Letting Go of the Logistics:

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

The Power of Legacy Projects

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

Characteristics and qualities to look for in a funeral director

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

Six Important Questions to Ask When Selecting a Funeral Home

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

Planning a DIY Memorial Event?

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

A Death Doula’s Commitment to Bridging the Gaps in End-of-Life Care

“We move forward with heart in everything we do.” As a young child, Megan Povlitzki experienced significant loss through the death of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and classmates. Grief and all of the emotions it’s comprised of — confusion, frustration, sadness, and anger (to name a few) — became an all-too-familiar feeling.  “I’ve always … Read more

Thanacare Enables Agency for Patients, Providers, and Family at End-of-Life

Guest post authored by Dr. Michael Madison, CEO & President of Thanacare Thanacare is a comprehensive digital registry for all essential end-of-life care documents. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of advance care planning (ACP) in ensuring individuals receive care that aligns with their values, preferences, and goals, particularly … Read more

How the Death Positive Movement Helped Inspire SendOff

SendOff’s core vision is to offer families opportunities to transcend tradition and empower them to think differently about what it means to celebrate a life well lived. Ultimately, it’s about giving people more choice and more control. Which morticians, palliative care doctors, or hospice nurses are you following on social channels? What podcasts are you … Read more

Relief & Grief

Guest blog authored by Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT – Grief Counselor, Best Self Therapy  Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT When you think of grief, whether it was your own experience or a loved one who was walking through their own grief journey, what comes to mind? What emotions are believed to be part of the grieving … Read more