Tag Archives: Bereavement

Our Monthly Tip: Serving an Informal Display of Visitation Snacks

Break the ice by gathering guests around a table laden with healthy foods

Our Tip of the Month Many people hold a visitation or small get together either before or after a memorial service for a loved one who has died. If you’re planning this type of event, you may want to think … Continue reading

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Broken Heart Syndrome and Dying Together – Or Not

Finding meaning in a couple's life and death journey

There are numerous touching stories about broken heart syndrome, in which long-time couples die moments or days apart. The family is sad, but comforted by the belief that “they wanted to be together” at the end. Like many, I love these … Continue reading

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“A Shining Season” by William Buchanan

A cancer-stricken athlete makes the most of the time he has left

In “A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker,” William Buchanan tells the story of what appears to be an overwhelming defeat turned into a triumph that no one could have predicted. In 1969, there were only a handful … Continue reading

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Post-Bereavement Hallucinations May Help With Grief

"Sensing" the presence of a loved one who has died is a relatively common phenomenon

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. World-renowned singer Celine Dion can attest to that, as she lost both her husband Rene Angelil and brother Daniel last year. She has recently claimed that she still talks … Continue reading

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“Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Miserables”

A young man mourns his friends killed during a revolution

“Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” is a song from the musical “Les Miserables” based on the book of the same title by Victor Hugo. In the show, one of the characters, Marius, has joined a student revolution to try to … Continue reading

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Our Monthly Tip: Getting Assistance with Thank You Notes

Bereavement makes it hard to acknowledge acts of kindness

Our Tip of the Month Before, during and after a death, friends, family and neighbors often give assistance to the primary caregiver. They may bring food, help with childcare, send flowers, do chores around the house and run errands. They … Continue reading

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