Death
April 12th, 2010 at 06:46pm
Under Death
When faced with the death of a loved one, oftentimes people neglect due diligence when it comes to their rights as consumers. Whether they’re consumed with the loss or just overwhelmed by all the decisions and preparations involved in funeral planning, many times researching and working on understanding your rights is lost in the process. But this is not the time to put your rights on the backburner. This is the time when consumers are most vulnerable, and there is no shortage of unsavory individuals who are more than happy to capitalize on one’s weakened state. To fight this, Congress passed The Funeral Rule in 1982–a rule that is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. This rule sets the rights of consumers and establishes the framework by which funeral homes must operate. To date, however, The Funeral Rule does not apply to cemeteries, crematories, and other death-related vendors.
- In brief, the Funeral Rule establishes the following rights for consumers:
- Perhaps most importantly, the consumer has the right to buy goods and services separately.
- You have the right to choose only the funeral goods and services that you want, with a few exceptions.
- The funeral provider must provide to the consumer a written itemized price list which conveys their right to choose what they want. They must provide this before the consumer decides on the services that they want.
- The funeral provider must provide a casket price list before a casket is selected. This applies to outer burial containers , as well.
- Funeral providers must supply an itemized total for everything selected before the services are rendered.
- Consumers must not be required to buy anything that’s not required by state law. Any goods or services required by state law must be clearly outlined in the funeral home’s price list. A reference to the specific law must also be demonstrated in writing. Typically, consumers have the right to refuse embalming, but this varies depending upon individual state laws.
- The funeral provider is obligated to handle a casket or urn that the consumer had purchased from an alternate vendor. They cannot charge a fee for doing so.
- A funeral provider who offers cremations must make alternative content containers available to the consumer.
- Only one non-declinable “basic fee” can be charged by the Funeral home “basic fee.”
- Funeral and cemetery laws must be accurately represented by the funeral home. They cannot lie or misrepresent such. Ask for a copy of the law if you are told something is required by law.
If you are not satisfied with the treatment or service you’ve received by a funeral provider, you are encouraged to contact the Funeral Consumers Alliance. The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that offers advice on how to resolve issues you may experience with a funeral provider. The FTC avails a number of resources to the consumer that both guides them and makes them aware of their rights regarding funerals and funeral planning. You can find the links to these services at the resources page of our website, http://www.urnsofamerica.com/resources.
Todd Witengier is the V.P. of Marketing for Urns of America, an online provider of quality cremation urns. Browse and shop online by visiting our website at http://www.urnsofamerica.com.
By ToddWitengier
March 10th, 2010 at 04:53pm
Under Death
Your loved one is now at rest, you have said goodbye, and now is the time to create an everlasting tribute to them. The question is, how do you decide which type of stone, what color lettering to use and what to say on the inscription? They are available in a wide range of materials, colors and sizes, and so choosing between them can be confusing and tiring.
You should start with the color. Maybe go with your loved ones favorite color. Granite headstones come in nearly every color, so you are not restricted to choosing from black, gray and white. Blue and green are popular colors; they are reserved, yet still provide a little brightness, and are appropriate for those who lived their life a little differently.
The majority of cemeteries permit various colors of headstones and memorial plaques, unfortunately churchyards are stricter. Your cemetery or churchyard should be able to provide you with a copy of their rules and regulations.
Once you have chosen your color, spend some time thinking about what writing should be engraved onto the headstone or memorial. The inscription should give the name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased, but you are not limited to just that. Consider adding one of their favorite sayings, or some words that best describe them.
Choose something that best represents their personality and how they lived their life. If they were formal and serious, then choose a formal and serious inscription. If they were informal and fun loving, then choose an informal and fun loving inscription. You do not have to conform to ‘tradition’ if to do would not be true to the deceased.
You can also personalize the headstone or memorial with a design too. Many different designs are available to be sandblasted or laser etched on to it. These can range from simple flowers to a portrait of your loved one, or engravings of their favorite pastime or pet.
