A PROCESS.

BEREAVEMENT: RITUAL TIPS

Rituals can help.

Symbolic acts done in your loved one's memory are a way to honor him or her through this difficult time. They also help you develop a healthy acceptance of your loss.

THINK ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE'S WISHES.

Check to see if he or she planned for the kind of funeral or other memorial service he or she wanted by: prepaying for arrangements with a funeral home or other organization and/or preparing other written instructions

CONSIDER PLACING AN OBITUARY.

This is a death notice in the newspaper. You may want to include: your loved one's key life achievements, the date, time and location of funeral or other memorial services and/or suggestions for organizations to which donations can be made in your loved one's memory.

A funeral director may be able to help.

REMEMBER THE BENEFITS OF FUNERALS AND OTHER RITES.

They can help you accept the death and start acknowledging your feelings, get you to recall memories about your loved one - an important part of healing, bring mourners together to support each other, and help give you a feeling of order and peace.

TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IF YOU FEEL UP TO IT.

Taking an active role in funerals, memorial ceremonies and related rites can give you a greater sense of comfort and control such as, saying a few words about your loved one, displaying photos, favorite belongings or other thing that were meaningful.

Let the children take part in rituals, if appropriate.

KEEP MEMORIES ALIVE.

You can make a scrapbook of photos and other mementos of the life you shared, keep some things that belonged to him or her, recall good times you had, and share memories with friends and family.

CONSIDER JOINING A SUPPORT GROUP WHEN YOU'RE READY.

In a support group, people who are grieving help each other by sharing their experiences. Ask for referrals from our hospice team, your relatives and friends, and/or religious leaders.

Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Support groups are designed for those who are having a difficult time accepting their loss. Joining AND participating will ease the bereavement process.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO MOVE ON.

In time, you may find yourself ready for new interests and relationships. Please Remember, moving on with your life does not mean you're forgetting your loved one.