again.

What traditions are honored on the Day of the Dead?

To welcome loved ones back to the land of the living, offerings play an essential role. Mesoamerican rituals asserted that the dead needed to travel through nine challenging levels in Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead, before they could reach their final resting place, Mictlán. To help their loved ones through the trials, families would level offerings of food, water, and tools. This tradition became a part of the Day of the Dead.

Today, families often leave favorite foods or other offerings on the gravesites of their relatives. They may also leave such things on altars in their homes called ofrendas. The altar is not meant to worship the decedent but to honor them instead. Each ofrenda is personal to the individual it is welcoming back to our world. They often have pictures of the decedent, as well as things they loved while alive. A child’s ofrenda may have their favorite toys, while an adult’s may have their favorite piece of clothing.

However, there are some staples that are commonly seen on ofrendas. Candles are lit to welcome spirits to their altar. The strong scent of cempasúchitl flowers, or marigolds, which symbolize death, are meant to lead souls to their ofrendas. Copal incense, the dried resin of a tree native to Mexico, also functions as a guide. Pan de muerto, or the bread of the dead, is frequently placed on these altars, as well as sugar skulls, which are symbols of death and the afterlife.

As these altars are meant to welcome souls back to our world, you’ll find many things on an ofrenda that you might provide for any guest, such as fresh fruits and water. Since the loved one followed a long journey to reach their relatives, many families offer toiletries to help them freshen up for the celebration. Food and drink are essential components of the ofrenda. In addition to providing the loved one’s treats, their family may also offer their alcohol of choice. Salt also is present on the table, but it serves less as sustenance and more as a symbol of the continuance of life. Ceramics and woven baskets are also typically a part of an ofrenda.

Because Mexico is the second-largest Catholic country in the world after Brazil, it makes sense that some Catholic customs play a role in this holiday. Ofrendas, which are often covered with white cloth and draped with papal picado, or decorative cut paper, also display the images of saints, particularly if they were important to the person the altar was built for.

The food and drink placed on an altar are not meant to be consumed by the living, but many treats are a part of the celebration as well. People engaging in the festivities dine on the pan de muerto, though never the ones that were placed on ofrendas. You’ll also likely find spiced hot chocolate, the fried dough dish sopaipillas, and skull-shaped alegrias candy often made from amaranth, raisins, assorted nuts, and honey.

Calacas and calaveras, skeletons and skulls, respectively, are symbols of the holiday. Sugar skulls are frequent holiday fixtures and are more meant for decoration than consumption. For sugar skulls placed on ofrendas, the decedent's name is often written in icing across the forehead. Decorative clothed and colorful skeletons, often wearing traditional Mexican dresses and other clothing, are another holiday staple.

At its heart, the holiday is about celebrating and remembering those who are with us in spirit. To honor these spirits, families clean the graves of their relatives and ancestors before decorating them with festive displays that typically include the cempasúchitl flower. Families also share stories of the dead, though they usually focus on more upbeat tales in keeping with the theme of celebration rather than mourning.

In Mexican culture, the dead do not leave us when they die. They keep their loved ones with them through stories and celebration, though no celebration is quite as prevalent as the Day of the Dead. Mexican culture teaches us not to fear death but to look at it as the soul continuing on to the next world. And when the Day of the Dead arrives, the next world blends with our own, creating a day of joy in which we can be with the ones we love again.

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Serving a Diverse Community

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:17:13 GMT

Funerals are very personal ceremonies. They’re often also religious and cultural occasions, filled with rites and traditions that fit the unique heritage of the person being honored. As the diversity in the United States has continued to increase over the decades, funeral homes have learned to create meaningful services that fit the needs of each family that comes to them in their time of need. When planning a service for your loved one, there are several ways a funeral home will work with you to incorporate your loved one’s unique background.

How Funeral Homes Can Honor Your Loved One’s Heritage

Funeral homes will work to help you fulfill your loved one’s final disposition wishes.

Many religions and cultures have different guidelines in relation to how a decedent can journey to their final resting place. Depending on your loved one’s faith, for instance, it may be more traditional to have a burial rather than a cremation. Many religions reinforce the need for a burial, including Islam and Judaism, while some religions, like Hinduism, instead believe that cremation is best for the treatment of our loved ones. Final disposition is a very personal choice, and funeral homes know this. For this reason, funeral homes do their best to ensure that the proper final disposition occurs.

In many cases, it can be hard to make the arrangements for your loved one’s final disposition without the help of a funeral home. Many crematories and cemeteries prefer to work with a funeral director when making these plans. And that’s because funeral directors come with years of experience and know how to navigate the world of after-life care. Whether your loved one wanted a burial or to be cremated due to their cultural or religious beliefs, working with a funeral home ensures that your loved one will receive their wishes.

Funeral directors can incorporate pieces of your loved one’s heritage into their funeral services.

Different cultures treat loss in different ways. And those different beliefs lead to different ways in which we say goodbye to the people that we love. Because funeral directors come with years of experience tending to the needs of families of all sorts of cultures, they’re equipped to help you add touches of your loved one’s heritage to their funeral and additional services.

There’s no right way to hold a funeral. For some people, these services are celebrations of life, filled with dance and drink. For others, they’re meant to be more somber, filled with quiet reflections and contemplation of life. Funeral directors are prepared to create services that match the needs of your loved one’s culture, adding touches that are personal to your loved one’s background. For instance, if your loved one was Chinese, you may want to add traditional Chinese funeral elements to their service. You may choose to have incense be burned during the funeral or place white or yellow mums around the service’s room. Or if your loved one wanted a more traditional Mexican funeral, marigolds may be more fitting, as well as the presence of a Mexican funeral band.

Adding these meaningful touches is a big part of the role that a funeral director plays. Your funeral director wants every event they organize to be impactful and as unique as the person it's intended to honor. No matter what your loved one’s heritage was, a funeral director will work to respect it at your loved one’s funeral.

Funeral directors will work to ensure that your loved one’s funeral follows the rituals of their religion and background.

Your funeral director has experience planning funerals and other services for people of all different religions and backgrounds, which means that they understand the importance of the rituals that these religions and cultures hold dear. A funeral director will always do their best to ensure that these customs are followed as desired.

These professionals understand that funerals and the services that often accompany them are not one-size-fits-all. Although both Italian families and Mexican families frequently have wakes in addition to funerals, their ceremonies typically look very different. And although both Jewish and Muslim families prefer burial to cremation, the rituals that surround the burials are not the same. From burial ceremonies to eulogies, a funeral director understands that every culture and religion has a different way of saying goodbye to their loved ones.

When you work with a funeral home, you can be sure that you’re working with professionals who understand that you want to honor who your loved one was, including their unique background and beliefs. However you want to incorporate their heritage into their funeral and final disposition, your funeral director will work with you to create something meaningful for you and your family. Funeral homes are driven by a desire to support their communities, and they’re honored to serve diverse families who come from all walks of life.

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When Should I Start Thinking About Planning My Own Funeral?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:07:48 GMT

Not everyone preplans their funeral, but doing so is a gift to your loved ones. By doing so, you’re allowing your family to grieve in peace without having to worry about the hundreds of decisions that accompany the funeral-planning process. You’re also giving your family peace of mind by telling them your wishes for your funeral and final disposition. Since they know what you would have wanted, they won’t have to worry about whether or not they’re making the right choices.

But at what age should you start planning your funeral? You may not be thinking about your funeral at a young age, but you may want to consider planning earlier than you think you should.

What age is the right age to plan your funeral?

There’s no wrong time to preplan your funeral, though it’s worth considering if you’re at an age where you can truly comprehend the complexity of loss and passing. A child, for instance, may not be able to understand the questions that will be asked of them when it comes to funeral planning. However, people as young as 18 may benefit from making some decisions regarding what they’d like to happen in the event of their passing.

But much like writing a will, funeral planning doesn’t have to be set in stone with its first iteration. If you preplan your funeral in your 20s and a major life change, such as having a child, makes you want to change your planning in your 30s, your chosen funeral home will work with you to make those adjustments. There’s no deterrent to planning your funeral at a younger age because you can continue to add to or adjust these plans as you grow older.

Research suggests that one of the primary reasons why people choose to preplan at a younger age is because they’ve lost a loved one or experienced having to plan a funeral for a loved one. Having seen the difficulty of planning a funeral while dealing with grief, these preplanners opted to ensure that their own loved ones would not have to undergo the same experience. On the other hand, many preplanners decided to make arrangements in advance because their experience was made easier by their loved one having preplanned. Regardless of whether a loved one preplanned or not, it seems that the loss of a loved one at a younger age triggers people in their 20s and 30s to decide to start thinking about their own eventual passing.

Preplanning at a young age also helps you to get a better idea of finances that your family will be able to use in the event of your passing. By getting a more complete picture of funeral and final disposition costs, you’ll be able to better organize funds for the funeral you want. It’s a good idea to consider funeral payment plans early. For instance, you may want to start putting funds into an account early so that you can continue to save up for the funeral and final disposition you desire. By funding such an account, you’re preventing your family from having to worry about costs later on.