Most headstones and memorials come in set sizes. Bigger does not necessarily mean better; a smaller, higher quality one can be equally as nice. Churchyards will only allow headstones or memorials under a certain height, but most cemeteries will allow them to be any size.
You can get ideas by looking on the Internet, as there are plenty of websites that have online catalogs of headstones and memorials. You can also take a walk around a cemetery or churchyard near where you live to see which styles look most appropriate. You should make a shortlist of details that you want on it, or even draw a sketch of how you want it to look.
Having done this, it is time to contact a few stores which make and memorials and headstones to ascertain if they are able to create the style and design that you have in mind. Prices will vary and are negotiable, so be sure to enquire about discounts and be prepared to visit at least a few stores. Once your order has been placed, you can expect the memorial or headstone to be ready within a month.
At ‘Granite Memorials‘ we pride ourselves in providing stunning timeless memorials that our clients are delighted with.
By MarkThomas
March 8th, 2010 at 04:13am
Under Death
Just hours after learning that her mother had died of a sudden massive heart attack, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette was back on the ice. One of the favorites to win an Olympic medal, she practiced her jumps over and over again while her father watched with tears in his eyes.
Joannie’s fellow athletes concurred that she was doing the right thing by staying in the competition. They spoke about her inner strength, remarkable courage and determined attitude. Fans around the world appreciated that, with a heavy heart, she was facing the most difficult skates of her life. If, like Joannie Rochette, you are in shock or have been numbed by an unexpected loss, what follows are some tips that may help you begin to turn your upside down world right again:
1. Take control of what is within your reach. Joannie had the drive to win for her mom. She kept herself emotionally insulated, and the fact that she is a superior athlete helped her succeed. You, too, can keep going, no matter how hard it is. Identify your strengths and make them work for you. And have the wisdom to know the difference between what you can manage and what you can’t.
2. Relish the support that comes from those who care about you. Joannie’s loss resonated for athletes and fans alike. And everyone in the Pacific Coliseum was cheering her on. She said that all the love and support made it easier to give her best. Recognize that family and friends want to see you succeed and will be there to help sustain you. You can also find comfort in your spiritual community, a therapist or a bereavement group. You do not have to do it alone - make the decision to ask for help whenever you need it.
3. Face your uncertainty with the best attitude you can muster. Despite the unthinkable, Joannie still maintained a single-minded focus in the skating competition. And now she will be able to grieve her loss. You cannot change what has happened but you can have some control over the way you handle it. Of course, you may be feeling angry, sad or afraid of what is to come. Be aware that your reactions are normal and common. And try to face them directly as you work through your feelings.
4. Make a public commitment to those who want to see you do well. Joannie’s exquisite performances, and the standing ovations, said it all. You can tell others about your intentions and create a strong reality that will motivate you. The initial goal is to uncover the courage to begin. Re-establish routine in your life, both at work and with family. Set new long range goals and short term objectives. Enlist your staying power. Your positive experiences will give you the incentive to continue. Although there may be stumbling blocks along the way, never give up.
5. Listen to others but primarily rely on your own instincts. Joannie believed in what she was doing and concentrated on the competition. She felt that she was where she belonged. That is what her mother would have wanted her to do. What is familiar can be calming - have faith in what you’re doing to heal. Realize your hidden internal strength as you trust yourself and look inside for answers. Emotional discomfort can be an opportunity and serve as an invitation to grow.
6. Increase your capacity to be resilient. It must have been extremely difficult for Joannie to maintain her composure and grace under these circumstances. Just as she has, take it one day at a time. Begin to develop strategies to manage stress and release tension. And you can call on your faith or spirituality Step by step, you’ll be able to turn your hopes and dreams into reality.
In both programs, with not much sleep or energy, Joannie hit the ice with determination. She proceeded to skate what turned out to be her personal best during the most trying time of her life. She felt as if her mother was there helping her. Skating through her emotional pain, she won the bronze medal. Joannie was stunning on the podium - responding to the cheers of the crowd, smiling as she wiped away the tears. Hers was a symbol of a poignant victory, and she touched the emotions of people across the globe.
