Letters/Kind Notes Gift Set

If you aren't sure what to say, or how to express your sympathy and deepest condolences, these uplifting and encouraging notes will help your friend or loved one get through the days ahead.

This gift set includes:

• Glass Jar and filling
• Decorative ribbon with KindNotes charm
• 31 of our most popular sympathy and inspirational messages enclosed in specialty linen cardstock envelopes.

Dimensions:

Jar:   3 3/4 inch X 6 inches

Envelopes: 2 1/4 inch X 1 5/8 inch (closed)

Paper: 2 1/8 inch X 1 1/2 inch White 90lb. index

Sample messages include:

• If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at at time. -Beth Mende Conny
• When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. -Unknown
• What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. -Hellen Keller
• May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Gift box is included.

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/personalized-gifts/sympathy-messages-kind-notes

When A Death Occurs At Work Or Home

When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel. If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, and the person is under a physician's care, the family will want to call us directly.

However, if the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.

If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call Bryan-Braker, and we'll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.

Be the Gift of Comfort, Joy and Love This Holiday Season

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. When you have lost a loved one, the holidays can be filled with mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. After the loss of my mother, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas were filled with a sense of displacement. My mother always hosted the holidays at her home. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and birthdays were always a celebration with many family and friends.

After my mom passed away that all changed. The first few years were an adjustment. I was blessed to be included in my sister's family festivities and when my dad moved back to California we were able to start new family traditions.

Over the holidays my home is still filled with memories of my mother's love for the holidays. I have combined my new holiday decorations and traditions with some of my mom's favorites. Making my mom's favorite holiday recipes each year helps me connect with her spirit and makes me feel like she is right there with me.

As we move into the holiday season, remember that your friends and family members that have lost a loved one may be experiencing deep feelings of loss. Be sure to take the time to connect with them and let them know that they are loved.

Here are a few ways to be the gift they were hoping for this holiday season:

• Invite your loved one to join you for your holiday gathering. As family members pass away, traditions change and a loved one may not be able to spend the holidays with their family. Including them in your family festivities will help ease the loneliness they may be feeling this time of year.
• Make a special date to go to dinner, have coffee, or to go shopping to have some private one-on-one time. This special time will allow them the opportunity to talk about their feelings.
• Help them with holiday arrangements. If they are hosting a holiday gathering, offer to help them prepare the food or offer to go shopping for them to take a little stress off of their shoulders. Ask if they would like you to prepare a favorite food that may have been a family tradition.
• Take them out for a special day of pampering to a spa or to have a massage. Relaxation and pampering will assist both of you with the stress of the holidays.
• Celebrate the memories of their loved one by sharing stories and going through photo albums together. This activity will give your friend or family member the opportunity to celebrate their happy memories.

Having the support of friends and family during the holidays can make all the difference. So as you are making out your To Do List for the holidays, be sure to include those friends and family members that might need a little extra love and care this time of year.

©2009 Lori Pederson

Lori Pederson, Founder of I Did Not Know What To Say, a website created to inspire and to provide you with tools to assist a love one through the grieving process. If you would like our free newsletter on how to assist your friends and family through the journey of restoring balance in their life after the death of a love one, please visit our website at http://www.ididnotknowwhattosay.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Pederson

Angel Of Courage

This precious Angel of Courage is crafted of Sterling Silver Antiqued CZ -designed by Deborah J. Birdoes, from her "Sentimental Expressions" line of jewelry.

• Includes an 18" chain with spring ring clasp and comes packaged in a stylish magnetic gift box, to protect the jewelry that has so much to say.

• Also included is a poem card with the poem and verse printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other.

This angel is for those whose path is on the road of courage. You have carried your weight of what you are going through and still plowed forward. You have stepped out of your zone of comfort to fulfill your vision. Obstacles and challenges have not held you back. In fact you have grown stronger and more confident, making the courage you have inside grow.

