When someone passes away we have ways in which we commemorate them. Gravestones with epitaphs, scattering ashes in special places etc. But sometimes you might choose to get a memorial plaque to remember a loved one. A memorial plaque is a commemorative plate that is used to honor the memory of the deceased. It is … Read more
If a loved one has passed away and been cremated then they may have asked for their ashes to be scattered. But many people struggle to know what to say when scattering ashes. Fulfilling the request of the deceased is so important to family and friends. And if that is to scatter their ashes then … Read more
Losing anyone from your life is just awful. But when you lose a parent it is like nothing else and utterly heartbreaking. So what do you say to someone who lost a parent? What if it has happened suddenly? How can you hope to offer any comfort through your words after something so tragic. It … Read more
Knowing what to say to someone who is dying is extremely difficult. The last thing you want to do is say the wrong thing and upset them or cause offence. We tend to find talking about death uncomfortable. But when you find yourself talking to someone who is dying it’s easy to be anxious about … Read more
There can be nothing more heartbreaking than losing a loved one. The pain and devastation it has is profound and those closed to the deceased are left dealing with the grief that follows. So being there to console and offer sympathy for those who have experienced a loss is important. But it can be so … Read more
If you know someone who has lost a loved one then you are probably aware that sending a sympathy card is a kind thing to do. But you might also be wondering: what is a sympathy card? Not everyone is absolutely sure what a sympathy card is and why you should send one. Or where … Read more
After you’ve lost your mom and her birthday comes around it can be really difficult. Although the grief of losing a parent never passes it does lessen with time. But when those big days that you would have celebrated with your mom – birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas etc. – arrive it can bring that grief and … Read more
If when an obituary is written the family would prefer an alternative to flowers – a gift, donation to charity etc.- then the phrase “in lieu of flowers” is used. But as it’s not a phrase that is very well known it is often misinterpreted to mean don’t send flowers, rather than what the family … Read more
When talking about bereavement and loss “sympathy” is a commonly used word. For example – “we offer or extend our sympathy to someone for their loss”. But what exactly is sympathy? What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? And how can understanding those differences help with the way we support and are there for … Read more
When someone you know has to go into a hospice it can be a scary and upsetting time. Sadly a hospice is where those who are terminally ill are looked after, which means they won’t be coming home. That means you’re talking to someone who is coming to the end of their life. Knowing the … Read more