In the news conference, Joannie repeated that her mother was her greatest fan and her death a monumental loss. Just like for her, you may feel that you are standing alone on the biggest stage you have ever been on, carrying the weight of losing your very foundation. But you too can get back on the ice and skate like you never have before.
(C) 2010, Her Mentor Center
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are founders of http://www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for midlife women and http://www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com, a blog for the sandwich generation. They are authors of a forthcoming book about family relationships. They offer free newsletter Stepping Stones.
By PhyllisGoldberg,
March 6th, 2010 at 05:34am
Under Death
Funeral directing has come a long way since it first began to emerge as a profession more than two centuries ago. For a long time, funerals were arranged by people who just did it part time alongside their day job, who often did it just because it had become their family’s traditional role within the community. They arranged for someone to prepare the body (often referred to as ‘the layer out’) and organized the coffin maker and grave digger. Finally, the funeral service would be conducted in a churchyard by a minister.
Funerals were strongly community-centered and those preparing the bodies were very often the same women who worked as midwives. Now, the role of the undertaker has evolved into a profession in itself and the majority of those involved in funeral directing today are in firms with a long, established family history.
Coffins used to be made at the home of the undertaker and each coffin was made by hand from solid oak, elm or mahogany, and then sealed with wax or bitumen. A generous supply of wood shavings was then spread over the inside of it to form a mattress and pillow and it was then lined with a bed sheet.
Once completed, the coffin would be taken back to the house of the deceased by the undertaker and his men. They would often find that the doorways were too narrow, in which case the undertaker’s carpenter had to remove windows and then replace them after the coffin had been taken inside. This process then had to be repeated when the coffin was later removed for the funeral.
The family of the deceased chose the front room or parlor as the last resting place for their loved one, who would be laid out in their best clothes and left with the family until the funeral. This was the norm for many decades. The Chapels of Rest that we are familiar with in funeral establishments today did not appear until the late 1950s.
With the coffin placed on trestles in the parlor, candles would be arranged either side and a small altar set up at the foot. As embalming in those days was reserved only for very wealthy clients, the undertaker would need to make regular visits to the house to check that conditions were as bearable as possible for the mourners. It was common practice for families to place fragrant flowers around the room to absorb any unpleasant odors.
On the day of the funeral, which usually took place three or four days after death, the family and friends would line up outside of their homes. With curtains drawn, out of respect, they would stand silently as the coffin passed. The body was nearly always buried in the nearest churchyard, as a fee had to be paid to move the body outside of a town’s boundaries.
Nowadays, all this is taken care of by the highly-trained funeral director, which means that the family of the deceased can spend their time grieving for their loved one without any distractions.
With origins dating back to 1853, E.F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK. They offer a range of funeral director services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.
By MarkThomas
February 28th, 2010 at 03:13am
Under Death
Have you ever wondered when you would die? When you would have to say good bye to your near and dear ones? How would it affect you if you are told the exact date you would die? I am sure you will not be very pleased. In fact such details have affected many people and put them in a state of depression. Nevertheless death clock is for people who enjoy some fun and it’s solely for time pass. There are not scientific supports on the death clock. Now you must be wondering what exactly is this death clock, that all are making a big fuss on! Read below to know more.
Death clock or the death test is nothing but a questionnaire that asks you simple and straight forwards questions. These include your age, date of birth, family history of diseases etc. It also questions on your nature of diet, if you are a smoker or not, if you drink, if you get adequate exercises etc. Depending on this your date of death is predicted, and a countdown begins.
Here are some of the common questions the death clock poses:
• Your age and date of birth
• Exposure to tobacco, drinks and drugs
• Exposure to sun, bad air
• Do you have unprotected sex?
• Do you share needles?
• Had any major operations?
• What are your eating habits?
• How often you exercise?
• What is your BMI?
