The Final Farewell to Dad

Photo of me, Debby Bloom and my father, Sam Bloom

At the end of a long life, it seems to be a goal in most families to get to the dying before they take their last breath. Actually, “just” before a person dies. Last thoughts, farewells, favorite memories, going through old photos together—all reminders of a life well lived.

Virtual Funerals, Here’s What You Need to Know for the New Normal

The safe way to attend a funeral, online.

Like most of you, I’ve never been advised to “shelter in place” and the term “social distancing” was not a part of my vernacular. But the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed all that, and many of our loved ones, especially our elders or those with compromised immune systems, are in danger.

How are we going to celebrate their lives should they succumb to the virus in the coming days, weeks and months? How are we going to honor those who will pass away by natural causes, or sadly, by tragedy during these times when gathering together is not possible? The populations who will most likely die in the largest proportion are going to be the elderly. Therefore the people who would have been attending the funeral or life celebration are also going to be 60 years or older. The elderly population with underlying health issues is most susceptible to this virus. Clearly the last thing we need is coming together and putting people at risk. At the same time, surrounding one another is exactly what we need in times of sorrow.

It’s crucial to give ourselves, as well as the family and friends of the departed, a time and place to grieve. Experts are saying this virus may be around for months. Where is the best place to do this to insure the safety of all? The answer is virtually on your phone, tablet or computer.

Eulogy for a Best Friend – Free Eulogy

Bob and Brad, best friends!

I started this company http://www.nextgenmemorials.com with my friend Bob Wheeler 17 years ago. Unfortunately, in one week, Bob lost his brother and his best friend. Over lunch yesterday, Bob mentioned that he wrote a eulogy for his best friend Brad and delivered it to a standing room only crowd of over 300 people.

Bob said it was a very moving experience delivering a eulogy. The audience went from laughing to crying and then laughing again.

He told me a couple of the stories about the crazy times he and Brad had together and I asked if he would share the eulogy with the thought our readers might get some inspiration on how to write a touching eulogy. I believe it will be worth your time to read it and we both it helps you if you find yourself needing to write a eulogy for a best friend.

Eulogy for Brad

Might You Wish You Had A Funeral Photographer?

Nibs Southall treasures this photo taken as her husband’s casket was put into a hearse. She often reflects back on this image and the tattoo with his initial showing on her neck.

A recent BBC news article explores a growing interest in funeral photography, and the featured woman’s story inspired me to write this post. The woman, Nibs Southall, explains in the article that she often looks back at the photos of her husband Nick’s funeral—and that there’s one to which she always returns. In the picture (see above), she sees herself facing the hearse, back to the camera. The tattoo on her back, which Nick had too, reads “N”. Suited men flank her on either side. The solemn scene is broken by their wide grins.

A Tattoo on a Memory Stone, Such a Great Idea for a Funeral Favor!

A stone with the graphic of your loved one’s tattoo. Perfect everlasting keepsake.

Recently we received a call from a mother asking if we could put the image of her son’s tattoo on a memory stone. She wanted his friends and their family to have an everlasting keepsake of the tattoo that her son, Jerrod designed

himself.

What would be the perfect memory stone for your loved one? Let’s see if we can create an everlasting funeral favor, memory stone to celebrate your loved one’s life.

Memory Stone with Tattoo, loved one’s name can be on the other side.