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what to do first when someone dies

What to Do First When Someone Dies

When a loved one dies, the days that follow can be difficult. It's essential to know the first steps to take, from obtaining a legal declaration of death to contacting a funeral home.
Funeral Planning
burial or cremation how do I choose

Burial or Cremation. How Do I Choose?

Choosing between cremation and burial can be a challenging decision, but understanding the key factors can help. At Rose Hills Memorial Park in Putnam Valley, NY, we explore the benefits of both options.
BurialCremation

The Complete Guide to Burials

When a loved one passes away, the task of planning a burial can feel overwhelming. Whether you choose a traditional cemetery or a memorial garden, Rose Hills Memorial Park helps you understand your options.
BurialCemeteryCremation

The Complete Guide to Cremation

Discover why cremation is becoming the preferred choice for many families, with its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly options.
Cremation

The Complete Guide to Memorial Services

From selecting a meaningful venue to incorporating personal touches that reflect your loved one's life, a Memorial Service can be tailored to honor their memory. Here's how.
Memorial Service
how to choose sympathy flowers

Choosing Sympathy Flowers

Choosing the right sympathy flowers can be a heartfelt way to express your support during difficult times. With numerous options available, understanding the meanings behind different colors and types of flowers can help you convey how you feel.
Flowerssympathy
how to plan a funeral

Complete Guide to Planning a Funeral

Because families often hold funerals just days after death — within 24 hours in certain religions — the process of planning a funeral can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to do, countless considerations to weigh, and seemingly endless lists of

Funeral
choosing music for a memorial service

Choosing Music for a Memorial Service

Music captures feelings that words struggle to articulate, especially during moments of grief. Selecting meaningful songs for a memorial service or funeral can create a deeply personal tribute that honors your loved one’s life.
Funeral PlanningMusic
what to write in a sympathy note

What to Write in a Sympathy Note

A heartfelt sympathy note can mean the world to someone grieving. The Emily Post Institute emphasizes that honesty is key: say what you truly feel. Even a few sincere sentences can provide comfort and support.
How Tosympathy
how to write an obituary

How to Write an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a deeply personal endeavor that goes beyond listing accomplishments and dates. It’s an opportunity to capture the essence of your loved one’s life and legacy. How do you want their story to be told?
How ToObituary
technology and etiquette

Navigating Sensitive Topics Via Text

In a world where technology rapidly changes how we communicate, the essence of etiquette remains steadfast. Emily Post, a pioneer in the field, emphasized the importance of consideration, respect, and honesty—principles that still resonate today.
EtiquetteTexting
how to announce a death on social media

Announcing a Death on Social Media

Social media has transformed how we share our lives, including our grief and loss. Here are some tips for announcing a death on platforms like Facebook.
How ToTexting
how to memorialize a facebook page

How to Memorialize a Facebook Page

Social media has transformed how we share our lives, including our grief and loss. Here are some tips for announcing a death on platforms like Facebook.
FacebookHow To
what to wear to a funeral

What To Wear To A Funeral

Whether you're attending a formal service or a casual gathering, our guidelines will help you dress appropriately without drawing attention to yourself. Read on for essential tips on dressing for this somber occasion.
Funeral
Should Children Attend Funerals

Should Children Attend Funerals?

Should children attend funerals? This question often weighs heavily on parents and caregivers. Funerals can serve as important family rituals, helping to acknowledge grief and foster healing. However, determining if a child is ready to attend involves understanding their age
ChildrenFuneral
back-to-school grief

When Grief Meets Back-to-School

Back-to-school season can be a challenging time for grieving parents. As excitement fills the air with new supplies and fresh beginnings, the weight of loss can make even simple tasks feel monumental. How do you navigate milestones that remind you
Back-to-SchoolGrief
what to do when you can't attend a funeral

What to Do When You Can’t Attend a Funeral

If you can't attend a funeral, there are many meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory beyond being physically present. Explore our suggestions to navigate this sensitive situation with care.
EtiquetteFuneral
healing power of journaling

The Healing Power of Journaling

Losing someone you love is tough and filled with strong emotions. It's crucial to find healthy coping mechanisms, and journaling can be a great support in dealing with grief. Writing allows you to express your feelings and honor your memories.
After the Funeralgrief support
what to keep what to let go of when a loved one dies

What to Keep, What to Let Go of When a Loved One Dies

Deciding what to do with a loved one’s belongings while you’re grieving is one of the most challenging tasks you’ll face after loss. Discover thoughtful strategies that can make this process more manageable.
After the Funeralgrief support
why you should acknowledge someone's loss