You can also talk to your funeral director about what kinds of payment plans your chosen funeral home offers. The arrangements you make and the payment plans are both transferable, meaning that you don’t have to be concerned over all your planning going to waste. If you decide to work with another funeral home or if your family needs to hold your funeral at another location, your plans will be able to be moved.

While preplanning your funeral early may be beneficial, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t preplan if you’re of a more advanced age. Regardless of when you preplan your funeral, you’re helping your family before their time of need. Many people preplan their funeral when they know that they will soon pass, such as when they’re diagnosed with a terminal illness. Although planning close to the time when you may pass gives you less time to get your affairs in order, any plans that you do make, as well as any prepayments you make, will benefit your family after you pass.

The question of when you should start planning your funeral is difficult to answer because the answer is most often as soon as you’re able. There’s no right age to begin planning. Whether you’re 30 or 60, making arrangements for your funeral will help out those you’ll leave behind, giving them a blueprint for your final wishes. They’ll be able to grieve with fewer decisions to make and fewer questions filling their minds. Only you can decide if you’re ready to preplan, but if you do decide to do so, know that you’re giving a wonderful gift to the people you love.

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What is a Retort? Is it the Same as a Crematory?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:17:54 GMT

The world of funeral homes can be filled with unfamiliar terminology, and keeping track of it all gets confusing. Talking about cremation is no exception. So, what does it mean when someone says that they’re going to a crematory? What about a retort? Are those the same thing? Let’s break down the difference between these locations that are crucial to the cremation process.

What is a crematory?

A crematory, sometimes called a crematorium, is a facility where cremation occurs. These locations are where a decedent's body is put into a chamber and turned to ashes. Once the cremation occurs, the crematory operator will follow what you have selected on your Cremation Authorization Form as the next part of your loved one’s journey. That may mean that they enact the final disposition themselves or that your loved one will be returned to you for you to choose their final disposition, such as being scattered in a location they loved or being placed in a columbarium.

A crematory may exist on its own, but it may have other rooms that serve families who come to them for their loved one’s cremation. Some crematories have a space where families can have a cremation viewing. It’s worth noting, however, that most small crematories are not equipped for viewings. Additionally, it’s not possible to watch the full cremation. The family will only be able to see their loved one being prepared for their cremation and being placed in the cremation chamber.

Crematories are sometimes a part of the funeral home itself. When you work with a funeral home that contains a crematory, you’ll be able to plan your loved one’s funeral and their final disposition with your funeral director, who will ensure that your loved one receives a meaningful farewell.

If you work with a funeral home that does not have its own crematory, you can rest assured that your loved one will still receive essential care. Your funeral director will ensure that your loved one is transported to a licensed crematory that’s dedicated to providing high-quality support to those who come to them. Many crematories prefer to work directly with a funeral director to ensure that transportation is correctly planned and all necessary forms, including the vital Cremation Permit, are accounted for. Although you’ll have to provide information for the Cremation Authorization Form to obtain the permit, your funeral director will handle all the other details of your loved one’s cremation.

What is a retort?

A retort is sometimes confused with a crematory, but it’s actually located inside one. When someone refers to a cremation chamber or a cremation oven, they’re talking about a retort. These machines must operate at extremely high temperatures to ensure that the decedent can be properly cremated. Fire-resistant bricks often line the retort on the walls and ceiling, while specially-designed masonry is on the bottom, where temperatures are usually the highest.

Once a decedent is placed in a cremation container, they’re then moved into the retort, where they’re oxidized and then vaporized. The vapors that are released are filtered through the retort’s exhaust system. What remains is separated between organic and non-organic materials. The organic materials are then processed after cooling before being sealed in a bag and returned to their loved ones.

If your loved one wanted to be cremated, talk to your funeral director about the cremation process and about your crematory options. They’ll help guide you through the process and work with you to plan your loved one’s care.

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Where Should I Leave My Condolence Message?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:06:33 GMT

When someone you love loses someone they love, the bonds of family, friends, and community become even more apparent. We watch as the people we love struggle under the weight of loss and grief. And the question often arises that asks, “What can we do?”

The answer isn’t often clear. We cannot solve grief. In fact, it’s not something to be solved at all. It’s a natural part of loving and losing someone dear to us. Often, there isn’t much that can be done to lighten the weight of loss. The most we can do is be there for the person we love.

Sometimes, the best we can do is offer a kind word. Offering condolences and letting someone know that you’re there for them can create a bright light even when it seems like all they can see is darkness.

But where should you leave a condolence message? In today’s digital world, the news of someone’s passing may be spread throughout many different locations, like Facebook posts or community message boards. You may be inclined to write your condolences on the first post you see. Let’s get into why there’s a better option.

The Challenges of Finding Obituaries in the Digital Age

It used to be that people primarily learned about the passing of a community member through their local newspaper. While obituaries in newspapers still do occur, it’s much more common for information about someone’s passing and their funeral services to be shared on social media, message boards, and websites dedicated to obituaries.

When you find such a post online, your first reaction might be to leave your condolences in a comment, but there’s a better way. If messages are scattered across the internet, the family is likely to miss some comments. In some cases, an obituary might be shared on a website that the family isn’t even aware of, all but guaranteeing that they’ll never see the condolences left on that site.

Someone’s passing doesn’t just directly affect the decedent's family, either. We touch so many lives throughout our own lifetime. You never know who is going to miss you when you’re gone. Condolences don’t just provide comfort to the immediate family. Entire communities take comfort in reading those messages, whether they’re simply words of support or are filled with memories of the lives the decedent touched.

Leave Condolences on the Funeral Home Website

While we’re not discouraging anyone from leaving condolences on any platform, including social media, we strongly recommend that, if you can, you leave it on the funeral home website so there’s one central location for them to see it. If you want to reach all of the people navigating a new world of grief, you should share your condolences in a place where those who loved the decedent know to look.

Most often, when someone is working with a funeral home and posts about their loved one’s passing on Facebook, message boards, or other websites, they’ll share the link to a page on the funeral home’s website. On this page, you’ll find information about the services, the decedent’s obituary, and how to pay your respects.

This page also often functions as a central hub for condolences, where everyone who loved the decedent or who loves someone the decedent loved can leave a thoughtful word and a statement of support. This section of the funeral home’s obituary page is sometimes called a tribute wall or a guestbook. Like an in-person guestbook at a funeral, it’s something that the family of the decedent can always look back on to remember and take comfort in how loved their loved one was.

Having a central hub on the funeral home’s website ultimately benefits everyone. It becomes a primary location for condolences. Instead of having hundreds of messages spread across dozens of social media posts, those hundreds of messages will be in one place, an ever-growing testament to the decedent’s life. But clicking out to the funeral home’s website rather than simply writing a comment is also helpful for you as someone who loved the decedent. If you want to attend the funeral, the information for the services will be available to you. But you’ll also find that this page can help you go further in paying your respects.

You can order flowers directly through the funeral home’s website, which is a thoughtful touch when sharing your condolences. If you’d like to order flowers for the service, placing an order through the funeral home website alleviates your stress because you don’t have to worry about when it’s being delivered and where. The funeral home will ensure that your flowers end up where they need to go and will handle it for you.

If the person who passed has a service, you’ll find that offering condolences there also helps both you and the people you’re coming out to support. Services bring people together and allow them to provide one another with comfort and care. Coming to a funeral service gives the family of the decedent a chance to see just how many people loved their loved one.

But whether you attend the service or not, writing a condolence message is still an impactful way of telling someone they are loved and supported during their time of grief. Locate the decedent’s obituary page on their funeral home website to share your message and contribute to the creation of something their loved ones can always turn to when they need an encouraging word.

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Your Parents Preplanned Their Funerals—How to Tell Your Siblings

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:45:19 GMT

Planning a parent’s funeral is an emotional experience, but when your parents preplan their funeral in advance, they’re making that difficult time a little easier. A preplan gives you a blueprint for what your parents want for their funeral, ensuring that you have fewer overwhelming decisions to make. But if your parents didn’t talk to your siblings about their plans, it’ll fall to you to walk them through that blueprint. How do you talk to your siblings about your parents having preplanned their funerals?

How to Tell Your Sibling Your Parents Preplanned Their Funerals

Recognize that your siblings may grieve differently than you.

Some people want to continue on with their day-to-day life after a parent passes. They may find comfort in going to work or spending time with friends. They may throw themselves into a project to take their minds off of their grief. For others, it’s challenging to be around people, and they may isolate themselves. Even if you handle grief one way, just because your sibling is related to you doesn’t mean they’ll grieve the same way.