VERSE: I command you- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." —Joshua 1:9

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of

the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” —Mary Anne Radmacher

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/sentiments-of-faith/angel-of-courage

Does Pre-Planning Require Pre-Payment?

The simple answer is just two letters: No. You can set plan to paper by simply recording your wishes, and leave it for your family to pay for your desired services at the time of your passing.

Or, you can protect you and your family from inflation, by pre-funding your plan. This ensures your expenses will be covered when you need them to be.

When you choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, your money is put in a state-approved trust account or top-rated insurance company until required. After your pre-plan is paid for in full, our price is guaranteed. You will never have to pay more for the services you have already paid for.

Another point we’d like to stress: When you pre-plan with Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, your plan will go where you go. No matter where you reside at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan will be transferable to any funeral home in the United States.

Why Pre-Plan with Bryan-Braker Funeral Home?

By pre-planning with us, you’re assured that your final wishes are known. This relieves your family of the burden of making difficult decisions, under emotional duress. Through pre-funding your plan, expenses will be covered when you need them to be. That's guaranteed.

Our plans offer a variety of payment options to fit your needs. Choose the payment option that's right for you.

The 4 stories we tell ourselves about death

Philosopher Stephen Cave begins with a dark but compelling question: When did you first realize you were going to die? And even more interestingly: Why do we humans so often resist the inevitability of death? In a fascinating talk Cave explores four narratives -- common across civilizations -- that we tell ourselves "in order to help us manage the terror of death."

5 Things You Can Do to Personalize a Funeral Service

Traditional funerals following a typical pattern are more frequently being replace by personalized funeral services. As a funeral professional, you have the opportunity to help your client families create a service that truly reflects the unique character of the life being commemorated. There are many options available to do this, and here we will cover five of the most impactful that will establish your funeral home as a progressive business, while gratifying your client families in their desire to celebrate the life and individualism of their loved one.

1. Tribute Videos

Thorough representation of the departed is imperative to a successful personalized service. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is to honor the departed with a video tribute. Including photographs that showcase the life story and major milestones and set to music selected by the family, video tributes may be played during visitation or memorial services. Simple software can help you create touching, expert presentations that will set the tone of the service.

2. Personalized Keepsakes

Unique keepsakes, such as candles customized with photographs and themes befitting the deceased can be made available to the family or all attendees. With the ability to keep memories alive, they are perfect for providing comfort during anniversaries or holidays. Other distinctive mementos are personalized holiday remembrance ornaments, bookmarks, pendants and jewelry. Touchstones that can be tangibly accessed deliver solace and continue remembrance.

3. Personal Objects

Use decorations during visitation or memorial services to focus on the favorite hobbies and passions of the deceased. Treasured books of an avid reader may be displayed, golf clubs for a golfer, a quilt made by a quilter, even cookies for a baker. Create an atmosphere that faithfully characterized the departed; mourners will find comfort in these objects that recall their loved ones' interests during life.

4. Memorial Websites

Memorial websites allow friends and family to leave memories, photos and videos. Entirely representative of the personality of the deceased and virtually everlasting, they can be shared with everyone or restricted to a few. An online tribute like this can be visited at any time and updated whenever desired. The family may want to post the tribute video to this type of website, or even the recorded funeral webcast - with password encryption for privacy.

5. Funeral Stationery

Memorial folders and other pieces of personalized funeral stationery provide an exceptional vehicle to illustrate life milestones, photos, jokes, favorite song lyrics and prayers of the departed. Applying a theme that symbolizes him or her further customizes the celebration of that precious life. Again, given to attendees to bring home reinforces the personal nature of the funeral service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7135825

Five Tips For Offering a Helping Hand After The Funeral

The funeral was lovely. It was packed with friends paying their respects. But once everyone else has gone back to normal routines, close family and dear friends still grieve for the lost loved one. They may feel that the world has passed them by and feel very alone.

Now is a perfect moment to make a difference to a grieving friend. If you can, reach out and show you care.

