It is quite normal for people to feel sad after confronting major life events such as losing a job, getting divorced, moving from home, or having a beloved friend or family member die. Most people begin to to bounce back from these stressful events within a few weeks' time. Some people, on the other hand, experience clinical depression that goes beyond merely feeling sad or grief-stricken. This may involve feeling empty or unloved, the inability to enjoy things, feelings of lethargy, the inability to concentrate, feeling irratable, eating less, crying more, and other symptoms. There is hope, however, in the fact that depression responds to treatment. Thus, it is important to recognize when something may be wrong.

Baby Boomers have exerted their considerable influence on various aspects of American culture as they have moved their way through life. Now, as many approach the end of their lives, they may be on the verge of significantly shifting the thinking that surrounds death and burial. One needs to look no further than the wider acceptance of cremation as a means of body disposal to see evidence of a change in the way that many are choosing to plan for death. Others are taking an eco-friendly approach that encompasses a wide array of "green" practices, ranging from using biodegradable coffins to burial in "green" cemeteries. While these practices may not be for everybody, they are fast gaining ground.

There has been a subtle shift in the tone of funerals in recent years, away from mournful toward more celebratory occasions. Much of this change can be attributed to preplanning, which enables individuals to dictate the details surrounding their own passing. By assigning themselves the responsibility of planning their own funerals and not burdening their families with the task, pre-planners are better able to frame the "event" in their own terms. Many see it as a chance to emphasize various aspects of their lives that made them unique. For instance, jazz lovers may opt for a jazz ensemble to play at their funerals; others may plan for friends and family to attend a post funeral dinner celebration. The possibilities are endless.

Celebratory funerals help us to cope with our loss while getting us in touch with the value of a life well lived. We can assist you and your family members in planning and coordinating all of the details of a funeral service. We understand that every family has a personal needs and preferences. That's why we have built a full service funeral establishment offering personal personal, distintive and affordable services to individuals and families.

Pre-need arrangements are the funeral plans that people make for themselves while living. Their primary objectives in planning ahead are to relieve their survivors of this burden and to ensure that the funeral is carried out according to their wishes. The Cremation Society of Vermont understands that every family has personal needs and preferences. That's why we have built a full service crematory and funeral establishment offering personal, distinctive and affordable services to individuals and families.

The dead are the best remembered by those who knew them intimately. Thus, a eulogy, presented by a close friend or a relative is likely to paint the most accurate and perceptive picture. If you decide to give a eulogy, remember the unique aspects of the deceased's personality that separated him or her from others. Focus on happy or otherwise memorable moments and incidents that gave meaning to the deceased's life and others' appreciation of him or her. There may be no greater tribute than to elicit laughter at a funeral that is kindled by fond memory. Instead of dwelling on what is lost, celebrate what was given to you and others who are present to pay tribute to a singular personality.

Most people don't know what to do when a loved one passes away. As a survivor, you must not only cope with your grief, but at the same time organize the funeral, which carries great significance... not just emotional, but social and financial as well. In your moment of need you can count on us.

Many modern funeral rituals have their roots in ancient traditions. Whatever beliefs your loved one held - even if they are different from the rest of the family's - a dignified send-off provides comfort within a sense of tradition for the living while honoring the departed. For more information about funeral arrangements, contact us.

Cremations are becoming increasingly accepted in the United States as an alternative to earth burial. Cremation rates vary dramatically across regions of the United States, at least in part because of geographic differences in religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether you are looking for traditional or cremation services, our funeral home offers different service choices. We will assist you with the details of personalizing a service that best memorialized your loved one. For more information, please call (800) 244-9585.

If you need assistance with pre-planning or cremation services call us. Our mission is to assist in the recognition of the value of a life lived and to facilitate meaningful ways for the family and community to celebrate the memory of their loved one. For those desiring a package plan of specialized services, we provide a separate listing for your consideration.

The impact pf a child's death can affect many people including the extended family, school friends and their families and teachers. There are many ways you can help yourself cope during this time. Ask for help and support from family, friends or a support group, and try to express whatever you are feeling, be it anger, guilt or sadness. Accept that death is beyond your control. For more information about bereavement groups, call us.

With advance planning, there are several important factors to consider. You will want to think about any religious practices that are expected by your faith. You should consider your family members and their desire to participate in the service by not over planning ahead of time. Instead, make general suggestions that can be adjusted to make the funeral more meaningful to the participants. For more information contact us.

It is often said that one of the primary reasons to preplan a funeral is that doing so spares the surviving spouse and family members the burden of having to make funeral and burial arrangements under great stress. Just how much stress does a surviving spouse endure after the death of a beloved husband or wife? According to a recent medical study published in a leading cardiology journal, the risk of heart attack spikes 21 times higher than normal in the first 24 hours after the death of a close relative or friend. The average age of the study's participants was nearly 62, and the risk of heart attack jumped even among those with no previous history of heart disease.

When death occurs unexpectedly far from home, the local funeral director can coordinate efforts to transport the body back home with a funeral establishment in the area where the death occurred. This way, the family of the deceased can make all arrangements locally. In some cases, the body may be embalmed prior to being transported. Otherwise, it will be necessary to ship the body in an airtight container. In the event that death should occur outside the country, the funeral director can enlist the aid of the U.S. Consulate in the country where the death occurred. English translations of the death certificate as well as other necessary documents are made available to the family.