You may be ready to think about funeral planning, but your sibling might not be in the right headspace to discuss services and disposition so soon after your parent passes. Approach your sibling carefully and tell them you want to talk about your parent’s funeral. Give them the option to tell you if they’re ready to talk about it. Let them know it’s okay to take their time and that you’ll be there for them whenever they’re ready. You may be on a time limit depending on when you’d like the funeral to be held, so be sure that they’re aware of the time frame you’re working with.

Don’t leave anyone out.

Maybe you have two siblings. One lives several states away, while the other is just one town over. You may think that you’re taking things off of the plate of the sibling who lives further away by not talking to them about funeral planning. But leaving any of your siblings out of the funeral planning process may cause further problems down the road. If a sibling tells you outright that they don’t want to be involved in the planning, that’s acceptable. But unless they tell you they don’t want to be part of it, you should assume that they’d like some say in their parent’s funeral.

With your parents having preplanned, there are fewer decisions to make, but your sibling might just want to feel included in the planning process. They may already feel slighted that their parents told you they preplanned but not them. Excluding them further from the process may just make that wound bigger. Emotions run high when people are grieving. A perceived slight during the funeral planning process may turn into a long-held grudge. And this should be a time for you and your siblings to come together, not for you to drift apart over hurt feelings.

When you talk to your siblings about your parents’ preplanning, make sure it’s during a time that works for both of them. If only one sibling can come in person to talk, allow the other to join via a video call platform or by phone. If one of your siblings doesn’t get along with another, do your best to mediate and remind them that their situation is temporary. You won’t have to talk about funeral planning for your parents after the funeral is held. If anyone asks for a sibling to be excluded, explain that doing so may cause more complications and that the potentially-excluded sibling is still your parents’ child. They deserve to be a part of their parents’ funeral as well.

Be sure to have all essential documents available for them.

Your siblings will likely have many questions about what your parents did and did not plan. Even if you spoke with your parents before they passed about what they wanted for their funeral, you might not have all the answers. You’ll have copies of essential documents to keep with you as a reference, but you’ll find comfort in knowing the files are stored at the funeral home when you need them. You may learn some things you weren’t aware of too.

Don’t worry if the documents don’t answer all the questions you and your siblings have about the service choices your parents made. As a part of the process, you’ll have a chance to meet with a funeral director at the funeral home, who will likely be able to answer any questions that the documents couldn’t satisfy. This meeting will also give you and all of your siblings a chance to see the funeral home and begin making outstanding decisions that your parents didn’t make. You may also find comfort in knowing that your parents handled many of the most significant decisions, creating less stress for you and your siblings and allowing you more time to grieve together.

Work together to make any additional decisions.

Because your parents preplanned, there will be fewer decisions for you and your siblings, but most likely, there will still be some choices for you all to make. Preplanning comes in many different forms. Some people plan every detail of their funeral and disposition. Others make some of the major decisions and leave the other choices to their kin. Your funeral director will be able to guide you through the additional choices you’ll have to make. Just like you shouldn’t exclude anyone from the initial funeral planning conversations, you shouldn’t exclude anyone from this decision-making time.

However, it’s important to note that the funeral home can only follow one person’s instructions. If there are disagreements about certain decisions, the funeral home will not be able to satisfy their contradictory desires. The funeral home will follow the directions of the person named by your parents as the one who will be planning the funeral. If your parents requested you to enact their funeral plans, you should express to your siblings that your directions will be the ones that the funeral home will follow and that you will do your best to stick to your parents’ already-made choices.

Organize payment.

While your parents may have preplanned their funeral, they may not have prepaid. Funeral homes offer different payment plans for people who are preplanning, and those plans may cover all or some of their funeral and disposition. Talk to your funeral director about what’s been paid for so far and what still needs to be covered. Ask for a General Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and a Casket Price List to get an idea of how the costs break down. You should also check your parents’ financial records to see if they had set money aside for the funeral outside of going through a funeral home.

Once you have a detailed list of what still needs to be paid for, talk to your siblings about breaking down costs. Technically, only your parents’ estate is responsible for funeral and disposition payments. But if your parents’ estate isn’t enough to cover the expenses, you and your siblings will likely have to figure out payments on your own. Do your best to divide up costs in a reasonable and fair way, ensuring that no sibling has to cover more than they’re able to.

Your parents gave you and your siblings a gift by preplanning and possibly prepaying for their funeral. When planning a funeral, there are hundreds of decisions that can often be challenging to make when you’re already in the midst of grieving. Thanks to your parents’ preplanning, you and your siblings will have less to worry about, allowing you all to simply grieve together and support one another with less stress.

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Do I Have to Go to a Funeral Home to Preplan?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:37:00 GMT

Preplanning your funeral is a gift to your family and friends. It ensures that not only will you have the funeral that you want but also that your family will be faced with fewer questions and worries when they put your plan into action. Preplanning a funeral often takes working with a knowledgeable funeral director who will be your guide in the planning process. But what if you can’t visit the funeral home in person? Can you still preplan your funeral?

Should I go to a funeral home to preplan if I can?

If you have the ability to venture to the funeral home of your choice to preplan, take advantage of the opportunity. Beyond meeting with the funeral director face to face to discuss your options, you’ll also be able to see the funeral home in person. You’ll want to be sure that the funeral home suits the needs of your service. Can it fit the number of people you’re expecting to attend? Is there enough parking for all of these people? Can the funeral home fit the needs of your religious or cultural traditions? Seeing the funeral home with your own eyes will help you to know if that’s where you want your funeral to be.

Do I have to go to a funeral home to preplan my funeral?

When it’s not possible to visit the funeral home in person, your funeral director can help guide you through your options from afar. Just like many professions, the funeral profession tries to keep up with the rapid advancement of technology to ensure that they can serve the people who come to them for assistance properly. One way in which funeral homes are striving to serve in the modern age is by offering virtual ways to preplan.

When you preplan your funeral, it’s crucial that you know who you’re working with. A face-to-face meeting with a funeral director is always more ideal than a phone call. With today’s technology, face-to-face and in-person meetings aren’t synonymous. A face-to-face meeting can still be accomplished virtually by way of online meeting applications like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. With these applications, you can talk to your funeral director as they show you your options for your funeral and final disposition.

Funeral homes will walk you through various documents during your meeting, ensuring that you have a thorough and complete understanding of your choices before making any major decisions. From there, they’ll send the documents to you to reference throughout the decision-making process. For instance, a funeral home is required to show you a General Price List, a Casket Price List, and an Outer Burial Container Price List. Ensure that these documents are sent to you after the meeting so you can follow up with any additional questions you might have after your initial conversation.

During your meeting, you should also try to get an idea of what the funeral home’s facilities have to offer to allow you to envision what the funeral or other services will look like. While in a virtual meeting with your funeral director, ask for a tour. You’ll still be able to see the facilities and ask questions, just like you would if you went to the funeral home yourself. Another option is to send someone to be your liaison. Ideally, this person should be the person who will be handling your affairs after you pass, such as your next of kin or the executor of your estate. Talk to this person about what you want in your funeral to ensure that they know what to look for when they visit the funeral home.

What should you do if you’ve never used virtual meeting applications or if you don’t have an email? Planning over the phone is still an option, but you’ll still need some way to see the documents that are essential for preplanning a funeral. Ask a loved one if they can help you with this issue. Have the documents sent to your loved one’s email, and then ask your loved one if they can deliver them to you. If your loved one is available during your meeting times, you can also ask if they can help you set up the virtual calls. That way, you’ll still be able to speak face to face, even if you yourself are unfamiliar with virtual meetings.

Funeral directors aim to be as accommodating as possible during the preplanning process. They want you to plan the exact funeral you want, so they’ll do anything they can to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the planning. Let them know about any restrictions while planning, such as if you’re unable to come into the funeral home, and ask them what options you have for planning from a distance.

Funeral directors have years of experience helping people plan their funerals, so you can rest assured that you won’t be the first person they’ve worked with who can’t come into the funeral home. They’ll be able to guide you through the planning process, whether it’s by phone, virtual meetings, through a liaison, or in person.

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The Different Types of Crypts in a Mausoleum

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:29:24 GMT

Did you know there are actually quite a few decisions to make beyond whether you choose burial or cremation? Cemeteries offer a wide variety of final resting places for you and your loved ones, but which one is right for you? When you choose a mausoleum, you still have another decision to make: Which type of crypt should you rest in?

What Is a Mausoleum?

First, let’s define a mausoleum. Mausoleums are free-standing buildings inside a cemetery that serve as a decedent's resting place. Burying someone in a mausoleum is referred to as “entombment.”

Mausoleums are designed to essentially offer an above-ground burial and hold the remains of a decedent who has not been cremated. A columbarium functions similarly to a mausoleum, with the caveat that it’s meant to hold cremated remains instead.

What Is a Crypt?

A mausoleum crypt is what you’ll find inside a mausoleum. These chambers hold the remains of people who have passed. In the case of columbariums, the equivalent of a crypt would be a niche, which is designed to hold cremated remains.