• Spend time together. Take grieving friends out for a cup of coffee or lunch. Or, attend a game or go for a walk together. Set up a regular time, perhaps weekly, that can be counted on. Looking forward to a regular walk and talk just might take some of the sting out of the grief.


• Offer a listening ear. Be there for them to share a memory, to cry, to vent, and to ask some of the hard questions. "Why me?" "How can I go on?" You don't have to have the answers, just listen. Your caring might be a lifeline to them and add a sense of normalcy to their sadness.


• Share your own loss experience. If you have a loss in common, such as a child, parent, or friend, you might be able to gently share how you coped and got through a hurdle. It's nice to be able to talk to a trusted friend who "has been there." Perhaps you could share how you got through your first holidays or significant anniversaries. One very helpful suggestion for me, for example, was to plan ahead and decide what I wanted to do during those first holidays.


• Work on a project together. Every day tasks can seem impossible to do alone, but the help of a friend can bring smiles and the satisfaction of a job well done. So, volunteer to help them make holiday cookies, clean out a closet, organize photos, fix the car, or whatever is on their list.


• Give a small gesture of kindness. Even on the worst day, knowing that someone is thinking about you can really lift your spirits. Send a little card, share a flower from your garden, or bring over a yummy cupcake. It doesn't have to be much.

Grief can be a very long journey. You have the golden opportunity to lighten someone's load while they travel that tough long haul when most everyone else has left. Now is a time to reach out and be there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8104014

We Are Here With Emotional Support And Compassionate Guidance

Our staff members are experienced professionals who can provide much of the information you need, emotional support and compassionate guidance.

While you may ask the director any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet in person. During this initial call, the funeral director will gather information to be able to transport your loved one to the funeral home.

The funeral director may ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. The director will also schedule a date and time for you to meet at the funeral home and will let you know what you should bring with you. Others you will need to call are:

• Family members and friends
• Clergy or other spiritual advisors

Sympathy Words - A Few Ideas For Comforting Others

Nearly everybody has, at some time or another, experienced the loss of a loved one. Many have also been in the position to comfort a friend at the loss of someone dear to them. In either case, sympathy words are exchanged. The perennial problem is, of course, that in times of grief, it may be difficult to find the right words. It may in fact be difficult to physically say them at all. However, it's important to express your sympathy to your friend or loved one.

What Words of Sympathy to Say

Here is something to think about: If you had just lost one of your parents or a sibling, what would you find comforting? How well you know someone is a good litmus test of what you should say and how you should say it. When finding sympathy words, always remember to whom you are speaking. If that person is a very private individual, he or she may prefer to be left alone for the most part. In that case, knowing when the appropriate time to approach is essential to successfully providing comforting sympathy words to the grieving person.

Choosing your words when you are called on to comfort someone in grief is more complicated than just trying to make them feel better. You want them to know that you can empathize with their pain. The difficult part in all of that is knowing that they will have heard sympathy words from perhaps a hundred other people as well, so what can you say that will truly give them peace and closure? Look to samples of sympathy words online for inspiration. Obituaries Help.org, has words of sympathy samples in cards, letters, sayings and quotes. Read some examples before you sit down to write your own words of sympathy.

A Short List of Sympathy Words

The following is a short list of sympathy words you can say to someone to bring him or her comfort. 

• You are always in my prayers
• He/She would be very happy to know that you loved him/her so much
• Always remember that you have friends and we are here for you, so if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.
• You can find peace in the good memories that you have
• I know this is hard, but you can make it through

These are just a few things that people have found to be helpful over the years. They are effective mainly because the speaker empathizes with the bereaved. That is the main thing, and it cannot be overstated. Your sympathy words should show that you empathize with the kind of pain they are experiencing, and that you can help them through it.

Sympathy Phrases to Avoid

Saying "I know how you feel" to someone who has lost a loved one is not the best way to show your sympathy. Words like that can sometimes hurt more than they help because no one can truly know what another person is feeling about anything, especially the death of someone dear. ObituariesHelp.org also has lists of Phrases to Avoid for sympathy sayings or words of sympathy.

