It is an unfortunate fact that tragic accidents do occur at the most unexpected times – often while people are relaxing and enjoying themselves on a trip or vacation with family or friends.  If the unthinkable occurs and a loved one dies while on vacation, knowing how to deal with the practicalities of the situation can reduce unnecessary stress and heartache.

Families appreciate knowing they can depend on us during such a difficult time.  Call us from anywhere and we can help – even though we may be far away.  We can arrange to have your loved one returned with care.  We can take care of the paperwork so you don’t have to.  If there is an official inquiry as to the cause of death, we can work with you and the officials in whatever timeline is needed. 

If you plan to accompany your loved one on the return trip, talk to us before selecting an airline.  Every airline has different regulations and requirements; we can help in determining the options and making the necessary arrangements.  Keep in mind that if you plan to carry on a cremation container, it must be made of a material that will allow it to go through the x-ray screening process at the airport.

It is not uncommon for a death to occur while abroad; each year a few thousand Americans die while on a short trip out of the country.  Most U.S. citizens who die while abroad are returned to the United States for cremation or burial.  However, if you so choose, we can work with you and the Bureau of Consular Affairs to make the necessary arrangements for a local burial or cremation.  If you do plan to have your loved one returned to the U.S., we will help you acquire the necessary documents and permits for transportation.

The important thing to remember is that we are here to help you, every step of the way.  Our resources are extensive, which allows us to reach out even across great distances and provide you with the assistance you need at a difficult time.  Please don’t hesitate to call on us.

Today, many people are moving away from the preconceived notions of traditional funeral services, and instead are creating more personalized services that focus on the life of the deceased rather than his or her death.  There are many unique things you can do to honor, pay tribute, and celebrate your loved one’s life at the funeral ceremony.

One way to enhance a funeral is by bringing an aspect of the individual’s personality to life.  If your loved one had a passion for collecting specific items, that collection may be the aspect that you choose to focus on.  For serious collectors, the hobby is more than just a casual pastime; often, it is as much a part of the person’s life as his or her smile.  That said, such an important aspect of the person’s life should be highlighted during the memorial service. 

There are several ways that the deceased’s passion for collecting can be showcased during the funeral, such as incorporating the collection directly into the funeral decorations.  For example, one family appreciated quilts displayed all around the funeral home that had been handmade by the deceased.  Another gentleman was an avid baseball card collector; his family liked seeing his prized possessions displayed on a memory table.  Depending on the type of collection, you could exhibit items on a memory board or a display designed specifically for the item.  You may even be able to personalize the casket or urn itself with a symbol of the collection. 

On the other hand, if your loved one was an avid car collector, it will not be possible to incorporate the collection into the funeral décor.  In that case, you might consider parking a few of his or her favorite cars outside the funeral home for people to enjoy as they arrive for the service.  Finally, in addition to displaying the collection, you could have someone speak about the person’s passion for collecting, including when they began the hobby and any interesting stories about how the collection grew over time.

A funeral is so much more than a way to say goodbye; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the life of someone special.  To this end, funeral directors can offer various ideas to make the service more personalized and are very open to family suggestions and creativity.  Thus, we encourage you and your family to discuss your ideas with us to ensure an individualized ceremony fitting the collector in your life.  

When children lose someone through death, be it a family member or friend, they inevitably face a whirlwind of emotions.   During this confusing time, children need the love and support of those around them to cope with their loss. Books for them to read and for their parents to read can be of value as well. Additionally, in some cases, the supportive assistance from a counseling professional will be beneficial as the child moves toward constructive grief resolution.

The primary benefit of counseling is that it provides the child with an opportunity to tell his or her story to a trained professional who knows how to listen and respond appropriately to the feelings and emotions presented in the narrative.  Talking to children about death must be geared to their developmental level, respectful of their cultural norms, and sensitive to their capacity to understand.  Knowledgeable counselors take all these factors into consideration when developing a strategy to help guide a child through the grieving process.

Moreover, an experienced counselor can do an assessment, and suggest whether group or individual counseling will be more helpful.  For some children, being with peers that have experienced the same thing will be a great comfort and will help them learn coping skills.  For others, a more individualized approach may be needed in order for the child to cope with his or her grief effectively.

Whether it’s individual or group counseling, as soon as the child seems to need more than what the family and friends can offer, it is time to consider seeking professional help.  If nothing else, a trained counselor will be able to provide advice on techniques and strategies that will be the most helpful to the child in your life.