34 times • MAY 14, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.timesnewsweekly.com When the Funeral Is Over: The 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. 1-718-821-6660 or 1-800-479-6419 Serving Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village & Glendale ~With~ • Pre-Arrangement And Pre-Funded Funerals Available • Convenient To All Major Highways And Public Transportation All Faiths Monuments, Inc. 1-718-628-9671 Serving All Cemeteries • Monuments & Markers • Prices every Family Can Afford • Lettering on Existing Headstones • 40 Years Experience • Free Parking James Stagnitta - Owner 73-01 ESDALL AVE., GLENDALE, NY 11385 Se Habla Español • 631-920-0607 In Memoriam Daniel C. Ennis May 15, 1969-May 13, 1993 • 22st Anniversary Gone but not forgotten As the date of your death approaches, as well as your date of birth, We remember the 23 years and 363 days you spent on earth. Always the one to help out and volunteer, you gave of your time to the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, the 104th Precinct Auxiliary Police, you spent time riding the subways with the Guardian Angels, we still have your red beret. At nineteen you entered the United State Marine Corps in 1988 and served during Desert Storm, being discharged in 1992 and remained in Yuma, AZ. You became the youngest Big Brother in Arizona and spent time mentoring your little brother. Duty again called and you joined the City of Yuma Police Department Reserves and it was on Mother’s Day 1993 we last heard your voice. Twenty two years have come and gone and it seems like only yesterday we spoke. Always in our hearts, never to be forgotten, till we meet again. All our love, Mom and Dad and sister Kerry One Of New York’s Finest Hidden Historical Sites U.S. COLUMBARIUM www.freshpondcrematorium.com 61-40 Mount Olivet Crescent Middle Village, NY • 11379 718-821-9700 CHAPEL • CREMATORIUM SERVICES • MEMORIAL URNS • COLUMBARIUM NICHES A RESTING PLACE FOR THE CREMATED REMAINS Since 1884 we have earned your trust One of our stained glass windows Memorial Niches Chapel Services Bring this ad for a free educational tour of our beautiful historic buildings and receive a souvenir letter opener, a replica of our Tiffany window. Celebrating our 125th year. Historical tours available by appointment Hess-Miller Funeral Home ANTHONY J. MARTINO, Lic. Mgr. DAVID L. MARTINO, Director Owned By Martino F.H., Inc. Since 1982 • Affordable Cremations And Burials • Parking Facilities • Handicapped Facilities 64-19 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, N.Y. www.hessmillerfuneralhome.com
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