Sympathy Charms

About a year ago I came across these unique sympathy charms. This is a beautiful way to give a sympathy gift or keepsake to a friend or family member. These charms caught my eye because of the detail that can be seen and the precious memories that can be forever etched in silver or gold.

These gifts are perfect for children who have lost a grandparent, parent or friend. A beautiful gift for a widow who has lost her spouse.

A beautiful memorial piece that will be cherished for many years and generations to come.

Grieving from Afar.

Offering your sympathy and condolences when a family member of a friend or an acquaintance passes away in another state or country is a natural act of love and empathy. Letting he or she know that you are there for them is often times all that is needed to show you care. For very close friends and acquaintances some choose to send a gift of support such as a sympathy gift basket or a contribution of flowers for the services. But what do you do when a family member or friend that you share a special friendship or bond with passes away and you find yourself living in another location far away and circumstances are such that you are not able to travel to attend the funeral services? Many find themselves in this agonizing situation with obstacles such as work, family obligations and other commitments that interfere with their ability to attend the funeral.

Fortunately for those who find themselves in this situation there is now a solution that is readily available, easy to set up, and a blessing for many. Online funerals are a direct result of modern technology and the information super highway that keeps us all connected no matter where our location or what our situation.

Many funeral homes are now offering this service. The family of the departed may choose to offer this service and find it acceptable but it is also wise to check with the clergyman who will officiate the ceremony as they sometimes may consider this to be inappropriate. If such a service is acceptable the family can begin to make the necessary arrangements and notifications of the day and time of the service. If you will be attending an online funeral you will want to pay particular attention to the necessary time zones so that you do not find yourself missing the service due the hourly difference in the time zones.

Once the services are ready to get underway you will be required to log in to the memorial home's company website and tune into the live web cast. There you will be able to observe the service just as if you were sitting in the audience and in actual attendance. This funeral option is an ever evolving service that will very soon allow you to interact live in real time with those in attendance. With such real time technology one might be able to personally offer condolences, support, or even give a eulogy for the deceased! Whatever the situation those who find themselves unable to attend a funeral will be ever grateful for this advanced and very loving alternative to show they care.

Please enjoy the informative and brief video that highlights the many benefits on online funeral planning or attendance.

Patriot Guards also Known as Operation Patriotic Shield

I was listening to the radio station this morning when the local news told of a story of the Operation Patriotic Shield. I was intrigued and listened.
I was aware of the protests that have been happening at military funerals. While they saddened me deeply, I wasn't sure what I could do to help. This is where Operation Patriotic Shield comes in. Normal every day people like you and I come in with flags and posters thanking the family for the service and sacrifice of their loved one. These people, everyday citizens, line the funeral route to overwhelm the protesters. It's kind of like a human shield of honor.
Stephanie Williams of the Kansas City Examiner wrote an amazing article that shows how important this is.

If your interested in knowing more or participating in a local ceremony check out the Political Chips website or Operation Payback. Both sites are updated often. There is also a facebook group called Operation Patriotic Shield that you can friend.

Take Initiative

When someone we know is experiencing grief we don't always know exactly what we should do. Do we let them take the lead and call us? Do we send a card and offer help, but let them take initiative? What is the right thing to do, and for how long?
First thing, be the one who takes the initiative. Your friend is grieving and her memory may be very short at this time. Don't expect her to remember who said they would help when a card was sent. Call from time to time to check up on your friend and continue to offer your help. Be specific with errands you think you could run for her that would help. Drop off a dinner, don't wait to be asked. Most times people will not ask, so here is a great time to just take the initiative and assume it will be appreciated. To make it convenient put it in a throw away container, mark and date it and offer to put it in the freezer for her.
Offer to take the kids to the park or run them to practice. If she does have younger kids she may not have had time to properly grieve since she is trying to stay strong for her kids. An offer to let the kids get out will be appreciated in many ways.
If you know your friend is going to a bereavement group, offer to go along. Support can go along way, even if it is just being there.
Remember the holidays, this can be one of the most difficult times during the first few years. A quick call, an invite to dinner or even a card just letting them know you are remembering them during this difficult time will go along way to show you care.

Above all, be genuine. Do for your friend what you would hope someone would do for you. You can't go wrong ever, by showing someone you truly do care.

How Do I Help Someone In The Hospital?

Even with family there are a lot of things that still need to be taken care of when someone has to have an extended stay in the hospital. Usually family will be near their loved one and this means errands and normal household chores still need to be done. This article will expand on some ways to offer a helping hand to someone who finds themselves in a medical emergency.

The first things you want to do is to get permission and a house key. Let the family know what you would like to do. Your friend may not be able to give permission but extended family can. Get an idea of how long they are expected to be in the hospital and time your help accordingly.

If there are pets, consider bringing the pet to your house to be watched why they are in the hospital. Many families have dogs, cats or other critters that need food and water daily. It can bring comfort to the patient to know their animals are still receiving great care.

If there are children young or old offer to run them to school, pick them up, drop them off at activities. Depending on how many extended family members are around this may not be something that is needed, but offering it and being willing to do it will show just how much you want to help.

Offer to purchase groceries for the family still at home. Unless the person lives alone there is bound to be hungry people who would rather spend time with their loved one then grocery shopping.

Pre make several healthy soups and light meals. Label, date and freeze these meals. Nothing will say I care more then coming home from an extended hospital stay to healthy wholesome meals ready to go. Simple beef broth soups, chicken and rice soup, bean soups as well as small portion pasta dishes will be so appreciated as they regain their strength.

Another simple yet mundane task is preparing the house for their arrival back home. A quick dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down the bathroom would allow for them to relax instead of seeing what needs to be done. Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms and kitchen, make sure dishes are washed and any laundry is done and put away. Opening the windows and airing out the house for a few hours before they arrive will assure a welcoming environment to come home to.

Setting up a favorite chair or bedside table with recent magazines, fresh flowers, and a sympathy gift basket filled with healthy snacks will greet your friend and make them feel like a million bucks. Place all their mail in a simple basket along with a garbage can next to the table and they will be set and ready to continue the healing process.


For even more tips on showing sympathy and unique sympathy gifts, visit PlanetGiftBaskets.com

We Send Sympathy Gifts

We Send Sympathy Gifts

A Unique Way To Help Someone Who Is Grieving

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling. Scrapbooking is a widely practiced pastime in the United States. (from Wikipedia)

Scrapbooking and designing scrapbooks are a huge part of some people's lives. After a devastating loss, some people do not know what to do to show comfort to the grieving.
Why not help to build a lovely scrapbook for the person or family who is grieving. For more information on Sympathy Gifts, read this article about Scrapbooking.