Family and Funerals
Call UsPlanning for End-of-Life Checklist: Get Started Today!
It’s something we all have to face – planning for the end of our lives. But it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this planning for end-of-life checklist. It will walk you through the steps you need to take and the choices you need to make so that it’s easy for you to get started today!
10 of The Most Stunning Mausoleums in the World
Mausoleums are large, impressive, and often ornate structures found in cemeteries across the United States. While many think mausoleums house the remains of the deceased, this is not always the case. Some mausoleums are elaborate walls that designate an area for family plots. Find out more about 10 of the most stunning mausoleums in the world.
Scattering Gardens: A Meaningful Place to Remember
When scattering cremated ashes of a loved one, many families choose a scattering garden, a designated area to scatter a loved one’s cremated remains. Usually found in cemeteries, these gardens offer families a permanent and meaningful place to remember their loved one. If you’re looking for a place to scatter your loved one’s ashes, consider visiting a memorial garden near you!
Prepaid Cremation Plans: Prepare for the Future Today
When you think about the future, what comes to mind? For many people, prepaid cremation plans are a part of their long-term strategy. Prepaid cremations can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Here’s what you need to know about prepaid cremations and how they work.
21 Songs to Memorialize Your Mom’s Life
It’s hard to put into words what losing your Mom means, especially if she was a big part of your life. One way to remember her is through music. Songs can often express feelings and emotions better than words alone. Here are 21 songs perfect for memorializing your Mom’s life.
Top 10 Country Funeral Songs to Remember Your Loved One’s Life
When planning a memorial or funeral service for yourself or a loved one, considering what they loved is part of the process. What better way to remember your loved one than through the music that stirred their soul? Let’s look at the 10 top country funeral songs you can play to feel all the feels and remember their life well.
What Does It Mean to Die in Your Sleep?
It can be a bit of a mystery when someone dies in their sleep. What does this phrase even mean? How do people die in their sleep? Usually, it means that the person died without any pain or awareness. However, there are many ways that someone can die while sleeping. Let’s look at some of the most common ways people die during sleep.
Can You Be Buried Without a Casket in North Carolina?
When it comes to funerals, many people think that the only way to go is with a casket. However, this is not the case in North Carolina. There are several ways to plan a burial without a casket. Whether you are making funeral arrangements for yourself or a loved one, we can help you find the best way forward. Let’s explore ways you can be buried without a casket in North Carolina.
The Language of Flowers: How to Express Your Condolences with Beautiful Blooms
When someone we love dies, knowing what to say or do can be challenging. One way to express your condolences is with beautiful flowers. Flowers have been used for centuries to communicate messages of love and support, and the language of flowers is still alive and well today. Let’s look at some of the most popular flowers for funeral arrangements, as well as their meanings. We hope to help you choose the perfect flowers to express your sympathies during this difficult time.
What is Bereavement Leave? Why Do I Need It?
When a loved one dies, the natural response is grief. This sadness and pain can feel overwhelming. It’s often difficult to continue with everyday life. However, most workers only receive three days of unpaid leave. Let’s look at bereavement leave and what you can do if you must work while still grieving.
Next of Kin Meaning in North Carolina
When someone dies, their next of kin (NOK) are typically the first people notified. They are also the ones who make decisions about what happens next with the deceased person’s remains. Let’s take a closer look at the next of kin meaning and the decisions they must make when a loved one dies.
What is the Difference Between Funeral and Life Insurance?
When someone dies, their loved ones face funeral expenses and other debts. Funeral insurance (sometimes called burial insurance or preneed insurance) is a life insurance product designed to help cover these costs. Let’s look at the difference between funeral insurance and life insurance. We will also discuss a third alternative, the funeral trust, and how it can also help you cover end-of-life expenses.
Should You Say “Passed Away” Or “Died?”
When a loved one dies, it can be challenging to cope with the loss. You may hear others say that your loved one “passed away” and wonder what that means. While “passed away” is a euphemism for death, many religions believe that a soul passes on into another realm after death. This is where the idea that someone “passed away” comes from. Let’s look at what “passed away” and other euphemisms mean and what to say about the death of a loved one.
What to Say When Someone Dies Unexpectedly
Death is a difficult thing to deal with under any circumstances. When someone dies unexpectedly, it can be even more challenging. You may feel at a loss for what to say to someone who has lost their loved one. It is important to remember that your presence and support are more valuable than any words you could say. However, if you want to offer some comfort, here are a few ideas of what to say when someone dies unexpectedly.
When Complicated Grief Keeps You Stuck: How to Move Forward
It’s normal to feel grief after a loved one dies. In fact, grief can last for months or even years. However, there comes a time when continuing to grieve can keep you stuck and prevent you from living your own life. Finding ways to move forward is essential if you find yourself in this situation. Complicated grief describes mourning that lasts a considerable time and won’t subside. Complicated grief therapies can help you move forward. Let’s look at how a lack of resiliency can keep you stuck in complicated grief and how to move forward when this happens.
How to Cultivate Resilience in the Face of Grief: Tips for Moving Forward
It’s normal to feel like you’re stuck in quicksand when you’re grieving the death of a loved one. The pain can seem unbearable, and you may feel like you will never move on. However, with time and patience, you can cultivate resilience as a character trait that will help you move forward in your life. Let’s explore some tips for growing resilience in the face of grief.
Why Be an Organ Donor in North Carolina?
Most people don’t like to think about what will happen when they die, but you may wonder, “Should I be an organ donor?” There are many compelling reasons to do so, and it’s easy to sign up. Don’t miss your chance to help others long after you are gone.
What to Do When a Loved One Suddenly Dies at Home
Who do you call when someone dies at home and you are shocked and confused? It can feel like your whole world has come crashing down. You may not know who to call or what to do. Let’s walk through the steps you need to take when a loved one dies at home.
How to Plan a Funeral: Your Guide for Arranging Services
When someone we love dies, it is a difficult time for everyone. One of the most important things to do during this time is plan the funeral. Planning a service allows friends and family to come together and mourn the loss of their loved one. It can be an elaborate event or as simple as you like – it’s up to you! In this guide, we will outline what you need to know when planning a funeral.
5 Stages of Palliative Care: What They Mean for You
If you or a loved one is dying, it’s hard to know where to turn for help. However, palliative care provides comfort and support to those who are dying and their families. If you’re facing a terminal illness, it’s essential to understand how palliative care can help make the end of life more comfortable for everyone involved. Let’s look at the 5 stages of palliative care and what they mean for you and your loved ones.
Hospice Philosophy: Why We Need End-of-Life Care
When a loved one faces a diagnosis of terminal illness, their loved ones often scramble to find the best hospice care. The hospice philosophy is essential because it focuses on providing comfort and peace to those who are facing end-of-life illnesses. Let’s look at hospice philosophy and why it matters so much to families with loved ones facing death.
Pre Planning: Giving a Gift of Peace to Your Family
When it comes to end-of-life planning, preplanning is one of the most important steps you can take. By prepaying and prearranging your funeral services, you are giving your loved ones a gift of peace in a time of great stress and confusion. They will not have to worry about making arrangements or dealing with the financial burden that often comes with death. You can plan it all, including choosing the type of service, the location, and even who will officiate. Preplanning is the best way to ensure that your final wishes work out exactly how you desire.
How to Balance Caring for Your Elderly Parent with Living Your Own Life
When caring for an elderly parent, finding the right balance between caring for them and living your own life can be challenging. On the one hand, you may feel like you need to put your everyday life on hold indefinitely to care for them. Let’s explore some helpful options and find the best way to care for your elderly parent while still living your own life!
8 Cremation Ashes Ideas to Consider In 2022
When a loved one passes away, planning a memorial or funeral can help you work through grief. Cremation is often part of those plans, and when it is, what do you do with the cremains? Here are 8 cremation ashes ideas for you to consider in 2022.
7 Things to Consider When Preparing a Loved One for Cremation
When a loved one dies, the grieving process begins. Along with mourning the physical loss, you must also make crucial decisions about the deceased’s final arrangements. One of the options you may have is cremation. Here are 7 things to consider when preparing a loved one for cremation.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Cremation, But Were Afraid to Ask
Cremation is an increasingly popular option for those looking to dispose of a body. But how does cremation work, and what can you expect after the process is complete? Let’s look at everything you need to know about cremation, from how long it takes to what’s left of the body after the process finishes. We’ll also dispel some common myths about cremation and answer some frequently asked questions. So if you’re curious about cremation, read on!
Why Choose a Direct Cremation Provider?
Cremation is on the rise in the United States. In 2016, cremations accounted for over 50% of all funerals, and that number continues to grow. Cremation is often seen as a more affordable option than a traditional burial. That’s why it’s becoming more popular, but not all cremation providers are created equal. It’s important to know that not all cremation providers handle the cremation themselves. Let’s look at what cremation is and why finding a direct cremation provider matters.
Funeral Dress Guidelines in North Carolina
Social pressure to conform keeps most of us wearing clothing that won’t draw too much attention. We want to be seen for who we are and not only for what we wear. However, some events make us think more than twice about what to wear. Let’s look at common-sense funeral dress guidelines for North Carolina.
Cost of Cremation vs Burial: Which is More Affordable?
Cremation or burial? This is a question many people face when planning a funeral. There are pros and cons to both options, and it ultimately comes down to the preference of the individual or family. In general, cremation tends to be less expensive than burial. The cost of cremation vs burial varies by region. Speaking to your funeral home about the specific costs involved in each option will help you make the best decision for your loved ones and your wallet.
Funeral Pre Planning Worksheet
Planning your own funeral can feel emotionally overwhelming, but your bravery in facing these decisions now prevents your family from facing these difficult decisions later. Beginning the planning process with other family members can make it easier for you to make the best decisions for all involved. Considering a “Funeral Pre planning worksheet” now can help you address everything you need to consider.
Fear of Dying Alone
The fear of dying alone is not uncommon. The urban dictionary recently included “monatophobia,” meaning “fear of dying alone.” However, the reality of dying alone may look much different. Let’s look at the fear of dying alone and some ways to feel less afraid as you live in the here and now.
Are Funeral Expenses Tax Deductible?
The IRS allows deductions for medical expenses to prevent or treat a medical illness or condition but not for funeral or cremation costs. But are funeral expenses ever tax-deductible? Learn how you can save on funeral costs in today’s economy.
Traditional Burial: Not the Only Option
If you’re wondering about how to plan for end-of-life, your options are many and varied. Traditional burial is no longer the only way to go out. Other options include cremation, green burial, and cremation with burial. Let’s look at what traditional burial entails and how it differs from your other interment options in North Carolina.
Burial vs Cremation: What’s Right for You?
Whether you choose cremation or burial for your end-of-life plans, there are many factors to consider. Many more people in the US are choosing cremation over burial now vs. in the 1950s. Learn about the pros and cons of burial vs. cremation. Which is right for you?
How Can I Find a Simple Cremation Provider?
Finding a provider for a simple cremation without all the extras may feel daunting. However, you don’t have to skimp on quality and service to find a simple solution for cremation services. Some cremation providers will work within your budget constraints to help you and your family grieve together while providing cremation services at a price point you can appreciate.
Anticipatory Grief: Coping with the Inevitable
Feelings of sadness are typical for many individuals facing the imminent loss of a loved one. Let’s look at what anticipatory grief consists of and tips on coping with your daily life while grieving.
Photo Tour of Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Historic Oakwood cemetery in the middle of Raleigh, North Carolina is uniquely situated amid rolling hills and valleys with an abundance of gracefully swaying trees. In the fall, the colorful leaves give the entire area a majestic beauty. As you walk through the cemetery, there is a sense of groundedness, of belonging to time and place, as if all who walk this earth have a right to leave their legacy. Seeing the dedicated monuments to the lives lived, you ponder the stories of those who now rest at Historic Oakwood. Leaving this place, you understand a renewed sense of your own life’s purpose. Take a photo tour of Historic Oakwood Cemetery and find out who you are.
What is Your Legacy?
Our legacy is what kindles memories in those that succeed us. A legacy isn’t necessarily crafted or created. It just develops over time. It is passed on. Learn what a legacy is as you contemplate what your own personal legacy consists of.
What Happens in the Minutes Before Death?
If someone you love is in the end stages of life, you may have many questions. How much time do they have before death? Will you know when they are about to pass away? How can you ensure that you are there when death occurs? Let’s look at what happens minutes before death, including the physical signs you may look for to know death is imminent.
Everything You Want to Know About Cremation Ashes
In past years, burial with a memorial granite gravestone was a popular choice for almost everyone who passed away in the US. However, in recent years, the popularity of cremation is increasing. When you choose cremation for yourself or a loved one, you receive ashes. Let’s look at everything you want to know about cremation ashes.
What Do Cremation Services Include?
In 1958, less than 4% of Americans chose cremation. However, in 2021, cremation is a popular choice for families and those making preparations for their own memorials. With so many choosing cremation, it makes sense to consider what cremation services include.
Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs
If you own a home or a bank account, you have assets you’d like to protect if you need long-term care. Nursing home care costs can eat away everything you’ve saved over the years. However, there are ways of protecting assets from nursing home costs. Let’s look at the possibilities for keeping more of your hard-earned money while leaving more for your loved ones when you die.
How to Honor Your Mother and Father in Death
Because most parents care about their children, it makes sense that as we grow, we would learn to care for them in return. When a parent passes away, it can feel like a piece of your self is gone. However, honoring your father and mother in their passing can help you grieve and move forward with hope. Learn ways to honor your parent in their death.
Finding Perspective About Death
“If you’ve ever suffered the throes of grief, the idea of anything good coming from death seems cruel. Entertaining the idea feels impossible. That’s normal. It takes time and distance to get a broader, more accurate perspective. It’s worth the trouble to gain it because getting a fresh perspective on this loss can help you endure it and live a more meaningful life.”
9 Innovative & Creative Memorial Ideas
When someone close to you passes on, the grief can feel overwhelming. One of the ways to work through pain is by expressing your feelings through art. You may want to recreate a cherished memory, commission a portrait, or write a song. However, you choose to remember, there is an artistic medium that fits your budget, talents, and taste. Remember your loved one in your own unique way. Let’s look at nine innovative and creative memorial ideas.
2021 Funeral Memorial Ideas
When a loved one passes on, you want to honor their life. Spending time with friends and family can help relieve a bit of the heartbreak. However, funeral memorial ideas can also help you and your loved ones process your grief.
Funeral Options for Non-Traditional Individuals
If you want to plan a funeral or celebration of life, but better or different from the usual kind of traditional funeral, you are not alone. If you’re looking for different ways to celebrate a loved one’s life, or if you want to make a unique kind of plan to celebrate your own life when you’re gone, consider these ideas. Learn about funeral options for non-traditional individuals.
Are Military Funerals Free?
When it comes time to plan a veteran funeral, you may hope for and wonder if military funerals are free. Whether at a national, state, or private cemetery, the Veteran Administration covers some expenses or provides items necessary to remember a veteran well. Learn what is covered, when there is no coverage, and how to apply and check eligibility.
How to Make Memorial Cards
Having a memento from a memorial service can keep the memories and inspiration alive through the years. While funeral homes often provide this service so that you don’t need to think about it, if you have access to a computer and printer, these cards are not difficult to make yourself. Let’s look at the steps required to make and print out your own memorial cards.
Order of Service Template for a Funeral
If someone you love passes away and planning the funeral falls to you, you might feel overwhelmed. You need quick answers for your questions about what to include in the funeral service. Let’s look at an order of service template for a funeral and the purpose behind each part.
