• Helpful Tips for Coping with Grief and Loss

    Sad woman looking at dead husband's photo

    Losing someone you love or care deeply about is one of the most painful experiences of life. You will likely experience a number of difficult emotions ranging from anger to depression. These are all normal reactions to a significant loss in your life, and while there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the emotions that you are feeling. As part of our commitment to helping you through this difficult time, here are some helpful tips for coping with grief and loss from Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland .

    Embrace Your Emotions

    As you experience the varying stages of grief , make time to each emotion that arises. Do not judge any particular emotion as good or bad, and know that it is healthy to embrace these emotions. You may even wish to keep a journal or notebook close to jot down what you are thinking and feeling when different emotions arise.

    Take Care of Yourself

    Make sure to take care of yourself during this trying time, even if it is the last thing you want to do. Being in good spirits starts with being healthy, and that means you need to eat right, get plenty of fresh air, and try to incorporate 20 minutes or more of light to moderate exercise into your daily routine. You’ll be amazed how fast you come to terms with your loss by simply taking care of yourself. 

    For help dealing with your intense emotions, turn to Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland. You can access our online counseling services, join in group grief support, or watch interactive videos from our trained grief counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit our website or call us at (510) 654-0123 to learn more about our funeral services and grief support resources. 

  • Moving Through Grief

    It is normal for someone to experience a wide range of difficult emotions after the loss of a close friend or relative. These emotions most often fall into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Moving through these stages can be trying, especially if you are not fully prepared to embrace the emotions that arise. To learn about the stages of grief and how most people typically experience them, watch this short video presentation. 

    There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone is entitled to handle the loss of a friend or relative on their own terms. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland offers grief support and healing resources to help you through this trying time. We also offer funeral planning services that can help you plan a fitting farewell to your loved one. To speak with one of our funeral directors or grief counselors, call us at (510) 654-0123. 

  • Helping Your Child Deal with the Death of a Loved One

    Portrait of sad child

    Losing a loved one is difficult for everyone. Children can have an especially difficult time understanding death and adjusting to life without a certain loved one. As a parent, it’s your duty to explain that death is an important part of life, and that it’s normal to experience feelings of sadness after  losing a loved one .  Here are a few tips to help your child cope with a death in the family.  

    Be Honest

    Children are still learning about the world around them, and often struggle with the concept of death. Instead of telling your child that your loved one has “gone away,” you must make it clear that your loved one has died and will not be coming back.

    Encourage Discussion

    Your child will likely have a lot of questions, and you should do your best to answer them honestly. You should also encourage your child to open up about your loved one’s passing, and get his or her feelings out in the air. It might be painful at first, but it can help you both in the long run.  

    Provide Some Space

    While it’s important to talk to your child, you shouldn’t force the issue. If you sense that your child needs space, give him space. This is often true of teenagers, who are more likely to turn to their peers for support. If and when your child is ready to open up, let him know you’re there for him.

    Seek Professional Help

    If you’re having trouble understanding your child’s emotions, or if your own grief is overwhelming, you should consider taking your child to a mental health professional. You can also receive help online, in books, or in support groups.

    Grieving is tough for everyone, yet we must all find a way to get through the hard times. Chapel of the Chimes is an Oakland funeral home that offers cremation services, funeral services, grief and healing support, and many other services. Call us at (510) 654-0123 to discuss funeral options for your loved one or to begin preplanning your own funeral.

  • A Look at Mausoleums Throughout History

    Amazing Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

    Humanity has felt the pain of loss for time immemorial. As loved ones pass away, the people left behind try their best to honor their loved ones with eulogies, funeral ceremonies , and in some cases, large monuments. Mausoleums, which are free-standing structures designed to house the remains of deceased individuals, have been around for thousands of years. Here are a few of the most famous mausoleums in history:  

    Pyramids of Giza

    Most historians agree that many of the pyramids in Giza and elsewhere in Egypt were constructed as tombs for pharaohs. The pyramids in Giza were finished around 2560 BCE, which means they’re over 4500 years old. Amazingly, the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-structure for 3800 years, until the Lincoln Cathedral was completed in England in the 14th century.

    Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

    The word “mausoleum” actually derives from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which—like the Great Pyramid—was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This mausoleum was built sometime during the 4th century BCE, and kept the remains of Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, now in ruins, is located in Southwest Turkey.  

    Taj Mahal

    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the best known mausoleum in the world. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his third wife, and was completed in 1653. It is located in the city of Agra, which is in the northern part of India.  

    Lenin’s Mausoleum

    Lenin’s Mausoleum is located in Moscow’s Red Square, and contains the embalmed remains of Vladimir Lenin, the famous Russian revolutionary. Lenin’s body has been on public display almost continuously since his death in 1924.  

    Chapel of the Chimes can ensure that your deceased loved one receives a memorial that adequately honors his or her life. To learn more about our memorial options and funeral services, call our Oakland funeral home at (510) 654-0123. You can also visit our website to find out how we can help you in your time of grief. 

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