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cremation services in Aurora, CO
Easy DIY Home Memorial Projects

Creating a memorial in your home for your loved one is a touching way to remember them as well as honor their life. The beautiful thing about these memorials is that they do not have to be big or overly grand to be meaningful. In fact, memorials can be anything (and any size) you wish. Today we are going to talk about some of the favorite home memorial ideas from providers of cremation services in Aurora, CO.

Planting a Tree

This is one of the most common ways that people may honor their loved ones. Planting a tree in the yard serves as a beautiful, living tribute that you can watch grow year after year. Not only that, but the act of planting it can actually be a very healing and therapeutic activity, especially when you invite other family members to join in.

Create a Garden

Instead of planting a tree, if you have the space, why not create an entire garden? You could have it be a vegetable garden that contains your loved one’s favorite veggies, or a flower garden with all the flowers they adored. To make this an extra special space you could add things like a bird feeder, wind chimes, a plaque with your loved one’s name, or even a bench or other sitting areas to rest and reflect.

Create a Memorial Wall

If you don’t have any space outside to create a memorial, no worries as you can create one inside. One way is with a memorial wall. All you need for this wall are some photographs of your loved one and picture frames.

To create this wall simply frame the chosen photographs and arrange them on the wall. It is best when hanging these to arrange them an equal distance from one another so that the overall look appears orderly and designed rather than messy and cluttered. You can also add shelves that hold items such as plants, candles, or personal mementos.

Design a Living Wallcremation services in Aurora, CO

If you would like to incorporate the outdoors in your memorial, consider creating an indoor living wall. This can be made on any wall and can be big or small. What you need for this project are some wall planters as well as plants and/or flowers.

To create your living wall, simply hang your wall planters in the arrangement you wish, Then plant them with indoor plants such as ivy, succulents, lady palm, peace lily, spider plants,s or any other plant that will do well in space conditions. You can also add any special elements that your loved one might have liked such as a special plant, or incorporate their favorite color with the planters or flowers.

You can choose to have the plants hanging from one planter to another or keep each one in its own space. This makes such a nice, vibrant, living tribute that can bring your comfort every time you tend to it.

To learn more about memorials or cremation services in Aurora, CO., feel free to reach out to us anytime as our compassionate and knowledgeable staff is always here to help.

funeral homes in Aurora, CO
Using Journal Prompts to Cope With Grief

After making arrangements with funeral homes in Aurora, CO., grieving the loss of our loved one is normal. It is normal and it is necessary. It is our human way of processing what has happened, accepting it, and learning how to go on in this new way. Although grieving is natural, sometimes, if we are not careful, it can turn into depression.

Luckily, there are things you can do to help ensure you are processing and dealing with your grief in a healthy way. One of those ways is through writing and using journal prompts to help guide you.

Why Writing is Beneficial

Studies have shown again and again that writing-especially journaling- can be extremely effective when it comes to dealing with trauma, loss, and grief. Taking pen to paper and writing allows you to let go, get in your flow state, and connect with your emotions on a much deeper level than just thinking about them.

By exploring your feelings on paper you may discover new insights into them or even how they may connect with other emotions you are experiencing.. Because the physical act of writing helps your brain make these insights and connections, it is suggested you do not journal on your laptop or smartphone, but instead use pen or pencil and paper to physically write out your thoughts.

What Are Journal Prompts?

If you aren’t familiar with journal prompts, they are simply predetermined question or thought that gives you a topic to write about. They can be general prompts or they can be focused all around one main topic. Some examples of general self-discovery prompts are as follows:

  • Think back to your favorite day. What made it so great? What can you do to recreate it?
  • What do I know to be true now that I didn’t know a year ago?
  • When do I feel most in tune with myself?
  • How would my best friend describe me?
  • What makes me feel most grounded?

You can use prompts such as these or find more grief-specific prompts, or a combination of both; the choice is yours

How Journal Prompts Can Helpfuneral homes in Aurora, CO

When you first begin to journal, it may feel very uncomfortable. This is especially true if this activity is new to you. Using journal prompts can help because they give you direction and a focus to write about. Rather than think about what you should write, you can simply look at the prompt for direction and start writing.

You can find journal prompts online by doing a Google search. You can also find journals with preprinted prompts in them. Another source is online sites like Etsy where individuals design and sell prompts in both digital and physical formats.

Final Thoughts

While grieving is a natural process, it can be an extremely challenging one. Because of this, it is crucial to make a conscious effort to engage in activities that help you process your grief in the healthiest way possible. If you need further grief support after your loved one’s services from funeral homes in Aurora, CO., please reach out to us any time. We are always here to help and have sample resources we can assist you with.

cremation services in Wheat Ridge, CO
Keep These Things in Mind When Selecting an Urn

When selecting an urn for your loved one after their cremation services in Wheat Ridge, CO. there are several things to keep in mind. Some of these things include the size of the urn, the material it is made of, as well as where it will reside. Let’s take a look at each of these factors a little more.

