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ACCESS CREMATION BLOG
The Myth of Closure: Is Closure Always the Goal?
The loss of a loved one is difficult to accept, regardless of the age. For so many, the loss, whether expected or unexpected, brings a new reality to which we must adjust. We struggle with the words left unsaid, the questions left unanswered, and the opportunity to be able to say our final farewells. Perhaps even more heart-wrenching is the finality of the loss, and the realization that we will never be able to see our loved one again. This in turn leaves us unable to find acceptance of our new reality and interferes with our ability to find closure as we grieve and heal.
Mental Health Matters
Mental health has become more of a focus and subject of discussion in the three years since COVID-19 first began. The impact of having disrupted schooling and employment, and so many experiencing sickness and death within their immediate families and friends has exacerbated feelings of anxiety and sadness. Factors that are largely out of our control overwhelmed the system and devastated so many of us. It is no surprise that we are experiencing such a demand for increased mental health services for children and adults.
Have You Tried Journaling?
The ability to think about and be aware of our thoughts, or metacognition, is uniquely human. The process of writing helps us to make sense of our feelings, assigning words to those emotions and helps us to organize our thoughts. In doing so, we are better able to...
Can Stress Make You Sick?
Admittedly, there are many stressors in our lives, but among the biggest stressors we will ever have to face or endure is the loss of a loved one. But did you know that such stressors are linked to illness, if we are unable to find a way to cope with such stressors in...
How Do We Know Who is the Next of Kin?
If you are located in California, you can locate Next of Kin is definitions and information on the California Legislature website. Please be sure to visit this link: California Health and Safety Code 7100. The Next of Kin is usually the deceased’s closest living relative over the age of 18. This person would have the legal right to authorize cremation or other disposition of remains.
Processing Grief: ‘All There Is’ with Anderson Cooper & Other Healing Resources
Processing grief while also taking on the responsibility of making decisions about what to do with the loved one’s belongings can be overwhelming. Everything that has been accumulated over a person’s lifetime, every greeting card, letter, award, article of clothing can hold so much meaning and memories that make it all the more difficult to figure out what will be kept, given to others or disposed of in some other way.
Estate Planning: Wills & Trusts
The many responsibilities of our day-to-day lives can be hectic enough without having to think about preparing our will or testament. The truth is that it makes our mortality seem ever so real, and so much more present than we may want to admit. However, the...
Honoring Loved Ones Who Have Passed with Food
The holiday season brings with it the smells, tastes and traditions that inevitably bring to mind the moments spent with those who have since passed away. Food is such an essential part of our celebrations and gatherings. A beautiful way to honor and remember those who have passed is to make our loved ones favorite meal for the holidays, or to include a dish that our loved one was known for preparing, or to share some of those recipes inspired and prepared by our lost loved one with the rest of our family members.
The Libation Ceremony: What Is It and How Can it Help Me?
Have you heard of the Libation Ceremony? Many cultures engage in some form of honoring their ancestors or deceased loved ones during an important life event, such as a wedding. The Libation Ceremony has been a way to invite our departed loved ones to join us in this special moment, on this special day and to take part in our celebration.
The ceremony involves the pouring of liquids and is often accompanied by benedictions or prayers that invite our ancestors and loved ones to share in this space and experience with us. As you and your loved ones have celebrations, you may decide to include your departed loved ones in your ceremonies and celebrations through your own libation ceremony. Here is an interesting article we think you will find helpful.
What is Prolonged Grief Disorder?
It can sometimes be difficult to say when grief has gone beyond what is considered appropriate and expected. However, who is to say that grief follows a particular timeline? Grief is never really gone, we just find a way to live with the reality of the loss. However, when grief begins to interfere with your ability to carry out or engage in your day-to-day activities over an extended period of time, it may be a sign that professional help may be needed. Prolonged grief disorder is a diagnosis that that has a variety of symptoms including depression and loss of sleep that continues for more than a year. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help.
You know the strength of a company by the company it keeps. We are proud to be members of:
CANA is an international organization that was founded in 1913 with the goal to promote safe and hygienic methods for individuals who choose cremation. Access Cremation is proud to be among its 1,500 members.
ICCFA proudly promotes consumer choices, pre-arrangement and open competition. Since being founded in 1887, it has created numerous guidelines advocating state legislation on a number of consumer related issues.