• Do you have family history of genetic diseases?
• Did you undergo any major surgeries?
Each site of death clock has more or less similar questions as above.
Is death clock accurate or not? No. It does not have any scientific base. It is done purely for fun and entertainment. The site founders claim that it is only a good humored reminder that life is slipping away.
Many moral complaints have been lodged against death clock by people who have been upset by the results. Death clock asks the browser about his personal information including life style, diet, health and certain environment and family related queries. Most websites always give a disclaimer too that it is just for the sake of fun, and the information or the result produced need not be true.
The mission of some Death clock sites are to make the person aware of the bad habits or the risky activities the person has indulged in that could result in a premature death of the person. It could be an eye opener where the person is given a chance to reform his bad ways. For instance, most death clock questionnaires ask the person for his BMI. It gives awareness within us to be within the correct range as obesity is one main reason for diseases, eventually death. So is the case about smoking, drinking, drugs etc.
Death clock prompts us on the fact that life is precious and each moment should be lived to its fullest. This is denoted by the countdown shown in the death clock.
I am basically a graduate at the University of Hamburg and you can get awesome articles and valid information from the ones which I submit specially for you to take a look at. Check out Death Images, Death Graphics or Death Pictures.
By FelixLehmann
February 21st, 2010 at 01:09am
Under Death
Days after a 7.0 earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, family members battled for a proper burial of their loved ones. Time and again, tragedy followed moments of hope. Yet, despite the deaths and destruction, the people struggled to survive. And hundreds took to the streets, singing and chanting amid huge mounds of rubble - a clear sign of the resilience of the human spirit.
While not in such desperate circumstances, perhaps you too have suffered the death of a loved one. Although you may want the pain to go away, in order to heal you must experience the feelings of loss. First, try to create an inner resource that calms you. Imagine a caring person in your life who comforts you when you’re hurting - you don’t have to be totally alone with these feelings.
If your life seems unnaturally quiet, seek out the support of family and friends as you move into this next part of your life. Take your time and don’t be rushed by others. You know yourself best – and eventually you’ll, once again, do the things you love. In the meantime, here are some ideas that can help you begin to heal:
1. Free yourself from a negative outlook. Although you can’t change what has happened, you can have some control over how you handle it. Face your uncertainty with the most positive attitude you can muster. You may be feeling angry, sad or afraid of what is to come. Recognize that your reactions are normal and common. Face them directly as you work through your feelings.
2. Make a public commitment to those who want to see you do well. Tell others about your intentions and create a strong reality that will keep you motivated. Re-establish routine in your life, both at work and with family. Set new long range goals and short term objectives. Commit to a process of change, and then move forward, one small step at a time.
3. Primarily rely on your own instincts. Believe in what you’re doing to heal. Maintain firm boundaries to protect yourself and talk honestly about how you feel. Realize your hidden internal strength as you trust yourself and look inside for answers. Emotional discomfort can become an opportunity - it serves as an invitation to grow.
4. Take control of what is within your reach. Have the wisdom to know the difference between what you can manage and what you can’t. You can keep your emotions in check by tuning in to what is best for you. And recognize that you can get support from family, friends, a therapist or a bereavement group. You don’t have to do it all alone - make the decision to ask for help whenever you need it.
5. Solitude itself provides a chance to emotionally revitalize. Rejuvenate your spirits with whatever works - listen to music that stirs your soul or curl up with a book that engages your fantasies. Work to feel more positive through meditation or yoga practice. Every night, before you go to bed, write affirmations about what is still good in your life.
6. Increase your capacity to be resilient. It’s not easy to maintain your sense of optimism under these circumstances. But you can recover after a crisis or still thrive in the face of adversity. Call on your faith or spirituality. Develop strategies to manage stress and release tension through relaxation exercises. You may find that you have deeper reserves of courage than you realize.
