“What-if” Planning Blog
Comforting the Grieving
Whether intentional or not, hurtful and offensive comments are a part of life. Widows and widowers are especially vulnerable to well-meaning, but painful comments of others.
The Love Letters Kept
One of the things we hear most often about loss is that when a parent/spouse/loved one passed away, survivors immediately look for something written that had their name on it. Whether it was a letter, a journal entry, a calendar, ANYTHING in their loved one’s handwriting that mentioned the survivor by name. I this week’s blog, we discuss one of our HIGHLY RECOMMENDED things to add to your end-of-life planning to do list. Write letters to your people. A journal is for you. A letter is for them.
Preparation for Peace
Preparing emotionally and spiritually for the death of a spouse is a challenge, but doable. Conversation is the key.
Don’t Poke the Care BEAR!
Don't poke the care bear! Being a caregiver to a loved one during a long-term illness was a life-changing, difficult, yet very meaningful experience. Turns out caregiving brings its own set of challenges while your person is also having life-changing, difficult and hopefully meaningful experiences.
Planning for a Funeral
Whether it’s called a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, honoring the deceased is a custom upheld by most families and communities. Many decisions must be made to prepare for and carry out a service. What happens to the body? Where will the remains reside? What kind of casket or urn is desired? Though each of these components could be a blog all by themselves, this week’s blog addresses what may be the driving force behind how you answer each these questions -- cost.
Carrying Carts & Lightening Loads
Here’s a secret. You DON’T have to do everything on your own. You can if you want, but most people really are amazing in a crisis and truly want to help somehow. Like the pioneers pulling a handcart together– neighbors, friends, even perfect strangers will often want to ease those burdens with you. But, oh, the healing that can take place when you have even more join in. The secret is letting them do it.
What is this mental fog?
One of the most important reasons for preparing for the death of a loved one is something called “grief brain or widow’s fog”.
Spring Time Renewal all Around
While we appreciate how the rain and snow in Oregon sustains a diverse wildlife while keeping the grass green, the lakes and rivers filled, and the flowers blooming, we’re looking forward to this year’s spring and its symbolism of rebirth and renewal.
I Came. I Saw. I Conquered
This week we look at how we can apply one of Julius Caeser’s most famous quotes to end-of-life planning, “Veni. Vidi. Vici.” I came. I saw. I conquered.
“St. Patty’s Luck of the Irish”
While we celebrate the “luck of the Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day, luck is practically non-existent when it comes to getting your affairs in order.
Social Media Accounts
In this week’s tip, we discuss how different social media platforms deal with the accounts of those who have died and what you can do now to make it easier for you and your family to navigate that process when needed.
Top Five Reasons to Get Your Affairs in Order NOW!
We often don’t get “groundhog day”, second chances in real life, especially when it comes to end-of-life planning. With that in mind, we share our top five reasons why now is the time to get your end-of-life affairs in order.