Writing an Obituary

Anyone who has lost a family member knows how difficult it is to deal with the many arrangements that need to be made at a time when sadness and grief are so great.  One of the most daunting challenges for some can be in writing the obituary.  The thought of trying to capture the significance of an entire life in a few short paragraphs can seem overwhelming.  But with the right information and a willing spirit, it’s possible to create an obituary that honors the life of the deceased love one in a way that’s pays tribute in a way that’s not so difficult to create.

Primarily, an obituary serves as the notice of death.  Therefore, it’s best to begin an obituary with this announcement including the full name of the deceased along with his age, city of residence, day and date of death.  Often, the place of death is also given (“at his home” or “at Mercy Hospital Southeast”) as well as the cause of death if known.

After this initial notice, the next part of the obituary should comment on the life of the deceased person.  Obviously, every detail cannot be included, so choices need to be made about what is most essential.  The most common items discussed are:  information about the person’s date and place of birth; names of parents and any significant childhood information; facts about educational accomplishments; employment information and any significant career accomplishments; charitable, professional, or religious affiliations; name of spouse and date of marriage; and notable attributes (e.g. sense of humor, unique talent).

The next part of the obituary needs to mention family members.  This should begin with the family members the deceased is survived by, like a spouse, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings.  Close aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews as well as dear friends may also be mentioned.  Decisions about who should be  included can get tricky because it’s easy to leave out someone who will be hurt, like step-siblings or distant relations who live far away.  It’s best to make sure there is agreement in the immediate family about who should be named in the listing.  After covering those still living, this section should go on to explain significant people who have preceded the loved one in death, like a spouse, children, grandchildren, and any other significant relations.  Their dates of death should be included as well.

After the family section of the obituary, information about when the funeral or memorial service will take place along with information about hours for visitation should be included.  If there are any vigils or special services, these should be mentioned to.  The place of burial, name of the funeral home, and a place to call for information should be included as well.  The obituary should end with any information regarding suggested memorial donations, and a closing line that sums up the deceased loved one’s life in a few short words.

When writing the obituary, make sure to focus mostly on the loved one who has died, not the feelings of those writing the obituary.  Be sure not to refer to the deceased as “Mom” or “Grandpa” but to write in the third person throughout.   Although it may seem difficult, it’s best to try to find a happy medium between giving information about the death and celebrating the person’s life.  Hopefully, by keeping these tips in mind, writing a high quality obituary can be a little less intimidating and will appropriately honor the loved one who has now passed on.

A great deal of information about losing a loved one is available at In the Light Urns. For words of sympathy and loss visit our website. We hope this article about writing an obituary was helpful. Thank you for reading.

Gold Cremation Jewelry is An Elegant and Lasting Memorial

When a loved one passes, there are many different ways people process their sadness, grief and loss.  Everyone is unique, and must do what feels right for them at such a sad and heartbreaking time in their life.  Gold cremation jewelry is an option for those who are searching for a way to keep the memory of their loved one alive and near to their heart.

When you lose someone that touched your life in a way that no one else could, it’s hard to let go.  You want to stay connected to them, even though they are no longer here in the physical sense.  Gold cremation keepsake jewelry allows you and other members of your family to feel a connection both spiritually and mentally.  For some, it truly helps get closure so that the healing process can begin and they can move forward with their lives.

If this is your first time learning about cremation and the various keepsakes, jewelry and urns that are available for the ashes of your loved one, you may believe that gold cremation jewelry would have a strange or unattractive appearance.  Quite the opposite is actually true.  This jewelry looks like other beautiful gold jewelry, with elegant styles and designs that hold a small portion of your loved ones cremains or other memento.  Do people know you are wearing something that is not ordinary jewelry?  No one but you will know – it is a secret held closely between you and your loved one.

Some people prefer to go the traditional route when a loved one passes.  They buy a casket, then bury their loved one next to other family members.  While this has always been accepted, more families are now choosing cremation.  Many do this simply because it is more affordable, and others give special meaning to the words “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”  Those who do choose cremation often choose burial urns and or decide to scatter the ashes, which mean they are earth friendly and do no harm to the environment.  Even so, they may want to keep just a small remembrance with them, and gold cremation jewelry is made especially for this purpose.

The styles and designs are exquisite, and perfect for any loss.  Whether you must say a final farewell to your lover and soul-mate, or an infant, memorial jewelry allows you to choose the perfect keepsake that will help you keep the deceased’s special meaning and place in your life alive.