The world is responding to the havoc the Haitian earthquake has created - even a group of homeless people in Philadelphia has donated goods to the homeless of Haiti. Although wounded children call for missing parents, there is still singing well into the night in large tent camps that people now call home. Doctors are delivering babies, orphans are joining their new families in the United States, supplies and donations are still pouring in and volunteers are doing the best they can in difficult circumstances.
Paraphrasing former President Bill Clinton, in order for the recovery in Haiti to continue, we need to stay involved in the long run. Take his advice about your own recovery. Blessings can come out of tragedies. Practice generativity and you will continue to heal as you honor your memories. Give back to the community by volunteering for a cause that was important to your loved one. Find your spirit of idealism - reach out to someone who is alone or make a contribution to those less fortunate. Change society for the better and you’ll gradually transform yourself.
© Her Mentor Center, 2010
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are founders of http://www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for midlife women and http://www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com, a blog for the sandwich generation. They are authors of a forthcoming book about family relationships. They offer free newsletter Stepping Stones.
By PhyllisGoldberg,
February 14th, 2010 at 11:52am
Under Death
Death is not a happy subject. It is probably the most difficult occasion for sending a greeting card. As any florist will tell you, consumers often struggle with the sympathy message to accompany their sympathy arrangements. Words like “with deepest sympathy” are often used. But when the words printed on a greeting card already say “with deepest sympathy” where does that leave you? Stuck.
Follow these tips to help you write a caring, thoughtful sympathy message.
1. A good sympathy message recognizes the sadness of loss
The purpose of a sympathy message is to console the person you are sending the card to. You want them to know you care, and that you are sorry for their loss. Say you are writing to a friend who often talked about his grandfather. You might write, I am so sorry for your loss Tom. I know how important your grandfather was in your life and how much you will miss him.
2. A good sympathy message honors the person who died
Losing a loved one hurts. At this time, we look to encouragement from family and friends to help us make it through a tough time. One way you can be encouraging is to write a sympathy message describing what the deceased meant to you. Stop for a moment and think of three words you would use to describe the person. Examples might be: loving, hilarious, caring, motivated, outgoing, quiet, talented, a pioneer, beautiful, and dedicated. Then form these words into a sentence like this: Sally was a dedicated mom, caring teacher and motivated volunteer. I will never forget her beautiful smile and dedication to her students.
3. A good sympathy message comes from the heart
Many people are so afraid of writing, they stiffen every muscle when the pen is in their hand and they are facing a blank card. Try to relax. Think about the person you are writing to or the person that died. Let a thought or memory surface in your mind. Allowing your genuine feelings to surface allows your pen to flow with words that are real and genuine. You might say something like, I didn’t know your friend Jack. But I do know what a role model he was to you in college. My fondest sympathy to you on the loss of your one-of-a-kind friend.
Yes, a good sympathy message can be difficult to write. Everything you write may seem to you to be inadequate, shallow or even empty. Many people destine themselves for failure before even picking up a pen. Rather than thinking, “I don’t know what to say,” stop and give yourself a moment to let your true feelings surface. Focus on the person you are writing to and not on yourself. Imagine yourself as the other person and write something you would like them to say to you. Recognize the sadness of loss, honor the person who died and let your feelings come from your heart. Follow these suggestions and your sympathy message will be appreciated and even cherished by all who receive them.
One of my favorite handy resources for helping me write sympathy messages, birthday cards, floral cards – greetings of any kind – is a book called Words to the Rescue. It’s great for composing a sympathy message or a message for any kind of card. With more than 1000 phrases and sentiments to choose from, it will be a great resource for years to come.
By SteveFadie
February 14th, 2010 at 11:45am
Under Death
Composing Sincere Sympathy Wording is Not an Easy Task
Choosing sympathy wording for bereavement cards is never a simple matter. You feel like you are “on the spot”. You do your best to make your words sound genuine and sincere, but it is always difficult to put your true feelings into words. However, if you take a little time to plan out your message and follow the tips in this article, you will see soon be able to see remarkable improvements in your sympathy wording.
