-
“All The Ways Our Dead Still Speak”
In this book, a sixth-generation funeral director reconciles his family’s past with his presentThe provocative title of Caleb Wilde’s observations on the way the dead remain present in our lives sets up the reader for a potentially spooky tale about ghostly apparitions whispering in the dark. But while there are a few sightings of the departed in this book, “All the Ways Our Dead Still Speak” is about…
/
-
U.S. Presidents’ Duties Include Planning Their Own Funerals
Each places personal touches on centuries-old traditionsThe Joint Task Departure Force loads the casket of President George H.W. Bush. Credit: Airman Michael S. Murphy
/
-
“Soul With Me”
Lead singer Martin Gore takes listeners on an upbeat journey to the other sideIt’s rare to find a song in which the protagonist not only faces death head-on but greets the experience with open arms, blissfully describing an ethereal ascent to a heavenly realm, which is the case with “Soul With Me” by Depeche Mode. The song appears on the venerable band’s 2023 album “Memento Mori,” an end-of-life…
/
-
Our Monthly Tip: Make A Keepsake Pin to Honor Your Loved One
A meaningful memorial favor for guests to wear during a serviceOur Tip of the Month Bring your loved one’s presence to the celebration of life by having their image on a keepsake pin that also includes words they might have spoken, dates or other information. These make for meaningful memorial favors to pass out to guests. How-To Suggestions Select the elements: Choose a special image…
/
-
Is “The Widower Effect” True?
Four years ago I went through a completely unexpected shock induced by the separation from my husband after 20 years of marriage. For me, the circumstances of how it happened played as a virtual spousal death, including all the intermingled phases of death, initially kicked off by the expected denial. It was an out-of-body, full…
/
-
Death Culture in America is Demonstrably Changing
Funeral practices and cultural expectations have been gradually changing, showing signs of greater acceptance and different prioritiesHow people choose to honor the rites and rituals surrounding death can be a helpful metric in measuring cultural attitudes towards the subject. In recent years, it has become apparent that cultural norms and new technologies have been slowly changing American’s relationship with death, as shown by the development of innovative funeral practices and a…
/
-
“The Book of Ceremony ”
In this book, an expert in shamanic traditions explains how ceremonies can deepen our livesWhy create ceremonies? In “The Book of Ceremony,” author Sandra Ingerman clarifies that ceremonies are not just for those moments so often highlighted in our lives – birth, graduation, marriage and death. But perhaps most importantly, they are also required for the unacknowledged, unexplained and yet-to-be discovered aspects of our lives and of ourselves. Particularly,…
/
-
“Last Leaf on the Tree”
A sentimental song about a long life, determination and the bittersweet victory of outlasting everyone elseWillie Nelson is no spring chicken. At 92, he is still driving around the country in his iconic bus, performing with his family and friends and working for the various causes that are dear to him. He’s also recording critically-acclaimed records. “Last Leaf on the Tree,” released in November of 2024, has been hailed as…
/
-
Dealing With the Never-ending Demand for Burial Space
Cemeteries turn to grave recycling, vertical burials, cremation and green alternativesAs urban populations grow and land becomes increasingly scarce, burial grounds worldwide are facing a crisis: they are running out of space. With traditional burials requiring large plots of land, the sustainability of cemeteries is being questioned. How do cemeteries manage this issue, and what are the potential solutions for creating more room for burials?
/
Want an Easier Way to Plan a Memorial Event? Get our FREE guide
“7 Ways to Create an Amazing Celebration of Life”