Those who believe in eternal life know that when their time comes, they will meet the one they miss so intensely on the other side.  Until then, gold cremation jewelry is the perfect way to show your respect and deep love, while helping you continue on with life knowing that someday you will meet again.

Pet Urns Help You Honor a Loyal Friend

For many people, a pet is a beloved member of the family.  When a dog or cat passes, pet urns are a good way to honor your loyal and constant friend, whose trust and love is irreplaceable.  This is a difficult time, and dealing with the pain and loss is often hard, especially when you have had your pet for years.

Pet urns help you keep the memory of your pet alive in your heart, and are a great way to keep a loving memorial of your true friend.  When people sometimes fail us, pets are loyal to a fault, and never judge our emotions or actions.  Paying tribute to them in a loving and fitting way is a good way to help you through the grief of losing a much beloved member of the family.

When it comes to pet urns, the choice you make is a very personal one.  Depending on your tastes and where your pet spent the most time, you may choose to keep the urn in a room where your pet spent a good deal of time, or display it in an area where you spend most of your time.  Pet cremation urns can be found to fit nearly any decor, design or taste preferences.

Marble, wood, brass, glass and ceramic are just a few of the choices you have when it comes to choosing pet urns.  A photo pet urn allows you to display a picture (or pictures) on the exterior of the urn, so that the friendly face that always greeted you will stay forever in your heart and mind.  These can be displayed inside or out, depending on the style you choose.  The Tennis Ball Urn is the perfect tribute to a pet who loved the outdoors, and enjoyed fun activities with you.

If a beloved feline friend has passed, the Brass Cat Urn is elegant and graceful, made of beautiful solid brass in a classic black design and artfully hand engraved.  Put on display surrounded by your cats favorite toys, it is the perfect pet memorial to keep the memory of your pet alive for years to come.

To some, cats and dogs are simply animals that have no particular meaning.  To others, they are a special member of the family who always loves them, no matter what happens in life.  For those with a special place in their heart for these one-of-a-kind friends, pet urns are the perfect way to pay tribute to a loyal, loving and sorely missed member of the family.

Marble and Cremation Urns

Marble cremation urns are elegant and beautiful sculptures reminding one of the ancient classics that stand around the world. Marble contains Calcite which causes the marvelous swirls that make the marble cremation urns so distinctive. The colors are created by a reaction to the minerals and sediment in the earth where they are found. Pink marble is found in Tennessee and is used primarily for building materials because of its density. While it is very difficult to sculpt because it is so dense, artisans create some beautiful and distinctive marble cremation urns using Tennessee Marble.

Marble can be a porous material. Some of the cremation urns and created from a block of marble and some are made from crushed marble that has been combined with a bonding agent which makes it stronger and easier to shape. It is not always easy to tell if the marble has been previously crushed as both have a wonderful look.

Marble cremation urns are hand crafted using large blocks which are then chiseled and sculpted using the same tools that have been used for centuries. Before sculpting can begin though a large piece of marble must be turned, shaped, and buffed into the general shape that it is going to be. This requires several hours and requires precise workmanship.

The carved cremation urns of today are not much different than the works of the past. Many of the same tools and exactly the same material is used. The artists work hard and smartly to create a wonderful look and feel for their marble urns. If you want a special sculpture created that reflects your loved one’s love for a certain activity, the artist will design a marble cremation urn that will reflect that wish.

Extra time must be spent with each individual piece because even though it is resilient, carving marble takes a special technique and the use of very small and delicate tools. Creating a detailed sculpture is much like cutting a diamond. If a mistake is made during the process the artist must start over, but the end result will be very special. Each marble cremation urn is an individual and unique piece of art that cannot be duplicated.

Cremation urns made of marble age very well. They are very heavy and durable and will become a treasured keepsake and heirloom. Often marble urns are kept out of the elements; we encourage proper care of a marble urn, but as many cultures have done, they can be stored outside.

Many people select a marble cremation urn that is large enough to accommodate more than one member of the family. This is called a companion urn. Thank you for reading and I hope this is helpful.

Glass Cremation Jewelry and Keepsakes

Glass Cremation Jewelry

At In the Light Urns, we understand that you are going through what is probably the most difficult time you have ever experienced.  Our glass cremation jewelry is one way to help express your grief, by choosing a design that is reminiscent of your departed loved one.  When you want to keep a portion of cremains, or even a lock of hair to help you feel connected spiritually to your loved one, our glass cremation pendants are the perfect way to do so.  Delicate and affordable, we offer beautiful keepsakes that are of the best quality and will last for years to come.