Size of the Urn

Did you know that urns are available in different sizes? When selecting your loved one’s urn, it is important you purchase one that is the appropriate size. To know what size you need, you will refer to how much your loved one weighed. This is because, for every pound of body weight, one cubic inch of space is needed. This means that for example, someone who weighed 150 pounds would need an urn size of 150 cubic inches or more.

The Material of the Urn

Urns today can be found in a wide range of various materials. Some of the most common include:

  • Metal Urns – These metal urns can be made from pewter, bronze, brass, steel, copper, and bronze
  • Cultured Urns – These urns are made to mimic the look of other materials such as wood, granite, ceramic, and even marble. They are made from a synthetic material and come in a variety of shapes and colors.
  • Wood Urns – Wood urns can be made from mahogany, oak, maple, pine, walnut, cherry, and more.
  • Stone Urns – These sturdy and elegant stone urns are made from cultured and real marble, soapstone, granite, and even jade.
  • Glass and Ceramic Urns – These fragile urns are made using processes such as coloring, glazing, firing, and glass blowing. While delicate they can be quite beautiful.

Location of the Urncremation services in Wheat Ridge, CO

Another factor you want to keep in mind when selecting your loved one’s urn is where it will be placed. Most Catholic families choose to either have it interred in the consecrated grounds of a Catholic Cemetery or placed in a columbarium niche.

Which place you select will play a role in the material and design choice of the urn. For example, if you plan on placing the urn in a glass front columbarium niche, you may opt for a beautifully designed glass or ceramic display urn. Another nice option for this location would be a wood urn as it can be engraved to add details about your loved one that can be seen through the glass front of the niche.

By contrast, you may not wish to select a delicate glass urn if it is being buried. Instead, a stone urn such as granite or marble may be a more suitable choice.

Final Thoughts

You can see that there are many factors that go into selecting the right urn for your loved one. Luckily, urn makers as well as providers of cremation services in Wheat Ridge, CO. can help guide you in this process and help you select the perfect one for your needs. And, as always, we are here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have so feel free to reach out to us any time.

funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO
Attending a Funeral: Most Commonly Asked Questions

Funerals can be uncomfortable to attend. This is especially true if it is your first one as you may feel anxious about what to expect. You might also be nervous about what to say to the grieving family as well as if what you are wearing is appropriate. To help you feel more comfortable, directors of funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO. answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to these services.

What Should I Wear?

This is probably the most asked question as people do not want to look out of place or dress inappropriately. Most often, the standard color for funerals is black, but other colors are also acceptable. If you do not have anything black, feel free to wear other colors as long as they are darker, more somber colors. These include dark gray, and navy, tones of deep purples such as eggplant ad even deep greens and other natural stones.

As far as the style of outfit, you want to dress nicely. Imagine you are attending a Sunday morning church service and dressing for that occasion. This means for women, dresses, skirts, and blouses, as well as pant suits, are appropriate. For men, either slacks, a dress shirt, a tie, or a suit is a good choice.

Should I Bring Children?

Bringing children to a funeral service can depend on a few things, First, consider their age and if they are mature enough to sit still for the entire service. If they are young and may endlessly fidget or make a fuss then it is best to probably leave them with a relative or a sitter.

If they are older, then you may want to consider their mental maturity level and if they are equipped to handle the situation. This will be a personal decision based on you and your child.

What Do I Say to the Family?

When offering your condolences to the family, it is best to keep it short. Things you could say include:

  • I’m sorry for your loss
  • You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
  • He will be greatly missed
  • She was a ray of sunshine and was loved by everyone who knew her

Where Do I Sit?funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO

This is always a concern as people don’t want to offend anyone by sitting in the wrong space. The most important thing to know here is to not sit in any of the first few rows as these are reserved for family. Also, the funeral may have attendants to escort you to a seat. If not, typically the left side of the room is for friends and acquaintances to sit while the right is for family.

Is it Okay to Be on My Phone Before the Service Begins?

No. In fact, if you can leave your phone in your car or at home that is even better. While we are used to getting our phones out and texting or scrolling Facebook while we wait someplace, this is not an appropriate time to do so. You are there to pay respects and honor the deceased. Sit quietly and respectfully while you wait for the service to start.

Although these aren’t all the questions directors of funeral homes in Wheat Ridge, CO. get, it is some of the most common. Hopefully, by answering these, you will feel more comfortable when attending your first funeral.

cremation services in Lakewood, CO
Design a Memorial Program in 3 Easy Steps

After your loved one’s cremation services in Lakewood, CO. you may wish to hold a memorial service. An important item in this service will be the memorial program. This program is a pamphlet that is given to guests to let them know the order of service. This program may also include additional information as well as serve as a keepsake of the service.