Just as there are different types of mausoleums, like community mausoleums, which hold the remains of unrelated people, or family or private mausoleums, which hold the remains of one family or one individual, there are different types of crypts within mausoleums.

The 5 Different Types of Crypts You’ll Find in a Mausoleum

Single crypts

Single crypts refer to the type of crypt that holds the remains of one individual. These crypts are the most common ones you’ll find in a mausoleum.

Side-by-side crypts

Side-by-side crypts are designed for two people, in which the caskets are situated next to each other horizontally.

Companion or end-to-end crypts

Companion crypts, which are sometimes known as end-to-end crypts, are also designed for two people, but they function differently. While side-to-side crypts may have individual markers or one shared marker, companion crypts only take the space of a single crypt and use a shared marker. The caskets in these crypts are, as their name implies, lined up end-to-end instead of horizontally.

Family crypts

Sometimes referred to as Westminster family crypts, Westminster crypts, or simply family crypts, these types of crypts can hold entire families. Here, family members are stacked on top of each other, placed either end-to-end like companion crypts or side-by-side like side-by-side crypts. Within these crypts, family members may have their own individual markers, or they may share a collective marker.

Lawn crypts

Lawn crypts function like underground mausoleums. Instead of having a free-standing building in the cemetery, lawn crypts don’t have an entrance or physical space one can visit.

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What’s the Difference Between a Family and Community Columbarium?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:50:28 GMT

When people lose a loved one, many take comfort in knowing that there’s a place they can go to be with them. Cemeteries offer a location where loved ones can gather to be with those who are no longer with them in everyday life. In many ways, choosing to be buried or interred in a cemetery is a gift for those still living as it gives them a place to find you, knowing that you’re never really too far away.

But one thing that’s commonly misunderstood is the fact that cemeteries have many options for your final resting place, whether you’re buried or cremated. If you choose cremation, you may find yourself opting to be laid to rest in a columbarium. But what exactly is a columbarium? And what types of columbariums can you choose from?

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a large, above-ground structure in cemeteries with individual niches. It can be a room, an entire building, or simply a wall in a cemetery.

When a loved one passes and is cremated, that person’s cremated remains can be inurned in an urn, which is placed in a niche in the columbarium. The niches are then labeled with who has been laid to rest inside, often with other words of remembrance, just like other monuments over gravesites in the cemetery. Sometimes, other small items, such as a photograph, are also placed with the urn, creating a lovely memorial for someone you’re missing.

What’s the difference between a family and a community columbarium?

Columbariums can be both private and public. Some columbariums are built to house the cremated remains of just one family. These structures are referred to as family columbariums.

However, other columbariums may hold several different families and unrelated individuals. These structures would be considered community columbariums.

Both columbariums serve the same purpose of protecting the urns of your loved ones, providing them with a safe place that keeps them from being damaged by the elements. They also both offer a place for living loved ones to visit when they’re missing someone they love. Columbariums are often surrounded by gardens, foliage, and other tranquil beauty, providing visitors with a peaceful location to pay their respects to their relatives and ancestors.

However, family columbariums offer a location that’s specific to just one family. When you visit a family columbarium, you’ll be surrounded by generations of ancestors, allowing you to pay respects to many people you’ve loved throughout your lifetime during one visit to the cemetery.

Many families take comfort in knowing that they’ll be around those they’ve loved in life when they pass, which is something that a family columbarium can offer that a community columbarium may not be able to.

Both a community columbarium and a family columbarium are beautiful locations that serve as lovely places for loved ones to rest. However, they each offer something a bit different.

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When Someone Dies, Someone Else Feels Lonely

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:46:50 GMT

The loneliness that accompanies the death of someone we care about is complex and individual. For those who, for many years, woke every morning alongside a husband or wife, it is strange to open your eyes and realize you’re alone. In the early days of grief, the void that is left when a life partner dies can feel like a black hole with no way out.

A grieving person can even feel lonely in a crowd. The loneliness that comes with grief is not just because you are without company—it is because you are not with the person you want to be with. Loneliness is one of the most difficult feelings of grief because it is not a choice. It’s not the same as deciding to be alone or to have quiet time. Unlike solitude, which can be restful and even reenergizing, loneliness saps a person’s energy and feels heavy.

It is important to remember that grieving is work. It is a verb. Griefwork is something we do. Its goal is not to forget the person we loved—it is to weave the loss into a healthy life moving forward. The antidote for loneliness is to engage with people. It may be difficult at first but over time and with consistent effort, the heaviness will lift, and you will emerge. The work is to keep going, keep engaging, and make small efforts.

Return to activities that you enjoyed in the pas t … reconnect with friends, work, church. Stick with it. It may be difficult to concentrate at first or hard to engage in what might feel frivolous now. But give it a little time and give yourself a little time. Your enthusiasm for an activity you liked in the past is likely to come back with a little time.

Volunteer … doing something that helps others is a wonderful way to step out of your own concerns.

Speak to the people who serve you … Say a few words to the checkout person at the grocery. Thank the waitress. As you drive through the bank or to get your coffee, just say good morning or have a nice day or thank you. Every little connection helps.

Keep a journal … Express your feelings. It will help.

Check your calendar … Be sure you have something scheduled at least once a week that will require you to engage with others. As the song lyrics go … “People who need people are the luckiest people.”

Listen to music … If the silence is deafening, get some background music going.

Eat your elephant one bite at a time … Give yourself a task or three to complete each day. Make a list or write them in your journal. Tick your tasks off as you complete them. That little check mark can be very satisfying and giving yourself a few small things to get done each day can keep you from being overwhelmed.

Ask … Ask a friend out for lunch or to a movie or for a walk. Ask for help with some of your tasks.

Consider grief counseling … Too often we think we only get counseling help when we are at the end of our tether. We wait until we are suffering greatly. Why not acknowledge early on that grieving is going to be difficult and get help sooner rather than later? There really is no need to wait until one hits the bottom of a well to reach for a helping hand. Find someone who specializes in grief counseling. If you don’t know where to find such a person, check with your funeral director. He or she will likely be familiar with services available in your area.

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I’m Lonely: When is Too Soon to Start Dating?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:43:17 GMT

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Queen Victoria famously mourned Prince Albert by wearing black for the remainder of her life, forty years. The fictional character Scarlet O’Hara in the novel Gone With the Wind scandalized her peers by dancing with a bachelor at a charity event while “still in black.” The “approved mourning period” of the time was two years and six months. In our time, for most of us, there is no prescribed time period for mourning. In other words, deciding when to start dating after the death of a spouse is personal. Some are ready in a matter of weeks— others, never.

While deciding when to start seeing someone after losing a spouse is a personal decision, it is still best to do a little self-reflection before jumping in. Dating is not likely to bring your feeling of loss to an end. It may help to think of the dating experience like dancing. Suppose a person really likes to dance, maybe they have a partner they have been dancing with for many years. The two of them have, over the years, developed a comfortable routine. When they take to the floor, the ebb and flow just happens. It is mindless, it is easy. They are in a comfortable groove. They have done this a countless number of times before. The same dance, with a new and different dance partner, may allow the dancer to participate in the joy of the dance, but it will not be the same.

Dating with the expectation of replacing the person who died or the feeling you had with them is not likely to work. Not only will you be disappointed in the experience, but it is also not fair to the new person you are bringing into your life. In order for dating to be a good experience, it must be undertaken with an open mind and a level of curiosity. Dating is about getting to know someone new.

Getting to know a new person takes time, and it is a bit of work. Be sure you are up to the task. Be mindful of the idea that dating will also require that you are ready to be known. To be open and ready to share who you are with someone new. These are not easy things to do. Especially when a person has been in a long marriage where needs and wants had become second nature. Your spouse knew you. A new person will have no idea that you drink your coffee black, sleep in on Sunday, always use cloth napkins, and never miss Jeopardy.

It is not unusual for the widower or widow to be out of sync with family members as to when is the right time to seek the companionship dating may provide. For children, even when they are grown children, having a parent dating can be a hard pill to swallow. The emotions they feel may cover a wide range from fear for your safety to fear of losing you to a new love. Before jumping into the dating pool, take a little time to center yourself and prepare your family. The preparation you undertake may make the experience easier and more rewarding for all.

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After the Death of a Spouse: 10 Things to Do BEFORE You Start Dating

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:42:07 GMT

1. Slow down and commit to investing some time in getting ready to date. A little preparation work will help you protect your safety, have a more pleasurable dating experience, and possibly avoid heartbreak.

2. Start a list of what you are looking for in a relationship. Do you want another marriage? Do you want a movie and dinner partner? Take your time with this step. Make your list, let it marinate for a while, and then go back and review what you wrote and add or subtract as needed. Consider sharing your list with your counselor, clergy person, or a trusted friend. This is a very important step. If you don’t know what you want … you are unlikely to get what you need.

