Monthly Archives: August 2020

cremation services offered in Clinton Township, MI

Do I Need Grief Support?

Access to grief resources is among the cremation services offered in Clinton Township, MI.

However, some grieving family members may need more grief support so that they are able to process their grief and achieve a state where all-encompassing grief doesn’t overshadow everything else in their lives.

While all of us have the knowledge that, at some point in our lives, we will experience the loss of someone we love, what we can’t know is how the grief of that loss will affect us. Even if we already lost loved ones before, we will never be able to predict how we will respond to subsequent losses of loved ones.

The circumstances of death can make grief more challenging to deal with. Those circumstances can include the loss of a parent, the loss of a spouse, or the loss of a child. The death of our loved one may be sudden or violent, or it could be the result of a long illness.

On top of this, there may be other personal factors that shape and define the kind of grief we experience. These factors can include our religious beliefs, our cultures, our temperaments, our ages, and our lives’ experiences.

Because of this, it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and that the intensity and length of acute grief differs from person to person.

However, no matter how differently each of us processes grief, our grief shares some similarities.

After the initial shock and the acute, intense emotional pain that comes when a loved one dies, at some point (from a few weeks to a few years) the grief, though still always present, will eventually become more manageable.

And even though we will never not miss our loved one, we find a way to accept that this loss has happened. At that point, we can start to move forward with a much greater appreciation of the time and experiences we had with our loved one.

Getting through the grieving process is often a product of the support we receive along the way. This support can come from the grief resources provided by the funeral home, or our families, or our social network. And with these sources of support, many of us discover that, in time, we can process our loss and get through the roughest patches in the grieving process.

However, for some people, these sources of grief support may not be enough. For these people, grief is consuming and overwhelming to the point that they are debilitated by it and can barely function, much less see any kind of path forward in life.

Psychologists call this type of grief “complicated grief.” Complicated grief is an extremely protracted and all-consuming type of grief that literally stops our life in its tracks. If you believe that you are experiencing complicated grief, you should seek additional support from a professional therapist who is qualified to help you move past this intractable kind of grief.

funeral service

Some of the signs of complicated grief include relentless sadness, profound and unshakeable depression, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Other signs of complicated grief are withdrawal from social activities, difficulty sleeping, difficulty eating, and obsessive thinking about your loved one who has died.

When you’re experiencing such deep emotional and mental pain, you may believe that it is impossible to relief. However, by seeking professional grief support, you have access to a lifeline that can help you resolve the pain and move forward with your life.

For more information about grief support and other cremation services in Clinton Township, MI, our caring and knowledgeable staff at Lee-Ellena Funeral is here to assist you.

cremation services offered in Macomb, MI

Guidelines for a Memorial Service

Help with planning a memorial service is one of the cremation services offered in Macomb, MI.

Just as your relationship with your deceased loved one is unique and special, your memorial service for them can be unique and special as well. But even though the memorial service will be a deeply personal tribute to your loved one, you will also want to make sure that the memorial service is an event that can be fully shared by everyone who is there.

These are the main things about a memorial service that you will decide.

First, identify all family members and friends who will be actively helping you plan the memorial service. It’s important to remember, however, that this list of people may change or grow as you get into the details of planning the memorial service. You may also find that some family members and friends might want to be involved later, while some who are already involved may decide that the process is too stressful or that their grief makes it difficult for them to be involved.

If you start and continue the memorial service planning process with clear and open communication, it will take shape more smoothly and will result in a beautiful service that honors the memory of your loved one.

Be patient with yourself and with the people helping you plan the memorial service. The shock and grief of losing a loved one is difficult emotionally, and that may make you and everyone else more sensitive and reactive when things go awry (and they will, but they can be righted easily and quickly).

So, from the beginning of the memorial service planning process, commit to keeping everyone who is helping you in the loop so that you all are working with the same current information. This will keep a lot of frustration and confusion from bogging down the process.

The easiest way to communicate with everyone involved in planning a memorial service is to make a to-do list of what needs to be done. This list will include items like:

  • Selecting a date and location for the memorial service
  • Deciding on a format for the memorial service
  • Writing the obituary
  • Creating a memorial service program or memorial cards
  • Collecting memorabilia to display at the memorial service
  • identifying readings for the memorial service
  • Selecting music for the memorial service
  • Hosting a reception after the memorial service

Once you’ve identified the to-do items for the memorial service for your loved one, then you and those who are helping you plan the service can divide the tasks so that everyone is involved and everyone is able to contribute with their own unique gifts and abilities as a tribute to your loved one.