While creating this program is not difficult, it can be a little overwhelming if you haven’t made one in the past. If you find yourself needing to make one, keep reading for step-by-step instructions to guide you right along.

1. Gather the Information

Even though memorial services may be customized and unique, the programs typically follow a pretty standard format. This format is:

  • Front Cover – Includes an image of the deceased as well as birth date, date of passing, and any information about the service including date and location
  • Inside Pages – Here you will find the order of service as well as possibly the obituary
  • Back Cover – This space is used for special acknowledgments and announcements from the family

Looking at the format you can see what information you will need to gather. Things like:

  • Portrait of deceased as well as birth date and date of passing
  • The order of the service
  • Names of anyone delivering any parts of the service (such as the eulogy or music)
  • Name of the officiant
  • The official obituary
  • Name of any pallbearers (may appear on the back cover)
  • Any special thank you messages or acknowledgments from the family

2. Design the Program

Don’t worry if you are not a graphic designer by trade. Luckily today there are hundreds of online templates you can choose from. These templates come in several formats such as Word, Photoshop, Canva, and more, and can be easily customized. Simply add the information and images that you have gathered to replace the ones in the template and you are ready to go!

If you would like to have an original program designed, you could do so by reaching out to a graphic designer either locally or online as well as talking with print shops as they often have in-house designers.

3. Print the Programcremation services in Lakewood, CO

All that is left is to print the programs. If you only need a small amount, you might be tempted to print these using a home printer. While this may sound like a good idea, it is not recommended. It is true that home printers have come a long way and can print in very good quality, but they are still no match for a professional printer. With this being such an important item, you want it to look it’s very best so make sure you take it to the professionals.

Final Thoughts

After your loved one’s cremation services in Lakewood, CO., holding a memorial service is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate them. Having an informative and beautifully designed memorial program is a lovely addition to this service. It offers guests a way to know what the service will be consisting of, and who will be speaking at various times, as well as serve as a memorial keepsake.

funeral homes in Lakewood, CO
What to Say After a Death Has Occurred

If you are like most people, you have a difficult time finding the right words when it comes to expressing sympathy after a death. It may be that a friend or coworker has lost a loved one and whether you are looking for words to write in a card or say directly to them, your mind goes blank. You want to make sure what you say is appropriate and meaningful, yet you don’t want to ramble or say something inappropriate. Don’t worry as directors of funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. has some tips to help.

After a Death Has Occurred

It can always be an awkward moment when you see someone who has recently lost a loved one. After all, do you bring it up? Do you ignore the topic? If they bring it up, what should you say?

While it may feel uncomfortable to bring it up, it is polite to do so. Know that by doing so you are giving them an opportunity to talk about what they are going through. While they may or may not open up, providing them the chance to do so shows your support and will be appreciated.

Whether they open up or not, follow their lead. If they begin to talk about the passing, let them by listening patiently and offering your support. If they move on to another subject quickly after mentioning the passing, then move right along with them.

If you are most likely not going to see them in person, then sending a handwritten card or calling them on the phone is always a nice way to express your condolences.

Examples of Things to Say

When talking with the bereaved family either at the funeral or afterward, there are some simple things you can say that is appropriate, kind, and show sympathy. Some of these include:

  • He was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly
  • You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
  • I’m so sorry for your loss
  • She will be missed by everyone who knew herfuneral homes in Lakewood, CO

If you knew the deceased more closely you can add something more personal such as, “I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, Amy. She was always such a bright soul at work and she will be greatly missed.”

Examples of What Not to Say

One common thing that people say if they have also suffered a past loss is, “I know what you are going through”. While this is meant as a way to connect with the grieving person, it really isn’t helpful and should be avoided. Even if you have suffered a similar loss, everyone processes and works through grief in different ways. Therefore, you cannot truly understand what they are going through.

Additionally, stay away from general statements such as “He’s in a better place”, or “At least he had a great life”. You may mean well, but these words do little to provide comfort.

Hopefully, these tips from directors of funeral homes in Lakewood, CO. have allowed you to feel more comfortable when talking with someone who has recently suffered a loss. If you need further information or help on how to help a grieving friend, please reach out to us as we have several resources we can point you to.

cremation services in Denver, CO
Placing Remains in a Columbarium Niche

While cremation services in Denver, CO. are accepted by many religions, the way the remains are handled may vary. In the Catholic faith, it is preferred that the remains stay together and not separated or scattered. Because of this, many families in this religion may choose to have their loved one’s remains interred in a columbarium niche.

What is a Columbarium?

