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Euphemisms for Death: 200+ Ways to Describe Death & Dying

July 25, 2023November 5, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Euphemisms for death abound. This is because there are many ways we talk about death.

Sometimes we talk evasively, in a way that avoids really talking about death. Other times we are trying to be polite and sensitive, especially around the family of the one who has died. Still other times we turn it into a big joke, blunting the razor edge of death’s horror with humor.

We can talk about death clinically, with a focus on the physical symptoms that avoids the emotional aspect. And of the flip side we can use purely emotional, whimsical terms like “living on in our hearts” as a way to deflect the crushing reality.

12 Headstone Inscription Tips To Get It Just Right

July 25, 2023October 29, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Headstones are big, expensive, and permanent, so you want to get it just right. The headstone inscription can be a lengthy description or a short sentence or anything in between, but whatever length or style you want it done well.

To that end, here are 12 tips to help you get the headstone inscription just right. These tips work equally well for inscriptions on cremation urns, niche cover plates, memorial gifts, and more.

15 Memorial Ideas Made From Cremated Ashes

July 25, 2023October 9, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

memorial ideas with cremated ashes - feature image

A memorial made from cremated ashes is simply the ultimate way to keep your loved one close to your heart. Here are 15 creative and unique memorial ideas made using actual cremated remains. These include decorative accents, jewelry, and even trees.

Jewish Burial Caskets & Where to Find Them

July 25, 2023October 8, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Jewish burial practices are very similar to the contemporary eco-friendly trend, the “green burial” movement. As people begin to realize just how harmful some of the modern “traditional” funeral practices are, a movement back to the old ways it beginning to take place.

For the Jewish community, the reality is that they have been doing it right for many years and the rest of the Western world is waking up to the wisdom of a simple, natural burial.

How to Write a Condolence Letter

July 25, 2023October 7, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Let’s talk about how to write a condolence letter. Have you ever written one? Maybe not. It’s a lost art.

But, like many things that have gone by the wayside in our modern age, it’s still a worthwhile show of love and support. When you personally write to someone who has lost a loved one, it shows that extra touch of care and compassion.

If you’re thinking about writing a condolence letter and you just don’t know how, you’ve come to the right place.

First of all, I commend you for wanting to do this. Your letter will be saved and re-read long after all the store-bought cards are discarded. Second, I’ve gleaned some tips and would like to share them with you.

What is a Death Doula? (Or “End-of-Life Doula”?)

February 14, 2024September 24, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Applying the doula approach to end-of-life care

What is a death doula? Or, what is an end-of-life doula? In this article we will detail who they are and how they can help in your final days (or those of a loved one).

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory (Book Review)

July 25, 2023September 17, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Book Review: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory is an entertaining and at times thoughtful book about one of the most tucked-away but necessary jobs in the funeral industry: The Crematory Operator.

Written by Caitlin Doughty, who worked as a crematory operator and is now an “alternative” funeral director, author, and YouTube personality, the theme of the book is not really cremation or funerals or gory details, though it definitely includes that.

The main theme is death itself. Specifically, how our culture interacts with death (or tries to avoid it), and what things might be like if we looked death – in all of its messiness – straight in the face.

21 Beautifully Christ-Centered Funeral Hymns

July 25, 2023August 24, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

There are few things more powerful, encouraging, and comforting than singing a beloved and Christ-exalting hymn in the midst of a difficult time.

When a Christian dies, they have the solid hope of being together with the Lord, free from sin and pain and the troubles of the world. Yes, it is a grievously sad day, but it is not a sadness without hope. Those of us who remain, including the believer’s family and loved ones, can draw much comfort while expressing our hope and grief through a well-chosen hymn sung in faith.

19 Tealight Cremation Urns to Light a Candle in Memory

July 25, 2023August 17, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

Tealight cremation urns provide a way to subtly display your loved one’s remains in a way that truly honors their memory. Each time you light the candle, you can visualize the way they brought so much beautiful light into your life.

DIY Pet Funeral Guide: How to plan a pet funeral service

July 25, 2023August 8, 2018 by Daniel Szczesniak

The loss of a pet is deeply affecting. Pets hold a special place in our lives and hearts, and their death creates a gaping hole that causes real, true grief. On top of this, pet owners are responsible for properly and legally disposing of the pet’s body.

So you want to know how to bury or cremate a pet while also allowing you and your family the time and opportunity to grieve the loss of your furry friend. This is where a DIY pet funeral can be helpful.

In many areas there are pet cemeteries or even pet funeral homes that can help you with this, for a fee. If that is not an option in your location or if the full-service option is out of your price range, you will be best served by a DIY pet funeral.