Also, avoid being at all insincere. Again, remember that this person will most likely have heard sympathy words from many other people over a few days, so the last thing they want to hear is condolences that are not heartfelt. Don't offer your help if you can't or won't actually help.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Sometimes, offering sympathy words can involve no words at all. Making a meal for someone when you know they don't feel like cooking for themselves can be a great help. Simply offering a hug is often a very comforting gesture. Day to day tasks may be hard for the bereaved to complete. Doing their dishes, mowing the lawn, taking the kids to school or other activities are all ways to show you care and are simple sympathy gestures that mean so much.

The grieving process is different for everybody, but the one immutable truth behind everybody's experience is that the right words or gestures can go a long way towards easing the pain of this difficult transition in their lives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2281345

Services: Tribute Videos

Your family photographs are skillfully blended with wonderful graphic images and music, to create an elegantly emotive cinematic video. It can be an integral part of any funeral or memorial service. After the ceremony, the video is sure to become a treasured family keepsake. And, we can make copies as gifts for family and friends.

Answers To Some Questions You May Have

• What is a funeral?
  The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. It permits facing openly and realistically the crisis that death may present. Through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step towards emotional adjustment to their loss.
• What type of service should I have?
  Only you can answer that question. The type of service conducted for the deceased, if not noted in a pre-plan, is decided by the family. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination or the wishes of the family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgment of friendship and support. A private service is by invitation only where selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family's community and religious affiliations.
• Can I personalize my funeral service?
  Absolutely, in fact, we recommend it. After all, the funeral is a celebration of life. Funeral directors are happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalized in many unique ways. Contact us at (707) 425-4697 to explore the possibilities.
• Why should we have a public viewing?
  There are many reasons to view the deceased. It is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions, and many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process, by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is even encouraged for children, as long as it is their desire to do so, and the process is explained well.
• Why do we need an obituary notice?
  It is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary notice published announcing the death and type of service to be held. A notice can be placed in a local newspaper, or on the Internet.
• What do funeral directors do?
  Funeral directors are both caregivers and administrators. In their administrative duties, they make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body.
  As caregivers, funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.
• What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
  We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is place a call to us at (707) 425-4697. If you request immediate assistance, one of our professionals will be there within the hour. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it's acceptable. Then they will come when your time is right.
• What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
  Your funeral director can assist you if a death occurs anywhere on the globe. Contact your hometown funeral director of choice immediately. They will assume responsibility and coordinate the arrangements for the return of the deceased person to their community. They may engage the services of a funeral director in the place of death who will act as their agent.
• What is the purpose of embalming?
  Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. It makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them. Embalming the body enables mourners to view the deceased if they wish. The emotional benefits of viewing the deceased are enormous, particularly to those having difficulty dealing with the death.
• Is embalming mandatory by law?
  No. But, certain factors of time, health and possible legal requirements might make embalming either appropriate or necessary. Please note that embalming may be required if the deceased is being transported by air to another country where local laws need be observed.
• Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
  No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. We can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.
• Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation is chosen?
  Yes. Cremation does not preclude having a visitation period and a funeral service. Cremation is simply one option for final disposition of the body.
• Is cremation as a means of disposition increasing?
  Yes, but not dramatically.
• Is it possible to have a traditional funeral if someone dies of AIDS?
  Yes, a person who dies of an AIDS-related illness is entitled to the same service options afforded to anyone else. If public viewing is consistent with local or personal customs, that option is encouraged. Touching the deceased's face or hands is perfectly safe.
• Has this cost increased significantly?
• Funeral costs have increased no faster than the consumer price index for other consumer items.
• Why are funerals so expensive?
  In some respects, funerals are a lot like weddings or birthday celebrations. The type and cost will vary according to the tastes and budget of the consumer.
  Not only that, a funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
  Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details. Contrary to popular belief, funeral homes are largely family-owned with a modest profit margin.
• What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging?
  While most funeral homes provide outstanding services, sometimes things can go wrong. Funeral service is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and state licensing boards. In most cases, the consumer should discuss problems with the funeral director first. If the dispute cannot be solved by talking with the funeral director, the consumer may wish to contact the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: 1-866-653-4261; by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or on the Internet at www.ftc.gov, using the online complaint form. You may also choose to contact the local Better Business Bureau, or your state consumer protection office.
• Who pays for funerals for the indigent?
  Other than the family, there are veteran, union, and other organizational benefits to pay for funerals. Most funeral directors are aware of the various benefits and know how to obtain them for the indigent. However, funeral directors often absorb costs above and beyond what is provided by agencies to insure the deceased a respectable burial.

