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ACCESS CREMATION BLOG
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.
A Long Distance Call
A few years ago, we heard a story on NPR about the Japanese Tsunami of 2011 and the poignant story of how some survivors were coping with the aftermath of loss and grief. The “Wind Telephone” was placed in the midst of a beautiful garden in Otsuchi, Japan where mourners could pick up the receiver and talk inside the privacy of a telephone booth. There, they were free to speak about anything they wanted to and let their feelings and emotions out. Those who had lost loved ones felt a need to pick up a telephone and talk with those they lost as a way to remain connected and ease their sorrow.
Grief in Six Words, Not More
There are so many feelings that can overwhelm us during life-shattering moments of loss. It seems like there are no words to describe such feelings, however, maybe you could try finding six words to express your grief. Writing is a creative outlet that can be used to help someone who is experiencing grief. There are many writing activities that could be helpful such as journal writing, but for those who just cannot bring themselves to write down a paragraph or two in their journal, you may want to try the writing activity, Grief in Six Words.
Our Stories Keep Loved One’s Memories Alive
Storytelling is embedded in our culture. It is the way we share our oral history, our lessons learned and words of encouragement. It is also a way to help us share our lost loved ones with family and friends. We keep the memory of our loved ones alive when we share stories of their lives and their accomplishments. George Eliot put it so well, “ Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.” When we share stories about our loved ones, it is like we are speaking them into our lives and making them present in the moment.
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.