Many people choose to be cremated at their death, but those family members who remain are not always comfortable with the idea of a large urn sitting on display in their home.  Glass cremation jewelry is the perfect solution, as many family members can share the cremains among them in a style of their own choosing.  This allows each member of the family to keep a special bond with the deceased, and have them always close to their heart and mind.  Whether you are at work, school or any location, each time you touch the glass cremation pendant you will be reminded of the special times you had throughout life with the deceased, and forever hold the memories in your thoughts.

In the Light Urns offers a large variety of quality glass cremation jewelry in designs that are certain to be perfect for you.  Many of our pendants are decorated with ribbons, and are available in colors such as purple, red white and blue, pink, blue, black and yellow.  We also offer Golden Sunshine and Ocean Breeze, which are absolutely beautiful.  If your loved one was fascinated by rainbows, our Rainbow Keepsake Urn may be just what you need to help you get closure, and remain connected in a special way to the departed.

Azure Blue Keepsake

Our Azure Blue Keepsake Urns are hand blown glass pendants that are made using a special technique known as lamp working.  Luxurious colors are added during this process, which gives the piece a very distinctive and exquisite look.  Some of our keepsakes can be used as pet cremation jewelry and come with a luxurious gift box, small funnel and a tube of adhesive so that you can rest assured the cremains or other special memento of your loved one is secure.

At In the Light Urns, we want to help you in any way possible.  The products we offer are our way of helping you and your family get closure, and remember your loved one in a very special way.  If you don’t find what you need in our glass cremation jewelry, we have hundreds of other options, one which is certain to be the perfect way to memorialize your special loved one. Memorial jewelry is also available at Jewelry Urns. Their selection is extensive and their site is carbon neutral. Both In the Light Urns and Jewelry Urns take pride in working towards green policies and an environmentally conscious approach to business. Thank you for reading.

The Value of Pre-Planning

Pre Planning a Funeral

When a family member dies unexpectedly, it is often heart-wrenching, emotional and stressful.  Pre-planning for your own funeral or memorial makes everything so much easier on your entire family when the time comes that you pass.  You also have more time to choose exactly what is right for you, which helps avoid putting this burden on your family when they are at their most grief-stricken and fragile.  This is a true act of love, and means more to your family than you will ever know.

Leaving all of these decisions to your family members is something that often happens, but can easily be avoided.  Pre-planning also helps the family avoid the financial stress that often comes with making arrangements after the fact.  When you plan your own funeral or memorial and choose the burial urn or casket that suits your preferences, it also guards against inflation.  Your family can grieve and mourn as they so badly need to, instead of scurrying around trying to make arrangements while in an unstable emotional state.

Often when all of these important decisions are left to the remaining family members, it can cause arguments or disagreements.  Everyone wonders if they have made the right decision.  They question their choice, asking themselves if this is what you would have wanted or chosen.  Pre-planning the memorial or funeral simply takes the anxiety and added burden off of your family members, so that they can process what has happened and go forward with their lives.  It truly shows your family that you love them deeply, and want to avoid placing these decisions on them at the most difficult time in their lives.

Inflation is a fact of life that never goes away.  In some cases, families of the deceased have been financially devastated by the costs of giving their beloved family member a proper and respectable funeral, memorial, or scattering of ashes.  What happens if you die unexpectedly, without pre-planning?  The expenses could literally ruin them financially.  You care about your family, and don’t want to see this happen.  Pre-planning is the ultimate act of love and kindness you can give your family, so that they can be prepared when you pass, and not spend time that is meant for grieving trying to make choices they are uncertain of.

Preparing for your own death is never something that you enjoy, but it is necessary to protect your family both emotionally and financially.  Read more about what to do after losing a loved one. Death is an inevitable fact facing everyone, and taking the time to make arrangements is a true gift to your family members.  The value of pre-planning is truly beyond worth.

Beatrice Toney Bailey – Farewell, My Friend

Farewell, My Friend is a manual that is written for anyone facing a serious health issue. The book is a step-by-step guide for those who wish to plan for the inevitable, and is an extremely valuable resource for those who may be called upon to act as caregiver or caretaker for terminally ill friends or family members.

Farewell, My Friend

Currently, Bea is the host of the new innovative television show, “Bea-On Bereavement – The Power of Planning”, which will air in September 2009 on RCCTV, Sacramento, CA. She is also a co-facilitator of a national GriefShare Support Group and is the Head Feature Writer for Senior Magazine of Northern California. She has authored this best selling book and is conducting presentations and book signings throughout the United States and Mexico.
View more information>>

Cremation Process – Elisa Krcileka

Elisa Krcileka, a funeral director from Illinois discusses the process after losing a loved one. She illustrates a great deal of the information that you need to know if someone has passed. This kind of video is very important for people to see and it is another example of how technology has enriched our lives.

