Month: August 2022

A popular reason for people choosing cremation services in Irving, TX. is that they want their ashes returned back into nature. Many people may even know the exact spot they wish for this to happen. For the families of the loved one, releasing the ashes can be a very beautiful tribute as the wind carrying the ashes away signifies the deceased’s spirt being lifted into the heavens. We are going to look at how this act can help those left behind to heal.

Casting Ceremony

When ashes are released into the wind (as opposed to being buried or sent to sea), it is called “casting”. A casting ceremony is simply the ceremony that happens before the act of casting the ashes. These services can be a small, intimate affairs with just immediate family present, or could be a large event that is open to the public allowing anyone who wishes being able to attend.

These events can also be structured like that of a funeral or memorial service with eulogies being delivered, prayers or readings being recited and music selections being played or sung, or be a more simple, unorganized event where guests may take turns sharing a favorite memory about their loved one.

How Casting Ceremonies Help Us to Heal

No matter how large or small, organized or free low the casting ceremony is, these events can be very beneficial to those who attend. These ceremonies can aid in our healing by:

Assist with closure and saying goodbye- Death is never an easy thing to process. Having a visual of the ashes being released can help our brains, and our hearts, come to terms with what has happened.

Helping accept the new reality- Once we can begin to feel closure, these ceremonies can help us accept this new reality and begin to learn how to navigate through it.

Being around others who feel the same way-When you experience grief it can often time feel like you are all alone in your pain. Being around others who are also grieving the same loss as you can bring comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Provide a set time of remembrance- When you attend a casting ceremony, that is the only thing on your mind at that time. You are typically not thinking of things like work, chores, homework or errands but instead, your focus is on your loved one. This is wonderful to let your mind be consumed by their memory, talk about them with others, and remember all the good times.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a casting ceremony it is important that you first check with the location to ensure it is legal to release ashes there. While most places do allow for this, many only do so when the proper permits have been acquired.

To learn more about casting ceremonies as well as cremation services in Irving, TX, give us a call anytime as one of our cremation providers is happy to talk with you one-on-one.

While preplanning your cremation services in Dallas, TX. is a wonderful thing to do for your family, there are some additional things you should consider. These include documents you should have completed, organized and located in a place your family can access easily. Some of these documents may be used before your pass away while other will be what your family may need afterwards. In any case, it is good to have all papers on this list completed and ready to go if and when your family needs them.

Personal Documents

These are documents that your family may need for things like writing the obituary, getting the death certificate completed, and more. Of course this may not be all of the documents you need in this category as every individual is unique, but this will give you a good place to begin.

The documents you should have include:

• Last Will and Testament – This document will name those who you appoint that will inherit your assets if no beneficiary is named on an accounts.
• Marriage License / Divorce Decrees – Gather documents showing you have been married and/or divorced
• Digital Estate Plan- This document outlines how you would like your social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to be handled
• Letter of Instruction – This document instructs how you would like you last wishes to be carried out such as where you would like your ashes to be scattered after your cremation.

Financial Documents

If you become incapable of handling your accounts it is important to give your family permission to do so for you. Not only that, but having all of your financial papers organized and kept together will help your family immensely when the time comes. Some of the documents you should gather are:

• A Financial Power of Attorney (POA)- This document is imperative in assigning someone to handle your finances if you are unable to do so.
• 401(k)- These are any papers relating to your 401(k) and retirement accounts
• Income tax Returns- Make sure you have your past tax returns accessible for your family. Typically having the past six years is desired.
• Vehicle Titles – Make sure to gather any and all vehicle titles you may have.
• Stock Certificates – Gather any documents related to stocks you own or savings bonds
• Any Deeds – These would be deeds to things such as housing, cemetery, or land
• Loans and Payments- Documents showing any loans you have as well as payments made

Medical Documents

This last category includes any and papers that your family may need should you require hospital care. Documents to have can include:

• HIPAA Authorization – This is to allow your private health information to be released to the parties you name. This is important because without hospitals cannot release any information even to family members.
• An Advance Health Care Directive- This document is a combination of your Living Will and the naming of a Health Care Proxy
• Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR)- If it is your wish that doctors do not try and resuscitate you, you will need to fill out this DNR order.

By preplanning your cremation services in Dallas, TX. as well as having all of these documents organized and easily accessible to your family members, you can be assured they will be taken care after you pass.