Don’t be afraid to delegate. You have people around you who want to help you make the memorial for your loved one special. Let them carry some of the weight, so that you’re not overwhelmed with both grief and all the details of planning the memorial service.grief support

The funeral home director will be an invaluable resource as you plan the memorial service for your loved one. They will be able to help you with what options are available, and most importantly, they can facilitate and organize any vendors, location, flowers, music, and catering that you may want to have.

If you have special requests for things like military honors (for military veterans), the funeral home director will make all the arrangements for this to be a part of the memorial service for your loved one.

For more information about cremation services in Macomb, MI, our caring and knowledgeable staff at Lee-Ellena Funeral is here to assist you.

funeral homes in Clinton Township, MI

How to Host a Funeral Reception

If you’d like to host a funeral reception at funeral homes in Clinton Township, MI, here are some tips on how to plan and execute the reception flawlessly.

Funeral receptions are usually held just after the funeral service or the graveside service. They are designed to provide the comfort of food and drink, along with a more informal atmosphere in which mourners and the grieving family can talk, share support, and share encouragement after the death of a loved one.

If you’re not a member of the immediate family and you are hosting a funeral reception, you should always keep in mind that you don’t need an elaborate amount of planning, but you want to create a relaxed environment where friends and family can eat and share stories and memories of the deceased.

Perhaps the simplest way to host a funeral reception is to have everyone but the bereaved family brings food for a potluck-style meal. They should also bring family-friendly drinks like juice, tea, water, and soda. Make sure you also have a coffee maker and coffee.

If you use paper and plastic ware, then cleaning up after the funeral reception will be easy. Make sure there are one or two large, lined garbage cans where people can throw out their trash, and most of the extent of cleaning up is throwing garbage bags away.

Why should you think about hosting a funeral reception? There are several reasons.

One reason is to support a family who has lost a loved one. Another reason is that it gives everyone who knew the deceased a chance to remember them and share warm and gently humorous stories about them. A third reason is that it gives friends and family of the deceased an opportunity to spend quality time together in a supportive atmosphere.

A funeral reception can be hosted almost anywhere. Since most funeral homes now allow food and drinks to be served in their facilities, it may be easiest to host a funeral reception at the funeral home. Other popular venues for hosting funeral receptions are church fellowship halls, private homes, and restaurants.

funeral home food

You can decide whether the funeral reception you host will be public or private (be sure to get the grieving family’s input as to what they would like). If the funeral reception is public, the funeral director will announce that everyone is welcome at the reception at the end of the funeral or graveside service. If the funeral reception is private, then invitations will be made directly to the people who are invited.

Food and drinks served at a funeral reception should be tailored to fit all dietary needs. If you’re hosting a meal (refreshments and drinks are okay as well), including dishes like salads and vegetable casseroles, so that if some attendees are vegetarians, there will be something they can eat. If the meal is a potluck, give a basic menu of items to those who will be bringing food so that you have a variety of choices. Using disposal containers for food will facilitate fast cleanup and leave everyone with plenty of time to socialize.

In most cases, it’s best to avoid serving alcohol at a funeral reception unless it’s a small private friend-and-family or family-only gathering. Even in these settings, however, it’s best to set a limit on alcohol consumption. With public funeral receptions, you’ll want to make sure there is a large variety of non-alcoholic drink choices, such as coffee, hot and cold tea, sodas, juices, and water.

For more information about hosting funeral receptions at funeral homes in Clinton Township, MI, our compassionate and experienced staff at Lee-Ellena Funeral Home can help.

Who hosts the funeral reception?

A traditional funeral reception is typically hosted by the deceased’s family. However, in some cases, close friends may also step in to help with the arrangements. The funeral reception is an important opportunity for mourners to come together and share their memories of the deceased. It is also a chance to provide support for one another during this difficult time. The hosts will typically take care of all the details, such as ordering food and booking a venue. They may also choose to create a tribute video or photo collage to display at the reception. If you have been asked to host a funeral reception, it is an honor and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. With proper planning and execution, you can create a meaningful and memorable event for all those who loved and knew the deceased.

How should I prepare for a funeral reception?

