TIMES, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • 32 The Grieving Continues Long After The Funeral Importance Of Aftercare The funeral is over, the flowers are now beginning to wilt, and the sympathy cards and calls of support begin to ebb. We may even return to daily routines of work or school. Yet, the grief continues. In fact, grief researchers often point out that this is one of the more difficult times—the intensity of grief actually increases weeks after the death as the shock of the loss recedes, support wanes, and the very business that surrounds the death ends. Yet, we often face these days alone. This is the reason why aftercare is so critical. In the past two decades, compassionate funeral directors have begun to ask what can we do for our families after the funeral is over? How can we support them—not only at the time of the funeral but throughout the intense experience of grief? The answers have varied. Many funeral homes maintain an active library of pamphlets and books. These resources can have great value. They can “normalize” our grief by reminding us that the many reactions we have including the ways we feel (both emotionally and physically), the ways we think, believe and behave, are normal and natural responses to loss. These materials can offer us suggestions for coping. Most importantly, they can offer hope. Funeral homes also can offer consultation, information, referral or even sponsor support groups. Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home has a licensed Mental Health Counselor serving as a consultant who can refer bereaved clients to appropriate resources within the community. It also offers informational seminars four times a year on such topics as dealing with the death of a spouse, significant other, or parent, as well as coping with the holidays. Since holidays can be so difficult after a loss, many funeral homes may offer special holiday rituals. For example, prior to Christmas, Thomas M. Quinn & Sons has a special Holiday Tree Lighting. In this meaningful service, families either bring or create a personal ornament memorializing the person who died. These are placed on a tree that is then officially lighted after a brief ceremony. Many families return year after year to remember and to honor their deceased relatives in this way. The aftercare services of funeral homes are often echoed in other community resources such as support groups that are available in churches, synagogues, and other community organizations. All serve to assist bereaved persons long after the funeral is over. In Loving Memory of Papavero Funeral Home Newly Renovated Facilities On One Level Handicapped Accessible—Ample Parking Cremation And Direct Burial Service Guidance With Pre-Planned Funeral Arrangements 24 Hour-A-Day Personal Service Resource Center With Information On Coping With Grief And Explaining Death To Children Family Owned And Operated For 4 Generations 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, N.Y. 11378 1-718-651-3535 ©Times Newsweekly 2014 - PAPAREVO IN MEMORIAM Twenty long years without you. We miss and love you so much. I donʼt know how we made it so long without you. We think of you all the time. Rest in peace, my Angel. Till weʼre together again. Love you, Mom and Dad THOMAS WRENN JR. Died February 20, 1995 ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - MORTON ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - VILCHAPELS Village Chapels, Inc. 67-67 Eliot Avenue Middle Village, NY 11379 718-458-3000 Funeral Directors John DiMario, George H. Luhring ©Times Newsweekly 2014 - GLEN^WALSH
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