Posts by Mark Meeson

Losing a parent, child, or spouse is one of the hardest things a person can experience. The grieving process is difficult and can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to move forward. But despite the pain, it’s possible to heal and grow in the aftermath of loss. Here are seven tips to…

Bringing children to a funeral may seem like a difficult or even unnecessary task, but it can be beneficial for both the child and the family as a whole. First and foremost, attending a funeral allows children to understand and process the concept of death. Death is a difficult concept for many adults to understand,…

“Taps” consists of 24 notes that are sounded on a bugle at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services for veterans.  It was not written in its current form but came from revisions to a call named “Tattoo” that was written before the Civil War.  You can see it played here and you will hear some…

Bringing Veterans Day to Life in the Eyes of Children Veterans Day marks our gratefulness and respect for all of those who have served in our military and in the defense of our nation. It is a major point of pride for all of those who have sacrificed or have loved someone who has.  As…

Creating an Occasion for Smiles Every person, no matter where or how long they lived, has special dates associated with their lives. Wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and notable events all come to mind as we pass through the calendar year. And while many of those occasions bring smiles and fond memories back to us, the approaching…

The Importance of Community and Grief There are so many occasions in life where we should seek out the comfort and community of the ones around us. Gathering is essential for the relief and comfort it provides after the loss of a friend or family member. If there is any doubt in your mind about…

Obituaries have traditionally been used by families to let the community know about their loved one’s passing. An obituary recognizes the impact that person had on their community, their ties to the community, and the family members that are left behind. It also informs anyone who might want to attend the funeral of the schedules…

Funerals and end-of-life traditions are an essential part of saying goodbye to those who have passed, creating a final moment of memory and peace that draws us together in our love for those who have gone before us. We in the United States tend to celebrate the passing of our loved ones with memorial services…

Difficult Conversations with Deep Significance Part of truly loving someone is the hopes and dreams that we have of a life with them, always looking towards the future.  But as time marches on, one of the realities we must face is that, while we would love to live together side-by-side with our spouse forever, there…

Going Back to Our Lives While Grieving It’s a common misconception that our lives go back to normal after the funeral of a friend or loved one, and that we have completed the grieving process once we leave the memorial service. While the memorial service is an essential part of closure and community, grieving can…