For many, the word “columbarium” may be unfamiliar. While you may have seen one before either in person or maybe in a movie, you may be unaware of what it was at the time.

A columbarium is a structure that can be found as a wall, building, or part of another structure. What makes this structure unique is that it is made up of individual spaces called “niches”. These niches can all be the same size or vary in height and width. It is in these niches that families will have their loved one’s urns placed.

Types of Niches

With most all columbariums there are typically two types of niches, one being a metal front niche. This means that the front-facing wall of the niche is made of a type of metal. Because of this, the contents inside the niche are hidden from view. Most metal front niches will offer the families an opportunity to have a plaque or other marker engraved that will be on the outside of the niche.

The other type of common niche is the glass front niche. Because the front-facing wall of the niche is made from glass, the contents of the niche are able to be seen. Many families enjoy this type of niche because it offers them a chance to add photos or other special mementos in the niche to be seen.

Because of the glass front, some of these niches may have the ability to have an outside marker Due to this, families may have the actual urn engraved with the deceased’s name and other important information.

Considerations When Choosing a Columbarium Nichecremation services in Denver, CO

If you are considering a columbarium niche for a loved one there are some key factors you should keep in mind. These include:

  • Location – You want a location that is easily accessible for those who wish to visit. If there are many family members who live far from one another, finding a niche in a central location so that it’s easier for everyone to visit may be a good idea. Also, think about if you would like a niche in an outside or inside columbarium.
  • Size – If you are in need of an oversized urn, make sure the columbarium can accommodate one. Many niches may not fit the larger size.
  • Condition – You want to make sure the columbarium you choose is in good condition. If you see cracks in the wall, weed overgrowth, or any other signs of damage or poor upkeep, choose another one.

Final Thoughts

Columbariums can be a great option for many families in the Catholic religion as they offer a beautiful setting to place their loved one’s remains. If you need more information about columbariums, niches, or cremation services in Denver, CO. feel free to reach out to us anytime as we welcome the opportunity to help you in any way you need.

funeral homes in Denver, CO
Funeral Flowers vs Sympathy Flowers: What You Need to Know

Flowers have played an important role in funerals for hundreds of years. They are looked upon as a way to honor the deceased, represent the fragile nature of life, and bring comfort to those left behind. Today you can find flowers being used in funerals in the way of sprays and other arrangements, referred to as funeral flowers, as well as smaller arrangements referred to as sympathy flowers being sent to the family in mourning. Directors of funeral homes in Denver, CO. share more about what you need to know about these two types of arrangements.

Funeral Flowers

As mentioned, funeral flowers are used as part of the funeral. They can also be used in other services such as wakes, viewings, and visitations. Most all funeral flower arrangements will be sent by family or very close family friends. Because these arrangements are used in the funeral they are delivered to the funeral home or church rather than an individual family member’s home.

Most often funeral flowers will be in arrangements that include:

  • Standing sprays
  • Baskets
  • Wreaths
  • Casket Mounds
  • Shapes such as hearts and crosses

Sympathy Flowers

While funeral flowers are a visual tribute to the deceased, sympathy flowers are meant to offer support and express sympathy for the grieving family. These arrangements are typically smaller and are delivered straight to the family member’s home.

Funeral flowers are typically only sent by family or very close family friends, but sympathy flowers can be sent by friends, extended family, and even acquaintances. Anyone who wishes to send their condolences can do so with sympathy flowers.

You can find premade arrangements through online retailers and florists. You can also visit a local florist or retailer and have them create a special one-of-a-kind arrangement to send.

Best Types of Flowers

No matter what type of arrangement you are sending, there are some types of flowers that are more appropriate than others for this circumstance. Some of the most popular and common flowers and their meanings are:

  • Lilies– represent rebirth
  • Orchids– express hope, peace, and courage
  • Tulips– signify peace, love, and hope
  • Daises– represent hope and peace
  • Snapdragons– excess grace and strength
  • Iris– show faith, courage, admiration, and wisdom
  • Gladiolus– express integrity and strength
  • Lavender– represents devotion, grace, and purity

Things to Considerfuneral homes in Denver, CO

When sending funeral flowers, you will want to make sure you send them directly to the church or funeral home. Make sure to include the name of the deceased or the family on the card so that the location will know which funeral they are for.

Also, because these flowers are being used in the funeral, you will need to make sure you send them in a timely manner so they will arrive in time.

With sympathy flowers, you have more flexibility when it comes to sending them. You can feel free to send these flowers anywhere from right after the passing to a few weeks afterward. Don’t hesitate to send an arrangement because you think too much time has passed as the delivery of flowers is always a welcomed gift that brightens anyone’s day.

If you would like more information on flowers for funeral homes in Denver, CO, give us a call as we are always here to help answer any questions you may have.

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