3. What are your absolute deal breakers? This should be a short list but significant because if they are deal breakers, you’ll have to break the deal (a.k.a. stop seeing this person) if even one of them happens. Hopefully they will not, but if they do, you’ll be tempted to rationalize them away. And just so you know, if it’s there, it’s never going to not be there. A gambler will be a gambler, a smoker will be a smoker, one who lies will always lie. Asking for your money, for any reason, should absolutely be a dealbreaker.

4. Do your safety research especially if you are going to participate in on-line dating. BE VERY CAREFUL. There are trolls on all social media sites looking to scam vulnerable people. Use only vetted dating sites. Make sure someone knows where you are going to meet, pick a public place, and don’t give out your home address.

5. Now that you know why you want to begin to date, what you are hoping for, what you are not going to tolerate and how you will protect your safety, it might be a good time to share your intention to date with the kids. If they know what you are looking for and how you will protect yourself, they just might be more supportive of your dating adventure.

6. As you get to know the new person, be gentle. If it’s not a deal breaker then it’s just something to lean in to. Unless it is something that scares you, then it should have been a deal breaker!

7. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be afraid to introduce your new person to activities you enjoy.

8. Keep an eye on YOU. Do you like how you are changing? Do you like how you are feeling? You should love yourself more in a good relationship.

9. Maintain a comfortable pace. If the person you are dating is moving too fast or too slow for you, speak up.

10. Finally, enjoy. Remember every step of the journey … is the journey.

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Make Sure the Tough Days Are Covered

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:40:30 GMT

Supporting a friend who is grieving requires staying power. In the first few weeks and days following the funeral, our thoughts are full of our friend. But often, as the weeks become months, our friend’s need is less acute, and our own routine calls us. We forget.

We forget that even when most of our friend’s days have evened out, some are likely to be difficult for a long while. Holidays, their birthday, the birthday of the person who died, and other special occasions might be hard well into the future or even as long as they live. Special days can cause grief to bubble up and feel fresh again.

While the death is still top of mind, gather those dates. The ones you know are special for your friend. Make a note wherever you keep your appointments, be it written on the calendar or in your phone. Flag the dates that are important to your friend. Give yourself a little advance notice so that you have a little lead time to make a plan with your friend for that day.

When you call to book a date, begin the conversation with a suggestion and follow with being open to what they may prefer. Something like, “I know your anniversary is coming up next week. What if we did lunch and a movie, or is there something else you would wish to do?” A newly bereaved person may find it difficult to come up with an idea on their own out of the blue. It just may be too much for them, so you offer a suggestion. But, then again, maybe they have thought about it and would just appreciate your company for what they plan to do or would like your support in another way. For example, sometimes a grieving person would like company when they visit the cemetery, and sometimes, they may prefer to go alone but might like to meet up for a cup of coffee later.

Go easy. If your friend isn’t able to wrap their head around that date when you make your call, give them time. They may need to let the idea settle in. If you encounter hesitancy, offer to check back later or let them know you are going to hold that date, just in case they would like your company when the time comes.

Also, remember everyone grieves on their own timeline. We often think of the first year following the funeral as “the hard year.” The first year after a death is often difficult, but grief does not end magically after twelve months for most people. For many, those special dates continue to remind them of love and loss ever after.

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What Happens at a Visitation?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:21:28 GMT

Human beings are social. We crave the company of others. During times of stress our friends comfort us, they listen to us, and share our troubles. When someone we love dies, we need our people.

Many faith communities, both ancient and modern, understand this need. They have, as a part of their death care ritual, a time for the bereaved to receive friends. This may take place before a funeral service, or in some religions the time for the bereaved to mingle with friends takes place after the funeral service and burial.

Dr Alan D Wolfelt describes a mourning ritual as a “symbolic activity that helps us, together with our families and friends, express our deepest thoughts and feelings about life’s most important events.” In Jewish tradition, the family “sits shiva” for seven days following the service and burial. Irish Catholics gather for a “wake.”

Visitation is a mourning ritual.

A Visitation is the less formal part of a funeral. It often takes place the evening or morning before the more structured part of the funeral service. The Visitation provides the opportunity for friends of the bereaved family to offer condolences, hugs, and express their love and respect for the person who died.

It is also a time for people who knew the person who died but perhaps are not known to the family to express their feelings to the family. This opportunity to feel the embrace and hear the words of people who knew the one we loved is a very powerful, sometimes overlooked, and often most healing part of the funeral ritual.

When a daughter or husband meets someone outside of the family who knew their mother as a co-worker or mentor or teacher and hears how the mother they loved impacted this other life, it has deep meaning. For many it is the most powerful, most comforting, aspect of the funeral ritual.

Each part of the funeral - the religious traditions, the eulogy, the celebration of the life, the burial or cremation and the visitation - has a purpose. If you are planning a funeral for a loved one, speak with your funeral director about all of the parts of the mourning ritual.

If you are attending a visitation, prepare before you go. Think about the person who died. How did you know them? Did they teach you? Did they help you? Did they comfort you? Did they make you laugh? Did they make your day better? When you attend the visitation, be sure to make the effort to introduce yourself to family members and share how you knew their loved one and how he or she made you feel, made you better, or made you laugh.

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Coping with Winter Holidays After Losing a Loved One

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:17:59 GMT

The winter holidays are often considered a time to be with family. And that feeling can be particularly hard when one family member is missing. Losing a loved one is never easy. And although the strongest symptoms of grief often dissipate within the first few months after the loss, grief can arise again through certain triggers, such as the arrival of the holiday season. Coping with loss during the holidays can look different for every person and every family, but these tips can give you someplace to start.

7 Ways to Cope With the Holidays While Grieving a Loved One

1. Talk about your loved one.

The winter holidays are often viewed as a time for good cheer. Everything is merry and bright, right? You may feel inclined to avoid talking about subjects that make you feel not so joyous, such as the loss of someone you love. But talking about your loved one may actually make you feel lighter. Sharing cherished memories among your family makes it feel like your loved one is with you.

Mourning a loss can be very confusing. You may feel like you’re not supposed to smile and laugh because your loved one is no longer physically with you. But it’s not only okay to share memories that make you smile, but it’s also healthy and may help you through the grieving process. Talking about your loved one with your family is also a bonding experience. You’ll bond both through grief and your love of the person you’re all missing.

2. Skip holiday events if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The holidays can often be a busy time. Maybe you were invited to a holiday party at work, several family gatherings, and New Year’s Eve event with your friends. All of that social interaction can be draining even when you’re not mourning a loved one, but during a year where you lost someone you love, you may just need to opt out of a few events.

Although talking to people you love can help you grieve, you may also need time to yourself. While we often view the holidays as a time for gathering with the people we love, it’s more than okay to take a step back. Your family and friends will understand.

3. Let go of expectations.

Movies, shows, books, paintings, songs, and all other forms of media most often portray the winter holidays as a time of merriness, when everyone is happy together and celebrating being with one another. But the vision of the holidays we see on TV isn’t always the way things actually pan out. Especially after losing a loved one, the holidays can remind you how much you miss them. Thanks to the idealized version of the holidays we’re surrounded by, we may feel wrong about being sad during this season.

It’s best to try to let go of expectations. The more you think you’re not celebrating the holidays right, the more you’ll chastise yourself for how you feel. Then that vicious cycle will just make you feel worse. It’s okay to cry during the holidays. It’s okay to miss the people you love. And it’s okay if your holiday doesn’t feel like the perfect vision you have in your head.

4. Join a grief group or talk to a mental health professional.

Talking to your family about your loved one may make you feel a little better while you’re missing them, but you may also want to address your grief directly. Grief groups can help you connect with other people who are missing their loved ones during the holiday season. You’ll feel less alone knowing you’re not the only one feeling this way. And you may learn tips from people who have been in your shoes about the best way to handle the holiday season.

You may also consider talking with a therapist or a grief counselor. Although it’s good to talk about your loved one with family and friends, it’s not always a great idea to share all of what you’re feeling with them. They may be experiencing their own grief and may not be well-equipped to address both yours and theirs. But by talking with a licensed professional, you can be completely honest about how you’re feeling and receive individualized help and attention to assist you through the holidays.

5. Change your holiday routine.

Sometimes, we find comfort in the familiar. You may want to keep the same holiday routine that you’re used to. But it’s okay to decide to change things. After losing a loved one, you may find it challenging to do what you used to do over the holiday season. Maybe you used to bake hundreds of cookies with your grandmother and give them out as gifts to the neighbors. But now that you’re doing all the baking on your own, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the process and by the fact that you’re missing your grandmother.

It can be hard to let go of this routine. You may feel like you’re letting others down. But it’s vital that you take the steps you need to take care of yourself, even if that means changing what you’re used to doing. While you may not want to get rid of every tradition, you may want to make some adjustments for the sake of your mental health.