Planning your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. ahead of time just makes sense. Think about it. You plan other important events ahead of time. Vacations. Graduation parties. Road trips. Holiday plans. Why would you not preplan something as important as your final arrangements? Not only will it help ease the stress from your family when the time comes, you can take the time to truly decide what you would like to have happen as your last wishes. Let’s talk more about just some of these advantages to preplanning your arrangements.

1. Preplanning Allows You More Time and Choice

One great advantage of planning your arrangements now is that you don’t have to be a in rush. You can take the time to explore all of your options before settling on a final decision about things.

For example, did you know that nowadays it is possible to have your ashes shot int space, turned into a diamond, made into a painting or glass sculpture and even be made to create a living coral reef? And those are just a few of the options available.

Of course you can also choose a more traditional option such as having your ashes placed in a urn, scattering them back into nature, or having them buried. The choices are truly endless. Give yourself time now to explore all of the options.

2. Give Your Family a Break

Although it may seem morbid to some, making your final arrangements now is actually an act of love you are showing towards your family. When you pass, those who are left behind will be responsible for handling everything from your bank accounts to newspaper subscriptions.

Help ease their burden by not having them be responsible for planning your cremation services as well. Knowing that aspect has already all been arranged can greatly reduce the stress your family will be feeling at the time of your passing.

3. Your Last Wishes Will be Honored

When you preplan your arrangements now, you can arrange any last wishes that you would like to have occur. This can give you confidence and peace of mind knowing everything will be handled the way you wish.

Even if you leave your last wishes up to your family, when the time comes, even though they have the best of intentions, they may not be able to complete your last wishes for whatever reason. Don’t leave it up to chance. Preplan now so that your last wishes will be handled in the manner you want.

Final Thoughts

While making your final arrangements now can seem awkward or uncomfortable, know that by doing so, you are doing the responsible thing for your family Just make sure that after you have your plans made that you let your family know. Inform them about what provider you have contracts with, where these papers are located and who they need to contact if they have questions about anything. This will help immensely when the time comes. It doesn’t do any good to preplan all of your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. only to forget to let anyone know.

Writing has often been used to help process grief and loss. This can be done in numerous ways including keeping a journal, creating a daily gratitude list, or even writing your loved one’s biography. While all of these are fantastic methods, today we will be exploring another therapeutic option: writing your loved one a letter after their cremation services in Irving, TX.

 

Step 1: Find a comfortable spot to sit and write without disturbances.

It can be therapeutic to write a letter to your deceased loved one. It can help you to process your grief and can be a way to express your feelings that you may not have been able to say in person. You may find it helpful to write the letter in a comfortable spot where you won’t be interrupted. You can light a candle or play calming music to create a peaceful atmosphere. Once you’re ready, start by writing down some of the things you remember about your loved one. What are some of the qualities that you admire? What are some of your favorite memories? What did they mean to you? As you write, don’t be afraid to express your feelings, whether they’re happy, sad, angry, or anything else. Just let the words flow and see where they take you. You may find the experience to be healing and cathartic.

 

Step 2: Get the supply you need.

A journal is a great way to capture your thoughts and feelings, and you may also want to include some photos or mementos that are special to you. You’ll also need a good pen that won’t bleed through the pages – try a gel or ballpoint pen in black or blue ink. And finally, make sure you have plenty of tissues handwriting can be an emotional process, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. With these supplies, you’ll be ready to sit down and write a letter that will be cherished for years to come.

 

Step 3: Concentrate on what you want to write.

It is not easy to write a letter to your deceased loved one. You may feel it is pointless because they are no longer here, but it can be very therapeutic. The process of writing can help you to process your grief and to say goodbye healthily. It can also be a way to keep your loved one’s memory alive. To get started, concentrate on what you want to say. Write from the heart and don’t worry about grammar or punctuation. Just let the words flow. You may find it helpful to write about favorite memories, things you wish you had said, or how much you miss your loved one. Take your time and be gentle with yourself. Writing a letter to your deceased loved one can be a powerful way to heal your grief.

 

Step 4: Say goodbye to a loved one.

Saying goodbye to a deceased loved one can be difficult. The process of grief can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to find the words to express your feelings. Writing a letter to your loved one can be a helpful way to say goodbye. It can be a way to express your thoughts and emotions and to share memories of your time. It can also be a way to process your grief and begin healing. Writing a letter is not always easy, but it can be a powerful way to say goodbye to your deceased loved one.

 

Whatever feels right to you, do that. And don’t think you can write them a letter just one time. Feel free after your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX, to write them a letter each week, each month, or on special days like birthdays and holidays. There are no rules to this activity so feel free to make it your own and write as often as you’d like.