How to Write an Obituary: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Writing an obituary is a meaningful way to honor their life and share their story with the world. It announces someone’s passing, shares details about funeral arrangements, and most importantly, celebrates the life of someone who mattered. Writing an obituary can also serve as […]
When Grief Meets Spring: Finding Light Through Seasons of Loss
“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen Spring arrives quietly. Flowers bloom, trees grow leaves, green grass reappears, and the days stretch a little longer. For many, spring represents renewal and hope. But for those experiencing grief, spring can feel complicated. Grief has its own rhythm, much like […]
Funeral Preplanning Guide: Peace of Mind For You and Your Loved Ones
Beginning to plan for your funeral can feel uncomfortable, and many people put it off. Yet preplanning helps ease the “what if” and many of the other questions that families are faced with in the midst of grief. By preplanning, you can ensure your wishes are honored and give your loved ones peace of mind. […]
Deciding on a Final Resting Option: Entombment, Earth Burial, and Cremation
When facing the loss of a loved one, the question of what to do next can feel heavy and overwhelming. Often, loved ones find themselves having to make decisions without ever having the opportunity to ask their loved one what they would have wanted. At Gerst, we walk families through their options and help them […]
When the Holidays End but Grief Remains: Finding Support in the Winter Months
For many families, the holidays move quickly. There are gatherings to attend, traditions to keep, and moments that require energy even when hearts are heavy. When the holidays end and January arrives, life often becomes quieter, and for those who are grieving, that quiet can feel especially loud. Winter has a way of slowing everything […]
Tips to Establish Healthy Boundaries This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a busy time of year that can fill our schedules with additional invitations, family gatherings, and other holiday parties. These social demands can feel overwhelming for anyone and leave someone navigating grief feeling drained and anxious. While you may feel pressure to spread yourself thin, it’s important to set healthy boundaries […]
Three Simple Ways Practicing Gratitude Can Transform Your Grief
November marks the start of the Holiday season, a time that can feel emotionally heavy and add additional stress. When walking through grief, the holidays can magnify feelings of loneliness and pain, especially as the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder. In this season, it’s important that we are mindful of our well-being […]
Moving Through Grief and Seasonal Depression in the Fall
When the summer turns to fall, we’re reminded that change is always happening, even when we’re not ready for it. While fall is beautiful for many, others experience sadness and emotional exhaustion, especially those who are dealing with loss. Shorter days, approaching holidays, and yearly family traditions can also serve as additional reminders of grief. […]
Grief, Love and Loss: Facing Life After a Suicide
TW: This blog discusses suicide and loss. Please take care when reading. September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time dedicated to bringing mental health struggles into the light and reminding every person that they are not alone. At Gerst Funeral Homes, we’ve seen how grief can take many forms. But when a loved one […]
Tips For Honoring Your Needs This Season
Whether you are walking through a season of busyness, transitions, or grief, finding time for yourself amidst the chaos of life can be hard. It’s important to care for ourselves through habits that foster mental and physical wellness and activities that bring fulfillment. Taking care of ourselves, juggling responsibilities, and finding time to enjoy hobbies […]