Personalize Your Sympathy Wording
While you can certainly send preprinted sympathy cards, your message will have more impact and be better appreciated if you take the time to compose it yourself. I am not suggesting that you can only send blank cards with your words exclusively being the only words on the inside. It is perfectly acceptable to send a “standard” store-bought card with a preprinted sentiment on the inside, but be sure to include additional words of your own in addition to your signature. In fact, if you chose carefully, the preprinted words in the card may actually complement your words and serve to make you message stronger.
What to Include in Your Sympathy Wording
One thing you will certainly wish to express is your own sadness and feelings of loss. These words will not be easy to write. It is hard to express our true feelings – and they generally do not translate easily or well into the English language. Be careful not to over-embellish your language here. Flowery or pretentious language will have a tendency to sound insincere or phony in this situation. Keep it simple and write conversationally. Write as if you were speaking and your words will sound natural and sincere.
Most importantly, to show your support, you will also want to include an offer to follow up or help in some way. I will give you a call tomorrow. Maybe we can meet for dinner. Or, I know you’re going to be busy this week. If you need someone to watch the children, just let me know.
A Difficult Job
Most people find it much harder to compose sympathy wording than birthday greetings, anniversary wished or other holiday greeting. Those latter occasions are happy and joyful and consequently, are easier to speak and write about. On the other hand, the passing of a loved one is a very delicate situation. Additionally, the person receiving your greetings is most likely in a delicate and vulnerable state of mind so we must take care in all of our communications with them.
Look for Inspiration
To make the job easier, feel free to search online or look for a suitable book to help compose your sympathy wording. A book that I happen to use is a book titled Words to the Rescue. The phrases in this time-saving book are written so that they can be borrowed and written directly on the card. However, I prefer not to use them “as-is” but to customize them to make them more personal and appropriate for the situation at hand.
So, for example, if I am trying to find exceptional sympathy wording for a friend who has lost their father; I might choose this sentiment from the book to use as a springboard: I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your grandfather. But from what you told me, I know how much he was loved and will be missed.
Using the basic structure and essence of that phrase, I could rework it: I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your father. But from the all the stories you told us about your family vacations, I realize what a vibrant and uplifting person he was and how much he will be missed.
Fight Against Sympathy Wording Writer’s Block
Sure, it’s hard to write effective sympathy wording. It’s a touchy subject and it’s easy to write words that sound insincere. But by simply following the tips in this article you can be crafting improved sympathy messages immediately. Also, I recommend that you purchase a resource for inspiration.
I recommend Words to the Rescue by Steve Fadie – mostly because I’ve never seen another book like it. For more information on Words to the Rescue, and to find out how you can download some FREE SAMPLES from the book, see the paragraph below.
One of my favorite handy resources for helping me write sympathy messages, birthday cards, floral cards – greetings of any kind – is a book called Words to the Rescue. It’s great for composing sympathy wording or sentiments for any kind of cards. With more than 1000 phrases and sentiments to choose from, it will be a great resource for years to come.
By BobMatthews
February 12th, 2010 at 02:31am
Under Death
It’s hard to say something when your friend or loved one is grieving and yet in some ways you wanted to show that you care and you are willing to offer them comfort. One ideal choice of showing your concern is by giving them gift and let it speak for what your heart is saying in times of their lonely moment. Sympathy flowers are such a comforting gift and an elegant expression of your sympathy.
Life and beauty is what these flowers speak for. Being sensitive enough to the bereavement of the family you cared too, the blossom of this flower will bring hope especially if you cannot go to the place personally. It lessens the trauma of the person who is experiencing great mourn.
If we are to base the history of sympathy flowers, it has been the oldest humankind tribute to place flower to the dead and is the oldest form of religious activity too. And among the sympathy expressions, this serves as the increasing popular gift nowadays.
You can find sympathy flowers online. Florist delivery will be available to cater your needs although some are not available during Sundays and any other legal holidays. The price ranges from the styles like when attached with specialized assortment bouquets. It is very ideal because the arrangement would show the pure respect, chastity and love.