6. Practice self-care.

Self-care is often used as a buzzword, and many people picture it to mean indulging in treats. But you may want to consider self-care a different way around the holidays. When people are grieving, they can sometimes overindulge, especially in food and alcohol. But after drinking or overeating, they may feel worse than they did when they started.

When we say self-care, we mean taking care of your mental and physical health. That can look different for every person. Maybe that means for you that you need to take some time out of every day to be alone. Or maybe that means finding time to exercise or do a craft that brings you joy. While it’s okay to indulge in the occasional treat, remember that your health needs to be your priority. The more you take care of your mental and physical health, the more you’ll be able to cope with the grief that you’re feeling.

7. Acknowledge your loss and include your loved one in a new tradition.

Remembering your loved one can help you to get through this holiday season. Because we feel like we have to put on the perfect holiday, we may feel inclined to try to focus on happier topics than loss. But the more we try to bury how we’re feeling, the worse we may feel. As you switch up the routine this holiday season, you may want to consider finding a way to incorporate the spirit of your loved one into the festivities.

For some people, that may mean lighting a candle or leaving a chair open for them during dinner. But there are many ways to honor your loved one over the holidays. Consider adopting a family to provide gifts with in your loved one’s name. Or you could volunteer with their favorite charity. Or, even more simply, you could bake their favorite recipe so your family can eat the treat they’ve always associated with your loved one.

Despite what we’re often shown in media, the holiday season can be a very trying time. Because it’s so associated with family and being together, it can be especially hard remembering that you can’t be with someone you love and so greatly miss. However, you’re not alone in how you feel. And remember that it’s okay to be happy too. Although there’s nothing wrong with mourning a loved one over the holidays, there’s also nothing wrong with finding some joy in the holiday season, even when you miss them.

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The First Thanksgiving Alone

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:15:12 GMT

Thanksgiving looks different to all different kinds of families, but it can also look different year after year. As family members grow up and have their own families, Thanksgiving celebrations may shrink. And as time goes on, the passing of family members can make those smaller Thanksgivings even more emotional. There may come a day when your Thanksgiving will be celebrated alone, which can trigger feelings of grief and loss. How can you navigate a Thanksgiving spent alone? There’s no wrong way, as long as you’re taking care of yourself.

What to Do When Spending Your First Thanksgiving Alone

1. Decide if you’d like to celebrate.

There’s no rule that says that you have to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sometimes, the most challenging part about the holidays is the expectation. We often remember images of what we think Thanksgiving is supposed to be like: an overflowing table with many family members seated around it, all smiling and having a wonderful time. We may even remember a time in our childhoods when our Thanksgiving dinner tables looked similar to those idyllic images.

But, more often than not, those images aren’t the reality for most people. You’re not alone if you don’t feel like celebrating when there aren’t others around. It’s okay not to want to put in the work to cook a large meal if you’re only the one eating it. There’s nothing wrong with deciding to skip the usual Thanksgiving traditions. On the other hand, if the traditions give you comfort, you may enjoy simply spending the holiday cooking. Only you can decide if you want to celebrate Thanksgiving when you’re alone.

2. Contact others who may also be alone for the holiday.

If you do decide to celebrate, remember that you may not be the only one celebrating alone. Perhaps a friend has recently been widowed, and their children live far away. Or maybe a recently divorced friend is spending the holiday alone because their children are with their ex-partner. Think about the people you know, and don’t be afraid to reach out and see what they’re up to.

Suggest a digital alternative if friends or family can’t gather in person. You could ask everyone to grab their favorite Thanksgiving foods and call into an online meeting platform, like Zoom. Even if you only chat for an hour out of the day, you may still enjoy having a little interaction with people you love during what otherwise may be a bit of a lonely day.

3. Volunteer.

Consider celebrating the holiday with people who may also be having a difficult day. Thanksgiving is one of the biggest volunteer days of the year, and the people who volunteer have the honor of helping those less fortunate have their own special holidays. When we volunteer, we’re helping others and helping ourselves. Volunteering our time releases dopamine , making us feel good about the good we’re doing. Seeing that what you’re doing is putting a smile on others’ faces will put a smile on yours.

Call around to your local food banks, soup kitchens, or places of worship and see who is in need of some help this holiday. When you’re spending a holiday alone, you may find it helpful to take your mind off the situation. Volunteering not only takes your mind off of the day but also puts the focus on someone else, making you feel good about your selfless act.

4. Treat yourself with something that you enjoy doing.

There are other ways to take your mind off the day besides volunteering, however. And especially if you’ve had a difficult time lately, it’s important that you’re taking care of yourself. One way to treat yourself to some essential self-care is by finding a way to put a smile on your own face. If you don’t want to think about the holiday, think about something that will occupy your body and mind in another way. What’s something you don’t often get to do that you really enjoy? Maybe you’ll spend the whole day curled up by the fire with a beloved pet and a good book. Or perhaps you’d rather spend your time in a fishing boat with the sun shining over the water, illuminating your day’s catches.

Be kind to yourself and let yourself indulge a little. Make a list of things you’d like to do that you don’t do every day, from activities to other treats, like your favorite chocolates. You deserve something that makes you feel good, so enjoy it all without a second thought.

5. Consider making preparations for the day with a professional.

Spending a holiday alone can be challenging, especially if you’re spending it alone because of the passing of a loved one. Sometimes, it’s best to be prepared for any emotions you face during that day. Talking to a mental health professional before the day arrives can help you combat your feelings as they arise. Before Thanksgiving comes around, schedule a meeting with a mental health professional and work with them to create a game plan for the holiday. You may feel better knowing that you’re facing the day with professional advice to help you navigate how you’re feeling.

Spending your first Thanksgiving alone can bring about a wealth of emotions. Especially if you’re spending it alone because of a loved one’s passing, you may feel more grief than you expect. But remember that there’s no wrong way to observe Thanksgiving alone, even if it means not celebrating at all. No matter what you choose to do, remember to be patient with yourself because ignoring or repressing your emotions may end up causing more harm in the long run. You’re allowed to grieve, even during a holiday.

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Honoring Military Heroes on Veterans Day

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:11:09 GMT

Veterans surround us every day, even if we don’t know it. They could be a grandparent, a coworker, a neighbor, or another person who’s a part of our daily lives. These people missed milestones with their families. They may have missed their child’s first steps. Perhaps they missed their first anniversary with their spouse. And they may have watched some moments that will stay with them forever.

Their sacrifices are why we honor them every Veterans Day. So, how did this holiday come to be? And how can we best say thank you to veterans on this day?

Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

Veterans Day didn’t start out as Veterans Day. Originally, it was called Armistice Day . And although it did honor the military, it was celebrated for a different reason than we celebrate Veterans Day. Armistice Day was held in honor of the end of the fighting in World War I, which occurred at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. The belief at the time was that World War I would be “the war to end all wars.” But that was far from the truth.

Though Armistice Day celebrations date back to the 1920s, Congress made it a national holiday in 1938. It would be only a year later that Germany would invade Poland, and World War II would begin. The meaning of Armistice Day changed significantly in the recognition that there were more soldiers to honor than those who fought in World War I.

The first celebration called Veterans Day was started by a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks in 1947. The event was held on Armistice Day, but it was meant to honor all veterans. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Although Congress would later try to change the date of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October in 1968, it was clear that November 11 remained the true date of Veterans Day in the public’s mind. As a result, the date of the holiday was changed back to November 11 a decade later.

Though Armistice Day honored the soldiers of World War I, Veterans Day, as we celebrate it today, commemorates all veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve their fellow man. Veterans Day remains a day of reflection upon their service and the sacrifices they made. Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day, but Veterans Day is meant to be a day to give support to veterans still with us, while Memorial Day is intended to be for fallen soldiers.

How You Can Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

1. Observe a moment of silence.

In 2016, President Barack Obama signed a law asking Americans to voluntarily pause for two minutes on Veterans Day for a moment of silence . Americans are asked to use this time, which begins at 2:11 p.m. EST, to reflect upon the sacrifices made by veterans to protect and honor America and our freedoms. While this moment of silence is not mandatory, it’s a way to show respect for the veterans among us.

2. Volunteer at a VA hospital or nursing home.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, or the VA, hosts many facilities across the country that provide care to returning veterans, including hospitals and nursing homes. Although these locations need support year-round, Veterans Day is a great time to volunteer because many of these facilities host events in honor of the day. Call your local VA hospital or nursing home to ask how you can help. Even if no events are being held, you can make a veteran's day by simply spending time with them at these locations.

3. Recognize the veterans around you.

One of the most important things to do on Veterans Day is to recognize the sacrifices of the veterans around you. You have veterans all around you, perhaps even in your own family. Be sure to thank these people for their service, but you can also go a step further and show your thanks through acts of kindness. Maybe your neighbor is a veteran. Give them a token of thanks, such as flowers or baked goods, or invite them over for a meal in their honor. Do what you can to show kindness and support to veterans on Veterans Day.

