5 Ways to Support Grieving Friends and Family

Grief is a very isolating feeling, so supporting a friend or family member who recently lost a loved one is very important. If you know someone is grieving, these five tips can help you support them. Be Present. Allow someone to share their story about their loved one; this could include details of their death. Doing this is such a kind and loving act. Be utterly present at this moment….

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Gratitude and the Grieving Process

Did you know it’s OK to practice gratitude while grieving? After losing a loved one, feeling grateful is not something many anticipate while suffering. Yet, it’s not impossible to find yourself filled with an outpouring of gratitude following your loss.  How we show our gratitude can affect the healing process. Gratitude can help bring together the past, present, and future and assist in closing the gap between you and your…

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What is a Grief Retreat?

What is a Grief retreat? It’s a place to get away from your routine and join a community of people who understand and share in your grief. But these types of retreats are so much more than a temporary escape for those struggling with loss. Grief can be an isolating experience for many. Grief retreats can provide a safe space for someone to gain valuable tools to cope with loss….

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Are the Five Stages of Grief Correct?

When you lose a loved one, you hear a lot about the stages of grief. You know, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We’ve all heard of them; they’ve been ingrained in our heads forever. But what f they aren’t correct? Do you know where they originated? We do! Take a look! Where Did the 5 Stages Originate? Introduced in the 1969 book titled On Death and Dying by Elisabeth…

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Five Fun Fall Activities in Pennsylvania

We are lucky to live in a state with a change in seasons. Pennsylvania is the perfect place to be in the fall and has so much to offer its residents and visitors. In no particular order, we’ve completed a list of our five favorite things to do in the fall in Pennsylvania. Take a look, then take a ride to check them out! Highland Orchards Fall Apple Festival, West…

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Best Choices for Funeral Attire

Last month we shared the top three things you should NOT do at a funeral. One of those things was not to dress like you’re headed for a night out and to ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed. Today we will dig a little deeper into what proper funeral attire is and what are the best choices you can make when deciding on your clothes for the day….

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Top Three Things You Shouldn’t Do at a Funeral

Look around the internet; there is no shortage of websites discussing funerals. What to say, what to send to the grieving family, and how to choose the right flowers. These are all great ideas and resources, but we want to share our top three things you shouldn’t do at a funeral – countdown style. We’ve seen a lot over the years, and in our opinion, these are the three biggest,…

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Steps to Take When Death Occurs

It is never easy to address a family member’s or loved one’s death. Death often comes when nobody expects it, making it difficult to understand what tasks need to be done and when. The funeral must be planned, bank accounts closed, pets rehomed, and final bills paid. The amount of paperwork may take you by surprise. It’s a big responsibility and requires massive attention to detail. Settling all affairs for…

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How Using Therapy Dogs Helps at Funerals

Attending a funeral is one of the saddest, most inhumane experiences we face. We face the loss of a loved one multiple times in our lives, and we can never truly recover. Having dogs at funerals can add some humanity to a rather inhumane scenario. How Dogs Can Help Pets lower cortisol levels, the “stress hormone,” and provide relief from depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Some neurotransmitters, including oxytocin, serotonin,…

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Vital Records After A Loved One Passes

Everyone knows that you are issued a birth certificate when you are born. The birth certificate is commonly used when applying for employment, passports, and more. A birth certificate includes the child’s name, date, and gender. It also contains the names of the parents, date of registration, and place of birth. A birth certificate’s elements are different from that of a death certificate. Different states have different birth certificates. Although…

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