• Chapel of the Chimes: Tips for Coping with the Loss of a Parent

    Morning Dew

    The loss of a parent can be extremely difficult, regardless of the parent’s age or health. This devastating event can send an entire family into intense emotional turmoil. However, there are many proven strategies for coping with the loss of a parent:  

    Take Time Everyone experiences and processes grief differently, so the coping process can vary in length from person to person. Resist the impulse to rush through your grieving process. This behavior will only make the coping process more difficult in the long run .

    Be Honest The emotions you feel after the loss of a parent can be unpredictable. There’s no right or wrong way to feel about the passing of a loved one—allow every emotion you experience to come to the surface. Though these rushes of emotions may be uncomfortable, they are also an important part of the coping process.

    Acknowledge Loss A journal is a great tool for coping with the loss of a parent. Consider recording some of your favorite family memories in the journal. By coming to grips with everything you’ve lost, you’ll be in a better position to grieve properly.

    Make Connections If your parent has passed away, don’t try to cope with the loss on your own. Instead, reach out to neighbors and loved ones for support. A friend or family member can offer emotional support during this trying time. You can also find several online resources that explain grief, where it comes from, and how to resolve the feeling.

    Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland is one of the oldest and most beautiful resting places in Northern California. That’s why so many families trust us to handle their funeral proceedings. Contact us today at (510) 654-0123 or visit us online to learn more about our funeral and memorial services.

  • Cremation: How to Choose the Right Urn

    Yellow forsythia

    If you are pre-planning your funeral service and considering cremation, you will need to select a cremation urn. According to the National Funeral Directors Association , just over 40% of Americans choose to incorporate cremation into their funeral services. Keep in mind these factors when choosing an appropriate urn:

    Determine Your Budget The first factor to consider when choosing an urn is the price. Make sure to set a price range before you contact your funeral director to ensure you do not go over your budget. If you are pre-planning your own services, you can select the urn in advance—committing to an urn early on ensures that the price will remain unchanged in the future.

    Measure the Size of the Urn Next, you’ll need to determine the dimensions of your urn. A standard full-sized urn will hold about 200 cubic inches of ashes. Small urns are also available for distributing the ashes among family members. This style of urn is especially popular with large extended families. Extra-large companion urns are also available for two individuals who wish to share the same resting place.

    Choose an Appropriate Style The final step in picking an urn is choosing an appropriate style. Themed urns can appeal to your personal tastes, while traditional urns are always a classic choice. If you are looking to personalize your urn, consider choosing one with a military logo that features your branch of service. You can also choose a highly decorative urn that reflects your personality and interests. Additionally, you can ask family and friends for additional suggestions for customizing the urn.

    Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland offers both traditional and ceremonial cremation services . Contact us at (510) 654-0123 for more information on selecting the appropriate urn for your needs or to learn more about our cremation options.

  • Funeral Services Planning Information

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    Planning a funeral involves a great deal of decision-making, which can be exceptionally difficult as you cope with the loss of your loved one. In addition to our recent blog posts, the resources provided below may assist you in making some of these important decisions.

    To speak with a funeral director who will be able to help you throughout the funeral-planning process, call Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123.

  • Jazz at the Chimes – Sunday, November 18, 2012

    Jazz at the Chimes 11-18-12

    Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this great event!

  • How to Cope with the Death of a Loved One

    Grieving the loss of a loved one is a difficult and highly personal process. Although each person copes with death differently, some general advice can be beneficial to all who are in mourning.

    In this video, a trained and experienced psychologist offers insight into the grieving process. He cites the importance of giving yourself the time and space you need to accept your loved one’s passing, even if denial and conversations with your deceased loved one are a part of that process.

    The grief professional in this video also discusses the role that funeral and memorial services can play in coping with loss. If someone close to you has recently passed away and you are looking for assistance in planning your loved one’s funeral, Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland can help. Call (510) 654-0123 to speak with a compassionate and experienced funeral service provider today.