Thursday, January 29, 2015

Yolo County Grief Support Groups



Grief Support Groups for Adults

Davis
Yolo Hospice
1909 Galileo Court, STE A, Davis, California
(800) 491-7711 or (530) 601-5756

Weekly on Fridays
10 am - 11 am

Weekly on Thursdays
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Mysteries of vernacular: Hearse - Jessica Oreck



Today, we recognize the word hearse as a vehicle that carries a coffin to a funeral. Jessica Oreck explains how this word has, at various times, described a wolf, a rake, and a frame, eventually landing at its meaning today.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Our Garden Memorial Stones Are A Lasting Way To Honor The Memory Of A Loved One


Our garden memorial stones are a lasting way to honor the memory of a loved one. This memorial stone is made of cast stone in Saxonburg, PA. Made to be weatherproof and guaranteed to last a lifetime, these stones are the perfect addition to any garden.

Engraving Reads:


‘Wherever



a beautiful soul has been



there is a trail



of beautiful memories.’

• Memorial stones are only available for standard shipping, and can take up to 1 week to arrive.

• Dimensions: 16” X 10.5”

• Weighs 11 lbs.

• This stone has a hanger cast into the back to allow display on walls, fences, or outbuildings.

• Made in the USA

Monday, January 19, 2015

Some Questions You May Need To Answer

If there is no pre-arrangements in place, there are several other questions that you will need to have answered in regards to the death of your loved one:
  • Do I have to have embalming?
  • Do I need to purchase a casket?
  • What about cemetery arrangements?
  • Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?
  • What type of service should we have?


By contacting our staff, we'll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (707) 425-4697.

However, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes to having all of the details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid. Please contact one of our staff at (707) 425-4697 to learn more about pre-arrangement.

Friday, January 16, 2015

A Family's Guide To A Cemetery Burial

Ground burial provides loved ones a place to remember those they have loved and lost. This is the most common form of final disposition and is usually performed in a cemetery or a memorial park. There are several products and choices available when choosing this option and a basic understanding of the terms and products can be very helpful in making proper choices.
GRAVE SPACE OR "PLOT": This is the land space for burial. Typically it is about three-and-half feet wide by eight feet in length. This can vary greatly by rules and regulations of the cemetery. The depth of a grave also can vary for many reasons. It is not always true that a grave must be six feet deep. This was probably the desired depth when a simple burial was done in a field or prairie, simply to protect from animals or vandals. Today there are better ways to protect and bury, so the depth can vary. The grave space will be the site of a permanent grave memorial or monument.
DOUBLE DEPTH: A grave can be designed to accommodate double depth or more. This is very common and widely accepted. It allows for more burials while using less land space and can be a good option when space is limited. It may also be a less expensive option because of the space savings and the additional ease of care.
BURIAL VAULT: The vault or liner is what surrounds the casket to add protection. In most cemeteries and memorial parks there is a requirement for this protection. The earth which is placed on the burial is extremely heavy. The vault can be made of several time defying elements which provide necessary strength to support the site. There are many choices available to provide additional protections and can easily be explained by a funeral director or cemetery representative.
GRAVE MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS: Memorials and monuments serve a much greater purpose than to simply "mark" the site. Memorials can be as unique and varied as the number of individuals they represent. Memorials are usually made of time defying elements such as bronze, granite or marble. They can be as simple as consisting of names and dates or as complete as representations of lives that have been lived. A memorial serves one of the most basic needs of mankind. The desire to be remembered lives deep within all of us and is truly what separates the human spirit from all other life. Many families find great comfort in creating a personal memorial that reflects the individual being remembered.
MAUSOLEUM: A mausoleum is any building which is designed to place human remains. Mausoleums can be constructed for a single individual or can hold many thousands. A mausoleum which has been designed for a single person or family is called a private mausoleum and represents one of the most grand and elaborate means of entombment. A mausoleum that has been designed for many entombments is referred to as a community mausoleum, and while it provides tremendous protection and stature, it can be quite economical due to space savings and many other factors.
LAWN CRYPT: This is where the vaults or crypts have been preinstalled underground. At the time of burial they simply dig down to the top of the crypt and remove the lid and place the casket. When it is built this way, it often allows for the installation of drainage and an added level of protection and uniformity.
CRYPT OR TOMB: A crypt or tomb is nothing more than the space in a mausoleum where a casket is placed.
ENTOMBMENT: Is the act of placing the casket in the crypt for final rest.
MAUSOLEUM MEMORIAL: The mausoleum space or "crypt" is usually memorialized in the same manner as a grave. The selections can be quite uniform to create a very beautiful and unique appearance or can be very individualized to reflect the lives of loved ones place there.
ENDOWMENT OR PERPETUAL CARE: These are the funds which have been set aside to care for the space or crypt into the future and even after the building or cemetery is completely full. These funds are invested according to strict guidelines and laws. It is the interest derived from these funds which is there to pay for upkeep and care for perpetuity.
CEMETERY REGULATIONS: Many families aren’t aware that most cemeteries have regulations about the type of grave memorial or monument you can place, and also about where you can place them. For example, some cemeteries only allow flat grave memorials, other allow a mix of flat and stand-up monuments, and still others allow a mix, but have specific sections for different kind of monuments. It is important to clarify any rules before purchasing a monument, and your local cemetery will be happy to help you with on these, and help you understand all your choices.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

5 Reasons to Consider Pre-Planned Funeral Arrangements

Whether you are 28 or 82, the truth is that the time will come when someone will have the responsibility of dealing with your burial.
Our children have had a hard time understanding why we want to talk to them about our wishes as we age. Perhaps yours is the same. We do not like to face death and the obvious issues of what needs done when that time comes.
Let me quickly say here, as Christians and believers in Jesus Christ, we know our final home will be in Heaven. However, there will someday be a funeral here as our earthly bodies are laid to rest. And there will be friends and family that need time to adjust to the parting of their loved one.
Families who have made early arrangements have an easier time handling all the unexpected details that come up when a loved one dies.
An entire funeral can be planned through a local mortuary and paid for ahead of time. Here are a few basics of utmost importance in considering a pre-arranged service agreement.
1. Choose a reputable funeral director. He will sit down with you and discuss the types of funerals available. There are a wide range of choices from cremation, simple gravesite, elaborate viewing and visitation, and other options. Here is where your personal request can be noted so family with differing views will not have to choose for you.
2. Consider the kind of service you would want. Do you want to be sure to leave a witness for Christ at your burial? Do you want Scripture and certain music to comfort those who are grieving? Do you have a favorite poem or reading you want used?
3. How important is a fancy casket to you? By choosing yourself (or helping an elderly person choose), you can avoid the temptation some have of getting the best (usually most expensive) to honor dear Aunt Sally. This may sound strange; however, I have seen many ill-equipped families invest more than they could afford to please others or to soothe their own feelings.
4. The funeral director will probably have a booklet for you to take with you, fill out and return to him. Here you can accurately record information about yourself, your work, your education, and your faith. You will also be able to leave a valid obituary with accurate family history.
5. After visiting with the funeral home, if you are comfortable with his/her plans, you may choose to begin paying on your funeral now. There will be many options available to you. Be sure you get everything in writing that you discussed and are sure this is what you want before signing a contract.
It's a stressful time when a loved one dies. A pre-planned funeral will ease confusion as your family will have a clear picture of your desires. This is especially helpful when more than one person bears the responsibility of making these plans.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8612775

Saturday, January 10, 2015

We Are The Leaders In Our Profession

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

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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




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.





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.





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.





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.


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.





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.





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.

Thursday, January 1, 2015