In most cases, death notices are fairly factual in nature and don't include a lot of editorial language or reflection. Obituaries tend to be more editorial in nature and are traditionally written by newspaper editorial staff members, although you my certainly write an obituary and present it for publication to the editorial staff. If you need assistance with funeral services, please contact us.

While the increasing popularity of cremation may have its roots in both spiritual and environmental concerns, a survey conducted by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council also shows that one-third of those choosing cremation indicate that cost is a factor. A decade ago, only 19 percent of survey respondents said that cost was a primary factor in their decision to choose cremation. While the decision to choose cremation may have once been guided by the absence of family plots or geographically scattered families, today's choice of cremation may be more likely to be prompted by financial concerns. Whatever the reason and whatever the choice, we stand ready to carry out the family's wishes.

When a death occurs, someone close to the child should tell him or her - preferably a parent or grandparent. The child should be told as soon as possible. News of a death travels quickly, and parents who delay telling the children run the risk that they'll hear about it from friends. By trying to avoid hurting children, you could expose them to a bigger hurt and shock later. If you need assistance with funeral services, contact us.

The death of a loved one is probably the most traumatic experience any of us will ever encounter. By asking the right questions, comparing prices and services, and making informed decisions, you can make arrangements that are meaningful to your family and control the costs for yourself and your survivors. When you need assistance with cremation services, contact us.

It may not seem like it at the time, but the death of a loved one can deepen your faith. A recent survey shows that nearly half of American adults have undergone one or more life-altering events that led to a redical changes in their religious or spiritual values. Almost on half of these life transformations occur during early adulthood or during difficult periods in life, such as death of a parent. About four out of ten of the survey's respondents said that the life-altering event caused them to become more deeply religious or spiritual. In nearly all cases, the transforming experiences led people to become better people and appreciate life more.

While most family members and close friends will be advised of a person's death by word of mouth, it remains for a death notice in the newspaper to make the death more widely known. Usually placed by the funural director in a space allotted by the newspaper, the death notice will make the facts of the death known as well as the arrangements to be followed and the specified time. All this information is disseminated in accordance with the family's wishes. It may be helpful to make desires known about flowers and monetary contributions at this time. An obituary, on the other hand, is a news story, pver which the family has control. It is written by the newspaper staff.

It is not always possible or desirable to dispose of the remains of the deceased and commemorate his or her life simultaneously. For instance, all family members and friends of the deceased may not be able to make it in time to attend the burial. In such cases, it is possible to have a funeral within a day or a few days of the death. Then, at a later time, a memorial service may be scheduled at a more convenient date. A memorial service may be planned when a large gathering is expected, which would not fit into the more intimate confines of the burial site. A memorial service provides an opportunity for celebration.

While much has been said about it, comfort is still difficult to come by. Grief may be universal, but it is also quite an individual matter. This is one reason why psychologists sometimes have difficulties dealing with it effectively. The manner in which people deal with grief is influenced by culture, religion, and personality. Some people mourn publicly while others withdraw. Some search for meaning by asking what the life of the deceased meant or why death came at this particular time. Others never bother to ask these questions. Some people want to talk about how they feel; others do not. Grieving over a loss is normal and necessary, and some may get through it best on their own.

Death at home used to be a very common occurrence in this country and continues to take place either unexpectedly or as planned. When death takes family members by surprise, there is bound to be a great deal of emotional shock. At this point, a call to the funeral director can help diminish the distress of the moment and focus attention on the necessary tasks at hand. To begin with, the deceased's doctor must be notified in order to pronounce death, and the deceased's nearest relatives must also be contacted. The funeral director can arrange to transport the body and take the necessary steps to lay out the body. Letters of instruction must be found and funeral requests be followed. If a death happens at home, please call us so we can help.

When a loved one dies, difficult and sometimes costly decisions about a funeral have to be made quickly, often under great emotional stress. Your emotional state may dictate decisions not in your best interest. You may want to consult with an objective person, perhaps a clergyman or an expereinced friend. If you feel unable to objectively evaluate a provider's products and services. If you have questions about arranging cremation services, please contact us.

It is often said that it is the friends that you made along the way that made your life worthwhile. According to a new study, lifelong friends may help people live longer. In fact, an Australian study indicated that lifelong buddies may be even more important than close family ties when it comes to promoting long life. Researchers noted that this "friendship effect" persisted despite personal losses, such as the death of a spouse or the relocation of friends to other parts of the country. Friends may have a positive effect on mood, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms during difficult times. Keep your good friends close, and you will live on in their memories.

When asked, most Americans say they would prefer to die at home in the company of family and friends. This preference, together with fears about suffering in pain, losing control, being a burden to others, and being abandoned, has led many to consider hospice care. This approach is appropriate when a cure is no longer possible. Hospice care enables patients to maintain a good quality of life in their last days, and to die in dignity. By managing symptoms, hospice workers help the dying to be alert and comfortable while living out the remainder of their lives in familiar surroundings. Hospice care coordinates the medical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of dying for those in their last days and their families.