-
“Clap When You Land”
A young adult novel that deals with grief in the face of betrayal and secretsIn 2018, Elizabeth Acevedo took the stage as one of the most important new voices in young adult literature. Her first novel, “The Poet X,” published in 2018, was named by Kirkus reviews as one of best young adult books of the year. Her fourth novel, “Clap When You Land,” was published in May 2020.…
/
-
Aggressive Opioid Tapering Is Associated With Long Term Harms, Study Shows
Researchers believed the effects would dissipate with timeA recent study out of the University of California found that aggressive tapering of opioids resulted in long-term risk of substance misuse, overdose, and mental health crisis. Although these risks are inherent in any opioid tapering, researchers believed that they were short-lived. This latest study demonstrates that these effects can persist for up to 2…
/
-
“My Way”
One of the most recognized memorial songs of all timeFrank Sinatra released the beloved melody “My Way” on January 1, 1969, as the title song on an album of the same name. “My Way” quickly became a trademark tune for Sinatra throughout the decades to follow. Although not revered by everyone, the song became a multi-generational cultural phenomenon despite its self-indulgent tone. “My way”…
/
-
Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast Uses Art as Grief Therapy
Grammy nominated singer uses music and writing to work through the loss of her motherIn 2014, Michelle Zauner’s mother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. She died three months later. Zauner’s music career had already started by then, but her mother’s sudden death caused the Korean-American artist to return to her family home in Oregon. While there, Zauner launched her indie rock band, Japanese Breakfast. The band’s first two…
/
-
Our Monthly Tip: Create a Unique Woodland Memorial Service
A fantastic idea for a nature loverOur Tip of the Month To honor someone who loved the woods, hosting a woodland memorial service or celebration of life in a forest can make for a unique gathering. Planning one of these doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose one of the beloved’s favorite places or choose a public place with picnic…
/
-
The Funeral Industry Still Has More Than a Few Bad Actors
An industry publication recently reported on some disturbing eventsFor more than a few decades, the funeral industry has been plagued with bad actors — funeral professionals who take advantage of vulnerable clients in all sorts of nefarious ways. Some techniques such as upselling are extremely common but not technically illegal as long as the client is given a general price list and informed…
/
-
Haka Helps Polynesians Express Grief
Indigenous cultural dance still performed in New Zealand todayHaka is a traditional custom for Maori, members of the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The practice has been regarded as a powerful means of expression for hundreds of years. Haka is an energetic dance that involves the entire body. Vigorous rhythmic movements include slapping of the chest and thighs and stamping of the…
/
-
‘One Last Wave Project’ Honors the Dead
Rhode Island surfer brings strangers’ loved ones to the ocean for one last waveGrief-stricken by the loss of his father and best friend, 42-year-old Dan Fischer took to the ocean in January to find healing. After emerging from the frigid Rhode Island waters, Fischer realized he could share the uplifting results he’d experienced, and offered to include others on social media: They could submit their loved ones’ names…
/
-
Losing Noah — A Forgotten Helmet Leads to a Tragic Death
Keeping my two favorite people, my daughter and my brother, connected even after his death.This is the story of Elizabeth, as told by Irena. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and, ultimately, to aid them in their healing process. In this post, Elizabeth tells the story of…
/
Want an Easier Way to Plan a Memorial Event? Get our FREE guide
“7 Ways to Create an Amazing Celebration of Life”
