Years ago, when my grandfather died, my friends arrived at visitation with a small stuffed bear. I was in college by then, beyond teddy bear years, but I kept that eventually-dilapidated bear for years. He was a poignant reminder for me — of my dearly missed grandfather and of the power of showing up. My … Read more
Walk down the aisles of any store these days, and you’ll see the back-to-school items — packs of pencils, brightly-designed backpacks, and rows upon rows of notebooks — already prominently displayed. It’s still July, but our society seems to be perpetually set on fast-forward. The good news is, we still have many weeks of summer … Read more
Father’s Day can be a challenging holiday, especially when your dad is no longer here or if your relationship with him, like many human relationships, is layered and complicated. Whether you’re grieving a recent loss, missing someone who’s been gone for years, or holding mixed emotions about the man he was, you’re not alone. For … Read more
As spring turns to summer, social media feeds fill with cap-and-gown photos, school gymnasiums echo with applause, and families gather to celebrate hard-earned diplomas. Graduation season is a time of joy, pride, and ritual. From walking across a stage to tossing a mortarboard into the air, these ceremonial acts help mark the end of one … Read more
Ashes are more than remains; they’re a chance to remember in a way that feels right. As more families choose cremation over traditional burial, a new question arises: how do you honor someone’s life in a way that feels meaningful, personal, and lasting? According to the National Funeral Directors Association, cremation rates in the United … Read more
How to Be Fully Present at a Sendoff You ask a friend how they’re doing, and you often get this response: “Fine. Just busy.” We all have endless to-do lists, career and family obligations, hobbies and interests, and of course, bottomless entertainment in the form of phones carried in our pockets. We move through life … Read more
Your Story Matters What’s your legacy? When you think of your legacy, what comes to mind? A family tradition? A skill passed down through generations? A story that shaped your life? How do you hope to be remembered? When I got married over 20 years ago, I received many thoughtful gifts, but one stands out … Read more
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Funeral Photography Unless you have an existing relationship with a funeral director, it’s unlikely you know much about them before you start planning arrangements. And when the time comes, it can feel uncomfortable, even surreal to sit across the table from a stranger who’s responsible for guiding you through such a … Read more
Whether you’re hoping to pre-plan future funeral arrangements or looking for more immediate support, find the right funeral provider by asking the right questions. If you’re pre-planning your funeral arrangements, you typically have a bit more time to research services, pricing, and reputation of your local funeral homes. However, if a family member died unexpectedly, … Read more
Four things to consider before you embark on such a big endeavor. For a number of reasons, planning memorials or celebration-of-life events without support from funeral or event professionals is growing in popularity. People may opt for a DIY (“do-it-yourself”) end-of-life gathering because it gives them more control in choosing an event location and incorporating … Read more