4. Organize a Care Package Party.

Veterans Day is also about recognizing those who are still serving, who are missing home and the comforts within it. Many organizations ship care packages to soldiers overseas to give them some of these comforts. Get involved with these organizations by rallying some of your friends and family to put together care packages for these troops. If you know someone personally in the military, you may send packages to them for them to distribute to their troop, or you can let one of the care package organizations mail your gifts to other soldiers for you.

5. Raise funds for veteran-related charities.

Donating what you have is a wonderful way of showing support, but you can go further by asking others to donate around you. Try organizing a fundraiser to raise money for veteran-based charities or your local VA office. You will likely need to take several days beyond Veterans Day to put this fundraiser together.

Remember that Veterans Day is a day of recognizing sacrifice. More than the veteran themselves sacrificed to protect this country. Many charities support the other lives that are touched by military duty, such as a spouse who is taking care of the home while their partner is overseas or a child who will miss the holiday season with their parent. Since Veterans Day is close to the winter holidays, you may consider using your Veterans Day fundraiser to acquire gifts to provide to struggling families who won’t see their soldier during the holiday season. Supporting veterans is also about supporting the people they love. So, pick a charity that touches you and provides help to soldiers and those they love alike.

Your community may already have events planned to raise funds for specific groups. If you would rather not create your own fundraiser, contact the organizers and ask how you can get involved. Donating your time is as valuable as donating your other resources.

When we celebrate Veterans Day, we’re saying thank you to those who stood as our protectors. So, be sure to thank a veteran on Veterans Day, and thank those who sacrificed alongside them, like their families. The smallest actions, such as spending time sitting down with a veteran in a nursing home, can mean the most to these heroes.

www.bisslerandsons.com

How Can We Honor Our Family Member Who Died and Keep the Holiday Celebratory?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:21:03 GMT

There are those people in our lives who we connect with on certain holidays. When we think of Christmas, Hanukkah, or the 4 ^th of July, this person comes to mind. It might be the cookies they baked, the blessing they said, or the fireworks show they were known for. Regardless of what they did, it is difficult to imagine the holiday without this person. Celebrating the holiday, especially for the first time, following their death can be hard. The goal is not to lose the celebratory nature of the holiday in the void created by the death of the person we loved. It is to incorporate the memory into the celebration of the holiday.

1. PLAN IN ADVANCE

Contact those who will share the holiday with you. Talk about what you want the holiday celebration to look and feel like. Do you want to preserve all the traditions? What did your loved one do that made the day special? What jobs will need to be reallocated in your loved one’s absence? Be proactive. Don’t wait for the holiday to fall flat because along with the death of the person you loved you also lose family traditions that are precious to you and define the holiday for your family.

When you are talking with your family members, use Dr. Steven Covey’s 5 ^th habit of highly successful people … seek first to understand and then to be understood. Use your questions. Ask what others want before you tell them what you want.

Remember when you text or make that phone call, you do not have any idea of the environment in which it lands. It might be received right in the middle of a child’s melt-down over homework, or the dog having an accident on the floor, who knows? Ease into the topic. You are thinking about how the holiday will be celebrated. The recipient of your message is probably not. It’s important that you set out on the right foot. Put a frame around your intent. “I want us to have the best holiday possible this year, could we set aside a time to talk about how we can work together to make that happen?”

Take extra care. Expect that this will be a tender time for all family members. Choose your words wisely, practice forgiveness when you need to, be kind, and listen.

2. KEEP THE TONE POSITIVE

Remember what the person you loved and lost really did that made the holiday special. Remember what they loved about the day and incorporate that into your celebration. For example, let’s say Dad always decorated the tree the week after Thanksgiving. Fill the void. Gather the grandchildren, the family, and maybe a few friends for a tree decorating party. Share a few Dad stories and get the tree put up in the warm glow of family and friendship.

When your sister-in-law offers to make the sweet potatoes, understand that they may not be just like mom’s sweet potatoes. If it is critical to the holiday’s success that they are MOM’S sweet potatoes, pull Mom’s recipe in advance and ask your sister-in-law if she would make them. If it’s not critical, enjoy a new sweet potato adventure. Avoid bringing the day down over little things. Instead, focus on what is really important and was important to your loved one.

3. REMEMBER WITH INTENTION

Most importantly, focus on what the person who died added to your lives and the holiday. Talk about what they did, what they loved, how they added to your life. When you are planning in advance for your holiday, decide how you will remember the person who died. Perhaps the touch football game after dinner will be dedicated to Dad’s memory. Or maybe, in honor of Mom’s love for flowers, you ask that each family member bring a stem for your table decoration. Maybe you all decide to share a memory before dessert. There are many ways to remember. Let your happy, fond, special memories be the focus of your day. Rather than the loss you all share.

4. EMBRACE THE NEW

Lean into the changes. Allow yourself to enjoy what you have. The family and friends who are with you, the turkey roll instead of the whole bird, the pumpkin cheesecake instead of the pumpkin pie, paper napkins instead of cloth. Whatever the changes are, just look for the love that went into the preparation and bask in its glow.

www.bisslerandsons.com

What Should Be Included in a Funeral Program?

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:40:48 GMT

There are so many aspects of putting together a funeral that it’s easy to overlook some things. But every element of funeral planning is vital for different reasons. One often-overlooked component is the funeral program.What exactly is a funeral program?And what do you find in one?

What is a funeral program?

Funeral programs serve the essential purposes of giving attendees information about the service and of being a tangible memento that honors the life of the decedent. These programs may be the size of one sheet of paper, a card, or a larger booklet. Most often, they are provided to funeral attendees either when they enter the room where the service will be held or placed on the seats before the guests arrive.

What goes in a funeral program?

Funeral programs can be as unique as the service itself, but there is a general order to what goes into these pages. Here’s what you may find in a funeral program:

1. A cover honoring the decedent

The cover of a funeral program often consists of the name of the person whose life is being honored, a photo of them, and the years of their birth and death. Making a cover this way makes it clear whose service guests are attending. However, a cover may also consist of other elements that show more of the decedent’s personality. For instance, a funeral program’s cover may also have one of the decedent’s most beloved quotes, poems, prayers, or song lyrics. Just as an obituary doesn’t have to have a somber tone if the decedent was known for their humorous personality, it’s fitting to make the funeral program show off that personality. The cover is a good place to set that tone.

2. The obituary

Within the pages of a funeral program, it’s customary to find the decedent’s obituary. Although you may have previously shared the obituary on your funeral home’s website, a website dedicated to obituaries, social media, local newspaper, or other locations, writing it in the funeral program helps to immortalize that spirit of your loved one.

3. Service information

Because a funeral program is a memento of the service, it should include the service information. You’ll want to write the date, time, and location of where the funeral is being held.

4. Order of service

As the name suggests, the order of service is the order in which the events of the service will be held. Some events may include the introduction, prayers, readings, musical performances, eulogies, additional speeches, and closing remarks. If you’re having a religious service, you may want to talk to a religious leader to ensure that your order of service fits the traditional funeral ceremony performed by that religion. For example, traditional Catholic funerals do not include a eulogy. Whether you’re holding a religious ceremony or not, you should also talk to your funeral director to make certain that you know the proper order of the service before writing the program. Alongside each element of the order of service, you should also write who is leading that portion of the service.

5. Where to find prayers, hymns, and scripture readings

If you’re holding a religious service, you should include in the funeral program where to find prayers, hymns, and scripture readings. Doing so allows the guests to read and sing along when the time arrives. Especially if you’re expecting a large service, it may be hard for some guests to hear the officiant. By providing directions to where to find the readings, no guest will have to worry about missing important information.

6. Song or hymn lyrics

Similarly to why you would provide where to find readings, you may want to write the lyrics to songs or hymns that you may wish the funeral-goers to sing along to. If anyone is unfamiliar with these songs or hymns, they will be grateful you provided the lyrics. Even if guests don’t sing along, these songs were chosen to be a part of the funeral for a reason. It’s meaningful for guests to be able to study those lyrics, which were important to the decedent or hold great significance.

7. Pallbearers and flower bearers

While the names of the eulogists, singers, and other speakers will be included in the order of service, you may also want to share the names of the pallbearers and flower bearers in the funeral program. If you do choose to write them, you should remember to also include anyone who is an honorary pallbearer or flower bearer.

8. Additional service information

If there’s a committal service or reception after the funeral, you should also share directions and information about these services. You should write when and where they will be held, as well as any additional pertinent information.

How can you make a funeral program?