A funeral reception is a time for friends and family to gather together to support one another and share memories of the deceased. While the occasion can be bittersweet, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. If you are hosting a funeral reception, there are several things you can do to make sure it is a success. First, plan the menu carefully. Consider any dietary restrictions and make sure there are enough options to accommodate everyone. It is also important to have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, as some guests may not be drinking. Finally, think about the tone you want to set for the event. A formal reception may call for classical music and elegant refreshments, while a more relaxed gathering might feature comfort food and casual conversation. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can create a memorable event that beautifully honors your loved one.

What to bring to a funeral reception?

A funeral reception is held after the funeral service to give mourners a chance to gather together and share food and conversation. While it is not required to bring anything to a funeral reception, many people feel more comfortable bringing a small dish or token of sympathy. Sympathy cards are always welcome, and flowers are also often sent to the family of the deceased. For those who wish to bring a dish to share, finger foods are generally best as they do not require utensils or plates. Popular options include sandwiches, fruit platters, and veggie trays. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and punch are also typically provided. If you are unsure what to bring, simply ask the funeral director or another member of the family for suggestions.

How to host a funeral?

Hosting a funeral is a difficult task during an already difficult time. Here are some tips to help make the process a little easier. First, it is important to choose the right venue. The venue should be large enough to accommodate all of the guests, but not so large that it feels empty. Second, make sure to send out invitations in advance. This will give guests time to RSVP and make travel arrangements, if necessary. Third, set up a memory table or photo display to honor the life of the deceased. This can be a simple table with a few pictures or a more elaborate display with memorabilia and personal items. Finally, prepare for the event by writing out a program or order of service. This will help to ensure that the service runs smoothly and that everyone knows what to expect. By following these tips, you can host a funeral that is both meaningful and memorable.

funeral homes in Macomb, MI

Be Respectful at Funerals

When you are attending visitations and funerals at funeral homes in Macomb, MI, there are many long-standing rituals and customs that you are expected to know and follow.

With all the ways we are able to gain knowledge in today’s world, the amount of information concerning proper behavior at visitations and funerals may seem overwhelming. In addition, the different kinds of memorial services that are available today can often add to the confusion when you want to pay your respect to someone who has died.

What you need to remember most is that losing a loved one is one of the most stressful times in their family’s life, so having guidelines to what is accepted behavior for visitations and funeral services can be helpful when you’re planning to attend.

The first guideline is that you need to understand the type of visitation and service you will be attending. The funeral home that is making the arrangements for the family will include this information in the deceased’s obituary. You will be able to see what services are being held, where they are being held, and the dates and times they are being held.

One thing that you’ll want to pay close attention to is whether all of the services are public (anyone can attend), some of them are public and some are private (people attend by invitation only), or they are all private. You need to show respect for what the grieving family wants and not, for example, go to any service that is private unless you are specifically asked by the bereaved family to attend.

Visitation and funeral service arrangements will vary (depending on the family’s wishes, the location of services, the faith of the deceased, etc.) from person to person, but the funeral home will always publish the pertinent details of the arrangements on their website and in the obituary or funeral notice.

Once you know the time, location, and type of service, then the most important rule of thumb is to practice kindness and courtesy. This means you should respect the wishes of the family, that you should observe the hours that have been set, and that you should dress appropriately.

If the family has made specific requests about attire (i.e. no black, casual, etc.), it will be noted in the deceased’s obituary.

However, there are a few other guidelines that you need to be aware of when you’re attending a funeral.

If there is a visitation before the funeral, you can pay your respect to the deceased and offer the grieving family your sympathy. Visitations are usually held at the funeral home, and the time and duration of the visitation is posted in the deceased’s obituary.

cremation services offered in Clinton Township, MI

As soon as you get the visitation, be sure to sign the guest register and speak with the bereaved family first. If this is the first time you’re meeting them, introduce yourself and tell them how you’re associated with their loved one.

Otherwise, greet them quietly and offer them your condolences. If the visitation or funeral service includes a viewing, you are free to decide whether you are comfortable viewing the deceased (no one will judge you if you’re not).

With the funeral service itself, be sure to give yourself adequate time so that you will be seated before the service begins. Bear in mind that the first few rows are typically reserved for the immediate family of the deceased. If the service is held graveside, the chairs that are set up are for the immediate family as well.

For more information about funeral etiquette at funeral homes in Macomb, MI, our compassionate and experienced staff at Lee-Ellena Funeral Home can help.