Why You Should Acknowledge Someone’s Loss

When someone we care about experiences a loss, it can be challenging to know what to say. Many of us fear saying the wrong thing, leading to silence that can feel even more painful. Your words can make a difference,
Griefgrief support
five things to say to someone who's grieving

Five Things to Say to Someone Who’s Grieving

Five things you should avoid saying to someone who’s grieving, along with five supportive phrases that can offer comfort. Learn how to navigate these challenging conversations with compassion and understanding.
grief supportHow Tosympathy
10 ways to offer support to someone who's grieving

10 Ways to Offer Support to Someone Who’s Grieving

Navigating the complexities of grief can be challenging, both for those who are grieving and for those who wish to offer support. Understanding what to say and how to act can make a significant difference during such a personal time.
grief support

How to Help a Grieving Parent

When my father died, my mother faced the daunting challenge of navigating life alone for the first time in nearly 60 years. As I grappled with my own grief, I found myself wondering how to support her through this profound
Griefgrief support
Mother's Day Grief

Grief & Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day can bring up many feelings for those who have lost a mom or maternal figure. There’s no “right way” to deal with this day—what matters is finding comfort in a way that feels right to you. Discover helpful
GriefHolidaysMother's Day
the hidden grief of father's day

The Hidden Grief of Father’s Day

Father’s Day can be a bittersweet occasion, filled with barbecues and tributes, yet for many, it brings forth a complex wave of grief. Whether mourning a deceased father, stepfather, or father figure, the emotional landscape can feel like an uncharted
Father's DayGriefHolidays

Ways to Remember Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s Day can evoke a whirlwind of emotions for those who have lost their dads. While it’s a time for celebration, it can also bring forth feelings of grief. Author Hope Edelman reminds us that our relationship with loss evolves.
Father's DayGriefHolidays

Six Ideas to Help You Cope with Grief this Thanksgiving

Holidays can be especially tough when grieving a loved one. As Kathie Lee Gifford noted, this season can feel "bittersweet." It's important to acknowledge your emotions while also allowing for moments of joy. This Thanksgiving, consider creating new traditions to
grief supportHolidaysThanksgiving
how to support a friend who is grieving

Five Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving During the Holidays

Five specific ways to support someone grieving during the holiday season. From being present and listening to acknowledging their loss, your actions can provide immense comfort.
Griefgrief supportHolidays
holiday gift ideas for someone who's grieving

Holiday Gift Ideas for Someone Who’s Grieving

The holidays can feel impossibly heavy for someone missing a loved one. A thoughtful gift doesn't fix that pain, but it can say something powerful: "I remember them too."
Griefgrief supportHolidays
Giving Yourself Permission to Change Holiday Traditions

Giving Yourself Permission to Change Holiday Traditions

At the holidays, you don't have to do things the way you've always done them. Whether it's skipping the office party, cooking a beloved recipe, or creating new traditions, reshape your holidays in a way that feels right for you.
ChristmasHanukkahHolidays
The Space Between: When Everyone Goes Home

The Space Between: When Everyone Goes Home

As the wrapping paper is tossed and the laughter fades, grief often steps forward, reclaiming its space. The days following Christmas or Hanukkah can bring a wave of emotions.
ChristmasHanukkahHolidays
A guide to coping with grief at the holidays

A Guide for Coping with Grief at the Holidays

The holidays can be a challenging time for those coping with grief, as joy and celebration often clash with deep emotions of loss. In our guide, we offer tips to help you navigate this complex time.
ChristmasGriefHolidays

The First Christmas After a Loss

The first holiday season without a loved one can be incredibly challenging. As we navigate through the “firsts” of family gatherings and cherished traditions, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to create new ways to honor their memory.
ChristmasGriefHolidays

Losing a Loved One During the Holidays

Losing a loved one during the holidays can be especially challenging, as the sights and sounds of the season often serve as painful reminders of your loss. It’s important to recognize that this is your new normal, and healing takes
ChristmasGriefHolidays
goal setting

How to Set Goals at Any Time of the Year

Discover the importance of setting realistic, specific goals, planning, and staying accountable. Embrace the journey, learn from setbacks, and make intentional choices that align with your aspirations.
Goal Setting
a resolution that lasts

A Resolution That Lasts

Every January, we make promises to ourselves—but what if this year, you made a different kind of resolution? One that could bring your family closer and provide peace of mind for years to come? How to approach end-of-life planning without
New Year'sPlanning Ahead