Many florist and funeral floral companies who do their business online deliver a variety of sympathy arrangement. Each of the arrangement has special significance. One example would be purple Gladioli that represent the strength of character. Usually though, it is combined with carnations, daisy and snapdragons because each have emphasis of love. The floral design of such flower symbolizes serenity and relaxation. Florist makes sure that they work closely with the making of funeral plans. So they do not forget the integral part of flowers in the process of their business.
You might be asking if there are indeed the right arrangement and wrong when sending the gift. Basing to the commonly used arrangements, the appropriate one includes fan-shape, triangular and baskets. The answer is actually there is no wrong approach. The best advice for you will be to select what you think will be appreciated by the people you are sending with the gift.
The role of flowers now though is different because another reason is added up. It is now considered as the means of creating background beauty and warmth. As such, that will add a more comforting environment. The spiritual significance speaks for immortality and eternity. Meaning, it attest that they are not only for the dead but it console the living in the same way.
Anyone can send sympathy flowers to the home of a bereaved even after the burial. If you want to send flowers as group, it will offer greater impact. So choose the experienced funeral flower arrangements that could create a theme that is unique basing to the life of your loved ones. It is advisable that the theme should be gentle and of course it should give meaning to honor the deceased. At least in this way you are expressing your heartfelt condolences.
Whether the occasion requires sympathy flowers, bouquets, flower arrangements or otherwise, this devoted flower shop offers a wide selection to mark the appropriate atmosphere. Shop online for flowers Canada at affordable prices!
By AdrianaN.
February 10th, 2010 at 08:31am
Under Death
Today, more than ever before, the role of funeral directors has to evolve in order to keep up continual changes in cultural expectations. The profession has come a long way since its beginnings, way back in the eighteenth century. Gone are the days of heavy mourning, the black-plumed horses and somber ceremony.
Over the past couple of decades, society has begun to think about death in new ways, and the role of the funeral director has adapted to meet these new needs. As it stands now, funeral homes are seen as much more of a ‘one stop shop’, offering the full range of services, from floral tributes to lasting keepsakes.
For an increasing amount of people, whilst grief is obviously still at its core, the funeral of a loved one is an opportunity to celebrate their life, rather than focus on mourning. Strictly black attire and solemn hymns have begun to give way to subtle introductions of color and pop songs liked by the deceased. The funeral director has needed to follow this cultural drift and offer a broader range of services.
Since the idea of pre-payment was introduced twenty or thirty years ago, pre-paid funeral plans are now as common as post-paid ones. A growing number of people also go beyond this, not only paying for their own funeral in advance, but also planning the ceremony itself, so the family approaches the funeral director knowing the full wishes of their loved one.
To deal as efficiently as they can with a death, funeral directors also need to know about the shifting business of life. As well as dealing first-hand with grief, they can offer counseling, help with legal matters and financial guidance, and signpost families to support groups and aftercare services. Rather than the ‘body-centered’ service of the past, today the profession is significantly more knowledge-based.
As we moved into the twenty-first century, so we saw a rise in the number of dispersed families. When it comes to handling the death of a family member, many people therefore simply welcome convenience. The funeral director’s role has evolved in response to this, using the Internet to streamline its services and make them more accessible and efficient.
From a financial point of view, funeral directors have seen profit margins on facilities usage and the sale of coffins reduce quite significantly. This has given rise to many expanding their range of services and products, including online obituaries and creative keepsakes such as necklaces made from the cremated remains.
Funeral directors will need to persist with adapting their services for many years to come. However, whatever changes the future may bring, their role will remain sensitive and practical. Those are the core qualities that must underpin everything else that they do, and any funeral directors which neglect them would soon find themselves out of business. So, whilst there will always be a need for them to adapt and evolve, do not ever expect funeral directors to approach the planning of a funeral in the same way as a wedding organizer plans a wedding.
With origins dating back to 1853, E.F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK. They offer a range of funeral services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.
By MarkThomas
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