If you choose to make your own funeral program, one of the simplest ways is by using a pre-made template, such as you may find on a platform like Canva. But the easiest way to make a funeral program is by asking your funeral director for assistance. Many funeral homes offer printing services that can help make sure that your funeral program fits your needs.
Funeral programs are considered an essential part of funeral services as they help guide attendees through the ceremony. But there are many different components to a funeral program to make them beneficial to your guests. To ensure your program addresses each critical element, talk to your funeral director about putting one together.

www.billowfuneralhomes.com

Since 1875, The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory has been providing world-class care to the families of northeastern Ohio. Family-owned and operated, Billow’s has two full-service facilities in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls as well as a privately owned crematory. The team at Billow’s is passionate about providing unmatched care for both families and their loved ones. For more information, visit billowfuneralhomes.com .

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Cemeteries – A final resting place

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What is a Columbarium Niche?

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It’s a Funeral … Go Ahead and CRY

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Grief is Real

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

65 or over: don’t be a fall statistic

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Five Themed Funeral Ideas to personalize a funeral

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

My Financial Advisor doesn’t think it’s a good idea to preplan my funeral

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

My spouse died: Do I really need to wait a year to move?

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Procrastination and Funeral Planning

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Where Not to Scatter Cremated Remains

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Planning a Funeral for Someone in Hospice Care

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Choosing the Right Funeral Service: 10 Steps to help you get it right

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

To Plan or not to plan your funeral in advance

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What is an Ossuary?

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What is Direct Disposition?

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why using a Family Owned Funeral Home Matters

Fri, 28 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Thinking of your own mortality

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Grads and Grands

Fri, 14 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Core Values and Funeral Decisions

Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Jack be Nimble & Quick … get your affairs in order!

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Five Tips to Help with the Year of Firsts

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

How to get the funeral you want

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Green Funeral?

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why do we have eggs and chocolate rabbits at Easter?

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

What helps when a person is sad?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Should we have an open casket?

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why not call the funeral director?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Expressions of condolences

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Jewish Funeral Traditions

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Five “to dos” when you hit 70

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

How did St. Valentine’s Day get started?

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Hearts, flowers, chocolate, the feast day of a Saint, just what is Valentine’s Day? Some tell us it is a holiday created to brighten the cold dark winter month of February. The holiday goes all the way back to the Romans. The Roman Festival of Lupercalia held in mid-February to celebrate the coming of Spring culminated in a lottery that matched up men and women. It was all about love from the beginning. In the 5th century Pope Gelasius I changed the festival to Saint Valentine’s Day, but the love stuck. Saint Valentine’s Feast Day was associated with courtly love. By the 14th century Valentine’s Day was a day to celebrate romance. Flowers, cards, and chocolate were soon to follow. Today, on Valentine’s Day we still celebrate love. What could be better? What is more important than those we love? On February 14th we push the pause button on the demands of life and make telling our husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends they are important to us and we love them. It is a little holiday. It does not take a lot to let someone know they are loved. Remember you will not have these people forever. Take a minute or two to share the love! www.bisslerandsons.com Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory has served families in Kent, Ohio, and all of Portage County since 1913. The company transitioned ownership in 2018 when Rick Bissler retired and arranged to merge his family’s funeral home with the Billow family’s funeral homes, who carry on the tradition of high quality funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services. Their privately owned and operated crematory ensures that loved ones never leave their professional care. Visit bisslerandsons.com to learn more.

How often do I need to change the Furnace Filter?

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

In times of stress routine is a life saver.

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What to expect when your Catholic friend dies.

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

After the funeral…what to look forward to

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Do I need a “final resting place”?

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Funerals and Ceremonies

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Navigating the New Year 2021

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Christmas after the death of a loved one

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

How can we use pictures at a funeral?

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Cooking for One …The Perfect Egg

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Choosing Music for a Funeral

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Three things you need to know about THANKSGIVING

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Holiday Conversations

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Funeral Service and Veterans Benefits

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Who Becomes a Funeral Director?

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What does the embalming room look like?

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Three things to include in your funeral plan

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Top three priorities for those who are grieving

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Where did summer go?

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Thinking no funeral? Think again.

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Why children should be included in a funeral.

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Planning a Memorial Service: Do it yourself or call the funeral director?

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

When Where you Live is not Where you Want to be Buried

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

There is a Vitality

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT

When a Child’s Pet Dies

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Trouble Sleeping After A Loss

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Why Don’t we Celebrate Life While the Person is Alive?

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What is a Celebration of Life?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

To Plan or Not to Plan Your Funeral in Advance

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Moving on With Life After the Death of a Loved One

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Age-Associated Financial Vulnerability

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Making the Funeral About the one who Died

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Independence Day

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Embalming … What Funeral Directors Do

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Honoring Dad on Father’s Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT

The Best Gift Ever for Your Adult Kids

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

Fri, 29 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Planning for Cremation

Fri, 22 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

The Changing Face of American Veterans

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

What is PTSD?

Fri, 08 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Opportunity

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

The best insurance purchase you will ever make

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Where are you now … three to six months after the death of a spouse

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Social Distancing, Weddings and Funerals

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Until Death do us Part: Losing a Spouse, Three to Six Months after Loss

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Mother died…how long do we keep her things?

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Preparing The Eulogy

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

When I die, I just want you to …

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Answering the question after the funeral: "how are you?"

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

When your friend loses their pet

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Funerals are changing ... but grief is still the same

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Scam protection

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Remembering a rabid football fan

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Too little too late - a memorial gone wrong

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Should I go to the funeral?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

The gift of a note to your family

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Cremation Society or Funeral Home

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year 2020

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Christmas

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Writing the thank you notes

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Flowers and Funerals

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Vanished without a trace

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

The holidays aren't the same this year

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Oh Boy here come the HOLIDAYS

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Saying thank-you to a Veteran

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT

What can the funeral home do for a Veteran?

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What is the Day of the Dead?

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Cheap cremation

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Dad died. What do I do with the pills?

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

How should I prepare for my funeral preplanning meeting?

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What to look for when you are buying final expense insurance

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Grief is individual

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

When the soul leaves the body ... reacting to a sudden unexpected death

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What to expect when you expect to be cremated

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Preplanning Your Funeral in your 60's

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

What do you do with cremated remains?

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

It's not really a funeral plan if it's not at the funeral home

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Cheap Funerals

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Thinking About Skipping the Funeral?

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

The Loneliness in Losing a Life Partner

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Cremation or burial ... is that the question?

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Why Plan Your Funeral in Advance?

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

We All Love in Very Different Ways: Preserving the Family Relationship While Planning a Funeral

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

The 4th of July ... Birthday of Our Great Nation

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Our dog died and my family wants to get a new one. Why?

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Honoring Military Service

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Father's Day

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Normandy's Hallowed Ground

Fri, 31 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day

Fri, 24 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Death and Taxes

Fri, 17 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Mother's Day

Fri, 10 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Moving After a Spouse Dies?

Fri, 03 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Spring: A fresh optimistic start

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Finding YOUR Joy

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Do I really need to attend the funeral?

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Where Should I Send My Condolences?

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

When Your Parent Loses Their Spouse

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Get Your Family Involved in Funeral Planning

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Who Should Record My Funeral Wishes?

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Who Will Take Care of My Funeral Plans?

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

To Plan or Not to Plan Your Funeral in Advance

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Email to a Funeral Director

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Enjoyable New Year's Resolutions

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Accepting an Invitation

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

A Year of Firsts

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT

The Cranberry Sauce is for Dad

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

People often say that one of the hardest things about that first year, the year after your loved one died, is that no one uses their name or talks about them. The hole in your heart begins to feel deeper and wider because talking about them seems forbidden. And as the holidays approach, the quietness can feel even more painful. So, why not take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and find a way to bring your loved one to your holiday gathering in a light but meaningful way. A good example of keeping your loved one in your holiday gathering is the family that always includes that jiggly cranberry sauce straight from the can on their table. There it is - just as it comes from the can - indentations, ridges, and all. Every year it’s there for dad. Every year it is ceremoniously placed on the table accompanied by a few words about how important it was to dad’s enjoyment of the holiday. Every year it brings lots of smiles and stories about dad. If you have lost someone dear, and you miss them more at the holidays, consider opening the conversation, using their name, and talking about them in a positive way. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory has served families in Kent, Ohio, and all of Portage County since 1913. The company transitioned ownership in 2018 when Rick Bissler retired and arranged to merge his family’s funeral home with the Billow family’s funeral homes, who carry on the tradition of high quality funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services. Their privately owned and operated crematory ensures that loved ones never leave their professional care. Visit bisslerandsons.com to learn more.

The First Thanksgiving Without the One You Love

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Make Family the Foundation for Funeral Planning

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Thank You for Your Service

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Talking with a Veteran

Sat, 03 Nov 2018 04:00:00 GMT

How to Thank a Veteran

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Funerals are for Saints and Sinners

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

The History of Veterans Day

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Control Funeral Costs by Planning Ahead

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Food Provides Comfort

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

How to Dress for a Funeral

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

How to Say the Right Thing at a Funeral

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

What to Expect at a Funeral

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT

WHAT DO FUNERAL DIRECTORS DO?

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT