• Reasons to Seek Grief Support

    Grief is a natural experience after the loss of a loved one, but that doesn’t make dealing with it any easier. Although you may be tempted to try to battle grief on your own, there are many reasons why support can be the best option, particularly after the funeral ends and life returns to some sort of normal. If you’ve been on the fence about whether grief support could benefit you, here are some reasons to consider giving it a try. 

    Reasons to Seek Grief Support - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland

    Discuss Your Feelings Without Worry

    During the funeral, you’ll be surrounded by family and friends who are eager to listen and support you. After the funeral, even with the best of intentions, it’s natural for those people to begin to resume their normal activities. You may get the impression that they want you to snap out of your grief or that they simply can’t grasp what you’re going through. By joining a grief support group , you can discuss your feelings without worrying that you’re burdening someone or that they don’t understand where you’re coming from. Talking about your experiences with people who are going through the same thing can be a helpful release.

    Learn Coping Skills

    There is no roadmap for grief, and what works for one person may not work for another. When you’ve been shaken by a loss, however, you may have no idea how to even begin coping on your worst days. In a grief support group, you learn how people in your same position are coping and get ideas for strategies that you can also try.

    Discover New Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones

    Finding ways to incorporate the memories of your lost loved one into your life can bring relief. Within a grief support group, you can learn about new traditions other people coping with grief have developed that may also be a good fit for your family.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, supporting families in their grief is one of the most important parts of our funeral planning services . Get more information about our funeral home in Oakland by calling us at (510) 654-0123. You can also learn more on our website.

  • Following Proper Funeral Etiquette

    During a funeral, following the proper etiquette will help you feel comfortable while offering condolences to family and friends. Although it may not always be easy to know the right thing to do, this video will help.

    Start by sending flowers to the funeral home or family home, or making a donation to a charity in lieu of flowers if requested by the family. Attend the wake at the funeral to pay respects to the lost person. At the funeral, dress appropriately in dark clothing and tell the family that you are sorry for their loss. Attend any post-funeral meal or gathering to offer further support.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland , our funeral home can help grieving families plan funeral and cremation services in their times of need. To learn more about how we can help you, call (510) 654-0123. 

  • Understanding Common Symptoms of Grief

    Understanding Common Symptoms of Grief - Chapel of the Chimes - Oakland, CA

    Some people grieve for days or weeks, while others do for many years. If you experienced a recent loss, you may experience pain, confusion, and other emotions that are commonly associated with the grieving process. While there are as many different ways to grief as there are people in the world, there are a number of symptoms of grief that people experience. Initially it’s common to experience shock and disbelief—this is usually associated with the denial stage. After this sadness, guilt, and anger are common as the person affected by grief tries to grapple with the reality of their loss. A loss can trigger fears and worries, such as insecurity, anxiety, and helplessness. Grief is not only emotional, however—it is known for producing a wide range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, illness, nausea, weight fluctuation, insomnia, and pain.

    It can be hard to find the support you need to cope with grief. In addition to seeking support from friends and family, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland encourages you to access our 24/7 online grief support services on our website. Visit us online to find out more about our personalized funeral services and cremation services in Oakland .

  • Tips on What to Wear to a Funeral

    Following dress etiquette is an important part of most funeral services. At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, we offer a wide range of funeral services in Oakland . In this article, we will overview some of the considerations to have when you are choosing funeral attire.

    Tips on What to Wear to a Funeral - Chapel of the Chimes - Oakland, CA

    Appropriate Formality

    Funerals are traditionally formal, but check the invitation to see if it specifically says that it will be a more festive memorial service. Some service announcements say to wear the favorite color of the deceased. If the invitation does not specify, it probably means that the funeral will be more formal, which means it’s best to wear business attire such as a dress or a suit. T-shirts, shorts jeans, and casual footwear are typically not appropriate for a funeral service.

    Clean and Presentable Clothing

    Whatever you wear to a funeral, it must be as presentable as possible. All clothing should be washed or dry cleaned. If you are wearing anything that is prone to wrinkling, press it before wearing it to the funeral. Your shoes should be cleaned before the funeral, and polished if they are made of leather.  

    Black or Muted Colors

    The most traditional color for a funeral is black. Although it is not a requirement to wear black to a funeral service , it is highly recommended. Earthy tones such as dark brown and gray are acceptable, but make sure that you avoid wearing bold or bright colors.

    Personalized Style

    For most funeral services, it’s best to wear formal clothing that does not attract attention. If you don’t have a black collared shirt, it’s okay to wear a white or oxford blue shirt. Classic pinstripes are fine for suits and dress shirts.

    Chapel of the Chimes Oakland is one of the most respected funeral homes in Oakland and surrounding areas. For more information about our funeral service and cremation services, visit our website or call us at (510) 654-0123.

  • Arranging a Catholic Funeral

    There are a number of details that differentiate a catholic funeral from other types of funeral services. According to catholic funeral tradition, once the body is placed in the casket, a crucifix should be placed in the lid of the casket. Typically a kneeling rail is placed in front of the casket so that friends and family can kneel down next to the casket and say a prayer. To learn more about the unique features of catholic funeral services, watch the video clip.

    At Chapel of the Chimes, we have more than 100 years of experience arranging funeral services in Oakland . To learn more about how we can arrange a catholic funeral for your loved one, give us a call at (510) 654-0123 or visit our website.

