Grief doesn’t always wait until after someone dies. Sometimes, it starts the moment you realize that loss is inevitable. That heavy, confusing mix of sadness, fear, and helplessness? That’s anticipatory grief. It’s real, it’s deeply emotional, it’s heavy, and it often shows up when a loved one is nearing the end of life — long…
Pre-planning a funeral might feel like a tough subject, but it’s one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. It helps reduce stress, eliminates uncertainty, and allows your family to grieve without being overwhelmed by decisions. If you’re considering pre-planning a funeral, these are 15 questions I recommend asking yourself…
Understanding the 5 stages of grief can help you or someone you care about process a loss with more compassion and clarity. Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, a life-changing diagnosis, or any deep personal loss, these stages offer a helpful framework — not a rigid rulebook. Let’s talk about what the…
Knowing what to say when someone is grieving can be incredibly hard. You want to offer comfort, but you also don’t want to say the wrong thing. That pressure often leads people to avoid the conversation altogether — but your words, even simple ones, can make a difference. This list of 15 thoughtful phrases to…
Knowing how to offer condolences can feel overwhelming. You want to be supportive, but you’re worried about saying the wrong thing — or worse, making things harder for someone already in pain. Grief is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to respond. But there are ways to show up with compassion, kindness, and authenticity….
What not to say to someone who is grieving matters more than we sometimes realize. When someone is grieving, words carry weight — and the wrong ones, even with good intentions, can deepen their pain. It’s natural to want to offer comfort, but some of the phrases we reach for can come across as dismissive,…
What is a viewing? It’s a question many people ask when facing the loss of a loved one.Have you ever attended a viewing? If not, I understand how overwhelming it can feel — wanting to show up and offer support, but not knowing exactly what to expect. This quiet gathering gives loved ones a chance…
Trying to figure out how to choose between burial and cremation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already grieving or making plans under stress. This choice is deeply personal, emotional, and sometimes confusing. I am going to talk to you about the key differences, emotional considerations, and practical details — so you can make the…
What to say to someone on hospice isn’t always clear, and it can feel overwhelming when someone you care about is going through this. You want to provide comfort, but the fear of saying the wrong thing can leave you silent. The truth is, you don’t need perfect words — what matters most is your…
Making medical decisions during a crisis is hard — especially if you’re not the one able to speak. An advance directive helps ensure your wishes are known and respected, even if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. Let’s talk about what an advance directive is, what it covers, and how to create one before you…