She reviews the many important legal documents that need to be completed after death. Also typical process of the cremation and your relationship with the funeral home/ crematorium.

In the Light Urns has created a useful guide after someone passes. Its called four steps to take after losing a loved one and provides more information to help you during this time.

Very important and practical information.

Ceramic Urns Provide Beauty, Elegance and Sturdiness

Ceramic Urn

While there are many types of urns available, nothing quite matches the elegant look and appeal of ceramic urns. Through the ages, these types of urns have been a steady favorite. Perhaps it is because of the astounding beauty, or the fact that they simply last forever.

Ceramic urns offer you a wide variety of choices, from simple and graceful to decorative. Some are even a good choice if you need a companion urn, where the cremains of more than one can be held. From classic looks to floral designs or intricate details, these urns offer beauty and lasting quality at affordable prices. That is another reason that so many people choose ceramic urns – the price is not out of reach for most.

One of the most captivating urns, especially for men who were true outdoors men and loved the wilderness, is the Timber Wolf urn. It is a beautiful adaptation of the classic Grecian urn, and makes a very fitting final resting place for those intrigued by the mystery of the beautiful wolf. Ceramic urns are an elegant way to memorialize your loved one, no matter their age or gender.

White Elegance Ceramic Urn

Perhaps your loved one was a lover of water. They may have loved the ocean, river, or any body of water. People who truly love the tranquility of nature and enjoy it immensely deserve a special final resting place. Ceramic keepsake urns are made and designed in a White Sands motif, accented with shells to hold a portion of the cremains of your loved one, so that you can have a special part of them with you always.

It isn’t easy to explain the attraction of ceramic urns. Throughout history, there have been stories that included these often mysterious but always highly valued containers. Visit Pets to Rest for ceramic pet urns. If you are looking for that perfect final resting place for the cremains of your loved one, ceramic urns may be just what you need. Let your special loved one rest in a place that is befitting to their finest dreams.

Green Burial versus Traditional Burial

Green Burial

Going green is advocated by environmentalists starting from your home improvement projects to purchasing household products. When it comes to burial techniques, the green method is already making a huge name for itself.  Many people are talking about your green burial options and where you can find these services.  But what is this method?  How does it compare to traditional techniques in burying your loved one?

There’s a lot to be said about green burial. Generally if one is not being buried in a metal casket, they have had a green burial. Many factors contribute to this including:

1    What Kind of Casket is Used
2    Formaldehyde Use
3    Cemetery Where Buried

It is better for the environment to be buried in a wood casket rather than a metal casket. Better still is being buried in a reed casket with no chemicals that preserve the body. And better still is to be wrapped in cloth and buried. Then you can consider how cremation compares to green burial. ABC news sites a study that proves that cremation is more environmentally friendly than a burial. The main issue is that lots of power is being used to burn a body, whereas in the general burial, the body is naturally broken down by the earth. The cremation urn you choose you choose could also play a role. Burial urns can range from biodegradable materials such as paper and sand to metals and toxic chemicals such as brass and certain resin urns.

Comparisons between green burial and traditional burial

When you are deciding what to choose, green burial or traditional have a look at the book Grave Expectations and their resources. Here is a list of information to help you.

1.    Concept.  It is always best to define two terms that are being compared.  Green burial is a system where your loved one will be closer to nature.  Green cemeteries are adapting the concept that traditional burial systems failed to incorporate in their techniques.  The green burial method is a mixture of water, flowers and full-grown forests.  Traditional burial techniques on the other hand are those that use embalming fluids, manicured lawns and metal vaults.

2.    Cost considerations.  Traditional burial may cost you between $5,000 and $6,000 – that promises decent rites and techniques.  In green burial, you only need to spend about 40% of that cost ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 only.

3.    Land area covered.  In some countries, graves used in traditional burial are placed on top of another especially if the family does not have the means to invest on mausoleums.  This also happens because of the limited land area for these graves.  The ratio in the US is around 900 graves over an acre of land.  Green burial methods eliminate this problem.  In this technique around 1,200 burial sites are spread over 32 acres of land – this makes a ratio of 38 burial sites over one acre.

With all the above comparisons between green burial and traditional burial methods, which one will you opt for?  The decision is yours to make.  In both these cases, you must always consider the wishes of your dearly beloved.  As you learn about green burials, you may even be astonished that you get cost savings over traditional burial methods.  With that, you will not only help save the environment, but you also will be saving money.