  • Jazz at the Chimes – January 18, 2015

    Jazz at the Chimes 1-18-15

    Join us on Sunday, January 18th, at 2 p.m. for Jazz at the Chimes featuring the Erik Jekabson Quintet.

    Admission:

    • General admission – $15
    • Seniors & student admission – $10

    Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash only), and the box office opens at 12:30 p.m. For  more information , call (510) 654-0123 or email chimesjazz@gmail.com.

  • The Basics of Funeral Etiquette

    Being tactful and sensitive is a very important part of honoring the deceased at a funeral service. If you are preparing to attend a funeral, it’s important to know about some of the basics of funeral etiquette so that you don’t offend the deceased’s family or friends. At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, one of the leading funeral homes in Oakland , we recommend familiarizing yourself with the following basics of funeral etiquette.

    The Basics of Funeral Etiquette - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland

    Condolence Visit

    If you are a family member or a close friend of the deceased’s family, it’s proper funeral etiquette to pay a visit to their home to express your condolences. When you visit, bring something for the family to eat. Grieving families are usually so busy and disoriented that they do not find time to eat. You could also offer to run errands for the family or watch over the kids for a bit. Unless the family seems like they need some company, do not stay too long during the condolence visit.

    Wake

    The wake takes place before the funeral service and oftentimes takes place in the evening. If you cannot attend the funeral, go to the wake to offer your support for the family of the deceased. Typically the wake is held at a funeral home or the family’s home. Unless you are close to the family of the deceased, be sure to tell the family how you know the deceased to avoid confusion.

    Post-Funeral Lunch

    This is more light-hearted than the funeral. It’s the time to share memories about the deceased. Whether you attend the lunch or not, be sure to follow up with the family of the deceased in the weeks and months following the funeral.

    If you are planning a funeral or attending one in the near future, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can help. We are one of the most beautiful funeral homes in Oakland. Call us at (510) 654-0123 or visit our website to learn more about our funeral services and cremation services. 

  • Talking to Your Children About Death

    Goodbye

    Whether we want to believe it or not, children are aware of death. They see dead animals, birds, and insects on the side of the road. They see death on television and read about it in books. Death is a part of everyday life, and all children are aware of this on some level. You may experience hesitation and discomfort when talking to your children about death, and that’s okay. Children are observers, so they will be able to read the discomfort on your face and in your body language. That is why it is important not to be avoidant. Instead, maintain openness around the subject. Be sensitive to your children’s desires to talk and welcome any questions they have. When answering those questions, find truthful but simple and age-appropriate responses to give them.

    For more tips on talking to your children about death, visit Chapel of the Chimes online, where we have a variety of resources that can help you. Chapel of the Chimes is a leading funeral home in Oakland that offers cremation services and a large cemetery. Call us at (510) 654-0123 for more information.

  • Mandela Monument Design Competition Draws Hundreds of Submissions

    SAN MATEO, Calif. – Nov. 7, 2014 – Nearly 200 design entries were submitted for the creation of a permanent monument honoring the life of the late Nelson Mandela.  Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park  and  Chapel of the Chimes  partnered with the  Nelson Mandela Foundation  and the Oakland chapter of the  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People  (NAACP) on the contest which was open to all U.S. residents over 13 years of age and closed in mid-October. By Dec. 31, 2014, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will announce the winning memorial designer’s name, along with the date of the unveiling ceremony which will take place in summer 2015. Skylawn will construct the winning design and permanently host the monument at its park in San Mateo.

    Nelson Mandela Monument

    Hundreds of architects, artists and students from across the country honored Mandela’s contributions to world peace, human rights, social justice and democracy through their designs. The competition judges were touched by the deeply personal impact the creative process had on the designers. Many cited the process as a way to truly understand the importance of humility and Mandela’s legacy.

    Read more here .

  • Debunking Common Myths About Grief

    There are as many ways to grieve as there are people in this world. But surprisingly, there are many false beliefs about what the grieving process should and should not look like. At Chapel of the Chimes, one of the leading funeral homes in Oakland , we urge you to read this blog to find out the truth about healing and grieving. 

    Depressed blond man

    Ignoring Pain Makes it Go Away Faster

    Ignoring pain will only make the grieving process longer and harder. Instead of trying to keep your pain from surfacing, you must face your grief and deal with it in order to heal. It can be unbelievably hard to handle the pain by yourself. Reach out to friends, family members, a professional counselor, or a figure in your religious community for help when you are ready.

    Being Strong Helps You Get Over Your Loss

    Sadness, fear, and loneliness are all very natural reactions to loss. Crying can help you face the grief and pain you experience—it does not mean you are weak. Showing your true feelings and experiencing their entirety will help your grieving process and that of your friends and family.

    Grief Lasts One Year At Most

    Some people start to feel better in a matter of weeks or months, while others take years. There is no right or wrong amount of time for the grieving process because it differs greatly from person to person.

    If You Don’t Cry, It Means You Don’t Care

    Crying is one way to respond to sadness, but it is not the only way. In fact, many people feel a very deep sense of sadness and loss but never cry. Each person is different in how they show their feelings.

    If you grieving and need to talk to somebody, visit Chapel of the Chimes Oakland online, where you will find 24/7 grief support services. We are one of the leading funeral homes and cremation service providers in Oakland and Northern California. Call us at (510) 654-0123 for more information.