Paths Toward Peace Of Mind As We Mourn

The pain, frustration, and suffering we go through after the death of a loved one is extremely difficult to cope with and grow through. However, great losses, particularly the changes that go with them, are constant and have to be addressed. Grief by nature is a transformational process: we learn new ways to adapt to a different life or continue to resist the inevitable changes that have to be made. Since there are numerous healing paths to follow, perhaps you will find one or more of the paths below to be one of your choices and provide achievable inner peace in the process.

1. Find your purpose/mission in life. Think long and hard on why you are here. Do you have a personal goal? Purpose gives us meaning and a boost in self-esteem. Examine your skills, abilities, and interests, very closely. Carefully ask yourself what moves you deep within. Then decide on a plan to follow in creating a purpose to lead you to a higher level of consciousness. The sense of accomplishment will transform your life and in the process pull you out of the shadows. The cost of not seeking your niche, your contribution, is overwhelming.

2. Focus more on what you can give and less on what you can receive. We all certainly need support in dealing with our losses. However, it is equally true, that at some point in our grieving seeking to help others even though we are hurting is a historically proven way to cope well. Start by paying the kindness you receive forward. Decide what has helped you up to this point in you grief; analyze it for the needs that it met, and try to meet similar needs in others. Think of these four basic needs we all hope to be fulfilled in our interpersonal relationships: attention, acceptance, affection, and appreciation. Decide on the many behaviors you can generate to meet these needs in others. You can build more peace within as you bring peace to them.

3. Choose to develop your ability to become more loving. Love is a great unused power in dealing with all sorts of difficult situations. Grieving and adapting to great losses are situations in which working to love deeper and more completely brings new perceptions in seeing the world and our places in it. Great love strengthens the quality of our inner lives.

Look for uplifting and inspiring readings or poetry which suggests loving kindness as the motivating force behind it; read a short paragraph daily and then commit to those loving actions as you go through your day. Ask yourself. "What actions can I take to give unconditional positive regard to someone today?" Developing this daily routine will add structure to your life and help stabilize the sense of disorganization that accompanies grief work.

4. Develop and nurture a belief in something greater than the self. For most, grief is a heart-filled spiritual journey which fills mourners with a different perception of life and death. It may be appropriate to join a spiritual community to be with others who share similar values. Just being in their company to listen can be a soothing experience and you may find spiritual exercises that bring great insight and peace.

The awareness of spiritual knowledge and the impact it can have on every facet of life is a resource of inestimable value in coping with the death of a loved one. If you don't have one, find a spiritual path. Don't allow the culture we live in to deemphasize the importance of faith and spirituality in living a full life and coping with the massive changes we all eventually face.

5. Be open to new ideas and ways to adapt to change. There are so many ways to cope with great losses, many we never think about. So read all you can about how others cope with their losses. Ask others how they were able to adapt to their great loss and find peace. For example, consider deciding to search for ways to deal with your pain and not run from it. Uncover new responses that help ease pain. There are some that will fit your belief system and you can implement them to your own individual situation.

Be sure to include ways to deal with stress which commonly builds as we think too much about what we do not have. Daily stress management will not only help your mind, it will be a great gift to your body as well. Start by learning about mindfulness techniques and belly breathing.

6. Learn what you can and cannot control. One goal that all of the various grief theories agree on is that the ultimate goal of grieving is acceptance of what has occurred. Of course, not easy to do. This acceptance translates into coming to grips with what you can control, like in the present moment, and what you cannot change or affect from the past. No one can reverse what has occurred. Knowing the difference is a choice requiring wisdom and sometimes guidance from others. It can also require prayer and/or deep meditation. Making the choice of acceptance, which means to live with the fact, not necessarily like it, would be a great start to inner peace.

7. Set a goal to reach in honor of your loved one. Peace comes through doing as well as thinking. Allow yourself to be touched and motivated by the invisible presence of the beloved. Unwavering determination is of essential importance in completing your mission. So once you have chosen how you will pay tribute, create a schedule of when and how you will work on it. Develop the habit of eliminating self-sabotaging thoughts of what you don't have by switching to a focus on your progress of paying tribute to your loved one.

Continually work to create a conscious lifestyle that has peace of mind as a top priority. Make this is a daily duty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7460257

Keepsakes To Help Memorialize The Passing Of Loved Ones

When someone we love passes away, whether it is a friend, a relative or even a beloved pet it is often difficult to get through the grief process. The hardest part is coming to terms with the fact that they are gone from your life. This is why many people choose to memorialize the departed in a keepsake that they can keep close allowing them to feel like they have the loved one near. When it comes to choosing a memorial keepsake, the decision is very personal, but here are just a few suggestions of things which might interest you.

Sewing A Memorial Quilt

Textile art is something that is becoming very popular and quilts are becoming very fashionable, so what better way to keep loved one's memory alive than by sewing a quilt for them. A lovely idea is to use the person's clothing or favorite fabrics to create a patchwork which tells a story of their life. Each and every time you stroke the square that came from their favorite shirt or the one that came from their nightgown it will evoke happy memories of your time together. Alternatively, you could put together a quilt that features fabric you feel depicts the person. As an example, if the quilt is a memorial to your grandfather who loved to fish and play golf then you could look for fabric with a motif to match. There are also companies who will print photographs onto fabric and even create quilts or afghans for you.

Create Some Memorial Jewelry

If you are looking for a memorial keepsake that you can take with you everywhere you go, then jewelry might just be the answer. There are services which allow you to use ashes from a cremation to create glass pendants which are a beautiful reminder of someone special. It is also possible to have photographs turned into pendants or charms to place on a bracelet. You may even just wish to have a piece of jewelry engraved with their name and dates of birth/death. You can even go simpler and take a piece of the deceased person's jewelry like a ring, and string it on a cord to wear around your neck.

Make A Dedication In Their Name

A larger memorial that many people go for is to dedicate a bench or a tree in the person's honor. This usually involves paying the local community authorities to plant a tree or place a new bench in a park which will bear a plaque that is engraved with your loved one's name. Some funeral homes and crematoriums even have special gardens or areas where you can do this rather than having to go through the authorities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7484050

Wall Of Memories

This means creating a dedicated place for family and friends to connect and remember your loved one.

• 

  A Consistent Place of Healing- Wall of Memories

  This memorial wall is open to anyone who wishes to place a permanent, bronze plaque.  The plaque is custom made for your loved one and can include name, dates, personal history, poem, emblems, artwork, even cast bronze portraits. The Wall of Memories is located on the center pathway on the south side of the Elm Dormitory.
  Also, many families are choosing to scatter the cremated remains of their loved one in a favorite place; the ocean, or even in the skies above. While that may seem fitting at the time, it means that you do not have a consistent place to connect with the memories of the person you loved so dearly.
  Having such permanent place - in a cemetery, mausoleum, or cremation garden - that can be visited regularly by family and friends is an essential part of the time following a death. It becomes a focal point of memorialization, and gives everyone a special place to go to remember your loved one, or to commemorate important occasions. It can help to make a birthday or anniversary less painful.
  A permanent place to reflect on your loved one becomes a way of connecting to a family's past. Visiting the resting place of grandparents or great-grandparents may provide children with an anchor to their personal history. It is a connection to the past, to love shared. It truly honors the relationship you still have – and will always have – with that person.

Letting the Sun Shine In Daily Emails

Seven days a week we'll send you a short message of support. That's 365 days of wise words, helpful tips, and healing activities.

• Letting the Sun Shine In Daily Emails

  When someone you love dies, grieving that loss can take a long time. As in any emotional journey, there are rough spots to be weathered, and moments when you catch a glimpse of a sunnier horizon. We want to be your daily companion, helping you to let the sun shine back into your life. These daily emails provide encouragement and gentle reminders of the recovery process. Interested?

  View a Preview of Day 1.
• • Your daily affirmation emails have given me hope for a better tomorrow. - Emily
  • Your messages have helped me reflect the life my grandfather lived and have helped me heal. - Dan

• Subscribe to Letting the Sun Shine In

  To sign up for our daily email messages of comfort and healing, please enter your information below. We’ll send you a confirmation email verifying your email address. Click the link in the confirmation email and you will start receiving these valuable messages.

  
  

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We Have Years Of Experience

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are the leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

At Fairmont Memorial Park, we offer a wide variety of locations to choose from and prices to fit all budgets. To schedule a no obligation tour of the memorial park, please contact the office at (707) 425-4697. COA230. www.FairfieldCemeteries.com

Day’s End Memorial Framed Art

Express sympathy in a meaningful and lasting way with this framed print.

• A dedication label on the back of this framed art creates a special and unique way to memorialize a loved one.

• Size: 21"Wx11"H

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/art-collection/days-end-memorial-framed-art

Honoring Life

Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the unique individual you've lost.

We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event. Contact us today to discuss the possibilities.

Handprints Necklace

From Deborah J. Birdoes' extraordinary Inspirational Blessings™ Collection of Jewelry.

This item comes with 18" chain, a gift box and a card with poem.

HAND PRINTS ON MY HEART

Although you are not here with me, Your hand print is on my heart.

You were a precious gift to me, I loved you from the start.

You left this earth too early, And landed on heaven's shore.

I snuggle in the memory of you. Oh how I love you even more.

You are never far away from us, For your memory's a steady stream.

I will never say good bye to you, So I am wishing you sweet dreams.

Someday we'll be together again, But until that one fine day.

Your are the hand print on my heart Where forever you shall stay.

Product Dimensions:

• Sterling Silver 20.63X23.15 MM

• Weight: 5.71 DWT ( 8.88 grams)

©2010 Deborah J. Birdoes

This Is Halloween

Have A Safe Halloween

Sterling Silver Antiqued Cuff Bracelet

Find comfort in your faith with one of these cuff-style bracelets. Made of sterling silver, the cuffs are crafted with either the "Faith" or the Ichthus symbol of Christianity.

Drive-Thru Funeral Home

A funeral home in Compton offers drive-thru funerals behind bullet proof glass. The dead are laid out behind a glass window no different from a department store display or a McDonald's drive through window. As discussed on Episode 40 of 'The Glory Hole' comedy podcast entitled 'The Voodoo Priests'. www.GloryHoleRadio.com

'The Glory Hole' is Rob Sprance, Franco DelValle, Chris Fortney and Big Mike
Check out 'The Glory Hole' and other great shows at www.GloryHoleRadio.com

Southern Magnolia Tree

This magnificent magnolia is known for its deep green leaves and rich, red velvet underside.

• Beautifully packaged as a meaningful gift to send to that special someone.

• Each tree comes covered in 100% natural jute with its own set of care instructions, small watering tool, and gift card.

• A magnolia suited for the recipient’s zip code will be selected.

The Never Forget Pendant & Chain

The Never Forget Pendant & Chain is sterling silver, is designed by Deborah J. Birdoes, and is from her "Inspirational Blessings™" collection of jewelry.

• A beautiful reminder of a loved one that has passed.

• This item comes with an 18" chain, pre-packaged in a gift box.

• Also included is a card with a verse from scripture.

Quote from Scripture:

"But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD

do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass

them on to your children and grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9

More Information HERE

Precious Moments My Soldier, My Hero Figurine

Precious Moments My Soldier, My Hero figurine is a caring and patriotic way to honor a serviceman’s courage and sacrifice for us all. This figurine features a loving couple embracing; they could be saying goodbye or returning to each other following active duty.

• Made of Bisque porcelain.

• Dimensions: 4.70”W X 5.20” H X 2.75” L

• Weighs .90 lbs

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/tribute-to-veterans/precious-moments-my-soldier-my-hero

Patriotic Throw

The patriotic and faithful message on this blanket is appropriate for any occasion by so very special when you want to express your sympathy in a unique and lasting way. We will personalize your gift by attaching a dedication or gift card and will complete the card according to your instructions.

• An appropriate gift to express your support to the grieving family

• 50" wide x 60" tall

• 100% Cotton

MESSAGE ON BLANKET:

"One Nation Under God"

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/tribute-to-veterans/patriotic-throw

Many Ways Of Honoring Life

Honoring the achievements of your loved ones and celebrating the life you shared together are the cornerstones of healing after loss

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It's All about the Relationship

Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relationship you shared. We look forward to helping you decide how to celebrate that bond, and honor the unique individual you've lost. We can make suggestions to enhance your tribute ideas. Together we will create a fitting and memorable event. Contact us today to discuss the possibilities.

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Tribute Videos

Your family photographs are skillfully blended with wonderful graphic images and music, to create an elegantly emotive cinematic video. It can be an integral part of any funeral or memorial service. After the ceremony, the video is sure to become a treasured family keepsake. And, we can make copies as gifts for family and friends.

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Personalized Printing

Our memorial bookmarks, service programs, prayer cards, and folders can all include a favorite photo, poem or prose tribute to your loved one. We can add a uniquely caring element to your service, so your guests can leave with a treasured keepsake.

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Memorial Websites

The traditional newspaper obituary is quickly being replaced by the memorial website. We’ve taken the concept further than anyone else. Our memorial sites are not just a repository of family photos and videos; they’re Web 2.0 tools for connecting with family and friends, all in honor of your loved one. We invite you to take a tour, so you can see its power to celebrate connections, honor a life, and record the love you shared.

Live Funeral Webcasting

The newest innovation in funeral service, webcasting, allows everyone you love to attend your loved one's service. A webcast is viewed live over the Internet, and archived for delayed viewing.

Bagpiper

Music is important part of a funeral service. The bagpipes have been commemorating the loss of loved ones for hundreds of years. The Bagpipes are a powerfully touch to our deepest emotions, and express feelings that words alone may fail to convey.

Musician & Soloist

The music at the services should reflect your loved one’s life. Live musicians up lift the spirit; a complete band, soloist, pianist, guitarist, or any other type of music. A bagpipe at the graveside or a trumpet playing taps can be very memorable.

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Dove Release

A flock of white doves are usually released at the end of the graveside ceremony. The flock circles overhead several times before flying back to their home. The dove symbolizes the departed spirit making its final journey home.

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Horse-Drawn Funeral Coach

The vintage, late 19th century horse-drawn funeral coach is a unique tribute available for graveside services. In this time-honored manner, a horse-drawn funeral coach adds a touch of elegance to any service.

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Butterfly Release

Many people believe that butterflies symbolize spirit, representing freedom and beauty as they take flight. When we experience the vital connection between butterflies and nature, we tend to instinctively feel that peace and harmony are truly around us. Why not invite a butterfly release to your loved one’s memorial service, to help celebrate a life lived?

Learn More about Honoring Your Loved One

You knew your loved one better than anyone else. We’ve got years of experience. Together, we’ll design the perfect memorial or funeral service for your loved one. If you're ready to discuss the options, or simply have questions about our services, please call us at (707) 425-4697, or send us an email inquiry.