Blog
ACCESS CREMATION BLOG
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.
Döstädning, The Swedish Art of Death Cleaning
One of the many challenging tasks for which loved ones are often responsible has to do with deciding which items to keep or give away after a loved one has passed. It can be overwhelming to go through all the items (clothes, documents, furniture, etc.) that the loved one has accumulated over a lifetime. Döstädning (translated as “death cleaning”) is a Swedish concept that has become a popular trend.
Traveling with Cremains
If you plan to travel via airplane with your loved one’s remains, you will need to first check with the particular airline to find out what their particular requirements are for traveling with cremains. Some airlines do not allow cremains to be transported in checked baggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has provided information that may be useful as you plan to travel with your loved one’s cremains.
Organ Donations Save Lives
Organ donation is a way to not only help others, but to ensure that our loved ones are able to continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. There is such an on-going need for organ donations. Unfortunately, it is estimated that about 17 people die daily waiting for an organ donor. The gift of an organ can be the difference between life and death for someone’s loved one. If you have not already indicated on your driver’s license that you would like to be an organ donor, you may want to consider doing so.
Considerations and Ideas for Scattering of Loved Ones Cremains
Many families are interested in holding an ash scattering ceremony or scattering cremated remains in a location that perfectly memorializes their loved one. Perhaps the loved one was an avid hiker, outdoor’s person or a lover of nature. When planning for such a ceremony, there are definitely policies and regulations that need to be followed when considering the scattering of ashes, based on the location. You may be interested in utilizing the services of companies that specialize in providing this service. For example, you may be interested in an aerial ash scattering service, or a scattering of ashes at sea. There are also certain national parks that allow for ash scattering, but require a permit. Click here to view the .PDF form.
Death Doulas: Helping to Manage the End of Life Experience
A way to help with the process and experience of death, loss and grieving can be through the support of a Death Doula. A doula is most commonly associated with assisting with the birth process, but death doulas specialize in providing support before, during and after...
Making a Difference Even After Death
Each life has meaning and value. We feel this loss deeply and often struggle to find our way through the overwhelming grief. Being able to channel our energy into a project that helps to honor and celebrate the life of our loved one can be part of the healing journey. There are many ways to commemorate our loved ones that are as unique as that person’s personality.
Artificial Intelligence – A Familiar Voice
Technology has many benefits and every day we are informed of new capabilities, features or options that are available to us that did not exist before. Recently, Amazon announced that they were working on having Alexa mimic any voice, even that of a deceased loved one. The idea of being able to hear our loved one’s voice offering needed information from Google or even reading a bedtime story to a child may be exciting to some and disturbing to others. Some may find comfort in being able to hear the voice of their loved ones again and others may feel that this is unhelpful and crosses the line. However, as we find ways to move forward with living in a world without the physical presence of our loved ones, technology may play a role in easing that transition.
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.