Five Ways to Celebrate the Birthday of a Loved One Who Has Passed
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Birthdays – they can be hard to handle, especially in the beginning when the pain of the loss often covers our usual enjoyment of this special day. However, taking time to celebrate and honor how amazing our loved one was and what they meant to us can also be healing.
Remember that this time is specific to you; grief affects us all differently. Some like to visit and decorate graves, some throw parties, and for others, just a simple remembrance is perfect. If you feel like doing something, but just aren’t sure what, we’ve gathered a few ideas to help get you started.
1. Get together with close family and frie nds. Plan to do something fun like taking children fishing (or some other hobby) to teach them what their special person liked to do, or meet for dinner to honor them.
2. Plant something in their honor. Each year add new flowers to your garden or plant a new tree. Then every time you see that plant you can enjoy it and think of your loved one.
3. Donate your money or time. Another way to honor your loved one is to donate money or time to a charitable organization that they were inspired by or involved in. This can be a wonderful way to give back and to deal with grief on their birthday.
4. Visit their grave. This may sound like an obvious thing to do, but it is ok to take some quiet time for yourself to get away and honor the person you’ve lost at their gravesite.
5. Do nothing. The day will hit each of us differently, and you should do what’s best for you. For some people that means not changing their day or their routine, and that is perfectly fine, too. You have to be kind to yourself and let your heart heal in its own time.
Note that each of these ideas is very different from one another because there is no right or wrong way to go about this. We hope these ideas help you find a way that best honors your loved one and help you on your journey to healing after loss.
Prepaid funeral plans are often misunderstood. While some people worry about cost, flexibility, or security, the truth is that funeral preplanning can offer peace of mind and financial protection when arranged through a reputable provider. Below are common myths about prepaid funeral plans—and the facts families should know. Myth 1: Your Money Is Better Off in the Bank Fact: Funeral costs increase over time. A prepaid funeral plan locks in today’s prices on many funeral services and merchandise, helping protect your family from inflation and future cost increases. Myth 2: You’ll Lose Your Money If a Funeral Home Closes Fact: Prepaid funeral plans are regulated by state law. Funds are typically placed in a trust or insurance policy, not held by the funeral home. If a provider closes, the funds can usually be transferred to another funeral home. Myth 3: Moving Makes Your Plan Useless Fact: Most prepaid funeral plans are transferable. If you relocate, your plan can often be moved to another funeral provider, ensuring your arrangements remain in place. Myth 4: Life Insurance Covers Funeral Expenses Fact: Life insurance payouts can take weeks or months, while funeral costs are due immediately. Prepaid funeral plans are specifically designed to cover final expenses at the time of need. Myth 5: The Plan Won’t Work Unless It’s Fully Paid Fact: Many funeral preplanning arrangements provide coverage as soon as payments begin, as long as the account stays current. Your selected services are typically guaranteed. Myth 6: Preplanning Means High-Pressure Sales Fact: Funeral preplanning should be educational and voluntary. Reputable providers focus on honoring your wishes—not selling unnecessary products. Why Prepaid Funeral Planning Makes Sense Locks in funeral costs Reduces financial stress on loved ones Ensures your wishes are clearly documented Protects against rising funeral expenses Prepaid funeral planning is a thoughtful way to support your family and take control of your final arrangements. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently-asked questions and answers about Veterans benefits.
Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear? While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear. 1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option. Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones. Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise. Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance. 2. Dress Modestly and Neatly Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative: For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer. For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate. 3. Footwear Matters, Too Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service. Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors. 4. Consider the Location and Weather The setting of the service can influence your outfit: For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel. Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice. In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season. 5. Keep Accessories Simple This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering. 6. What About Children? Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service. 7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support. What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most
Planning a funeral or cremation—whether for a loved one or preplanning for yourself—can feel overwhelming. There are many decisions to make, all while navigating the emotions that come with loss. But with a little preparation and guidance, the process can be meaningful, healing, and manageable. Whether you're planning ahead or handling arrangements after a loss, this guide walks you through the key steps of planning a funeral or cremation service. 1. Decide Between Burial and Cremation One of the first decisions to make is whether the individual will be buried or cremated. This choice often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences. Burial typically involves a casket, a graveside service, and a cemetery plot. Cremation may still include a funeral or memorial service and allows for more flexible options such as scattering, keeping an urn, or burying cremated remains. Some families choose direct cremation (without a service) or direct burial and hold a memorial at a later time. 2. Decide on the Type of Service There are many ways to honor a life, including: Traditional funeral service (usually with the body present) Memorial service (typically after cremation or burial) Celebration of life (a more personalized, informal event) Services can take place at the funeral home, a place of worship or outdoors. Choose what best reflects the person’s life and what brings comfort to those attending. 3. Select the Details You’ll want to personalize the service with details such as: Obituary and newspaper or online notices Casket or urn selection Music, readings, or spiritual elements Photos, videos, or displays of personal items Flowers or charitable donation options Who will speak, perform, or participate Many families also choose to include military honors, religious traditions, or cultural customs. 4. Consider Final Resting Place Options For burials: Choose a cemetery and purchase a plot if one isn’t already owned Decide on a headstone or grave marker For cremation: Decide whether ashes will be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a niche Some families divide ashes among keepsake urns or jewelry 5. Handle Legal and Practical Matters Don’t forget the necessary paperwork: Obtain a death certificate (you may need multiple copies) Notify Social Security and financial institutions Handle wills, trusts, and estate matters If applicable, coordinate with veterans’ services or insurance providers Funeral directors can help guide you through most of this, but having documents organized in advance can ease the burden. 6. Consider Preplanning Preplanning your own arrangements relieves your loved ones of decision-making during an emotional time. You can: Specify burial or cremation preferences Choose the type of service and location Prepay or set aside funds Record personal touches you’d like included Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed—and it brings peace of mind to everyone involved. While planning a funeral or cremation is never easy, it is an opportunity to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life. Whether you’re planning for the future or coping with a loss today, take each step at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or trusted loved ones for support.
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