THOUGHT OF THE WEEK by Bob Williams
Flowers vs. Donations
Should I send flowers to a memorial or funeral service or make a donation to a charity in the deceased honor?
I am asked this question a couple times each month.
What I see in the eyes and on the faces of family members when they see the casket or urn surrounded by all these beautiful flowers and plants is a look of great appreciation of the person they have lost and love so much. For the surviving family to see that others cared about their loved one or them is really appreciated.
So here is an answer. If the bereaved family suggests “in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice” that is a given. Now if this suggestion is not mentioned, the choice belongs to you. If you choose flowers over a charity or the other way around that choice is the correct one.
Ok, moving away from the charity, let’s briefly discuss flowers verses plants. Flowers are beautiful and colorful. Plants are green. However, plants last a lot longer where flowers are around for a couple days. Flowering plants or bushes that can be replanted in the yard make a wonderful lasting tribute.
In summary, do what your heart tells you! Folks will appreciate either choice and most appreciated is your presence at the memorial or funeral service.
February 9, 2012
The holiday seasons and dealing with grief
When someone has experienced a death in the last year, family or friend, the holiday seasons can feel like a heavy weight on the heart. How do we deal with or help a loved one through this time?
Grieving has no time limit or particular moment to unsettle us. We need our own time and way to heal our hearts. Some will go on with traditions as usual and others may turn a complete circle and start new traditions. It is okay to miss the lost loved one sitting at a particular spot at the table; my Dad always sat at the back of the table between a couple of people so if he wanted seconds someone else had to get it for him. That will be missed.
Your loved one may have served a particular dish or carved the turkey, don’t let that stop you from doing it the same way. Someone else needs to step in those shoes and put their own spin on it. Place some sort of memorialized item as the centerpiece on your table, put a picture out for everyone to see, share memories that you all feel blessed to have. Guaranteed, there will be a laugh in there somewhere, and a few tears are okay.
If you feel the need to change the way holidays have traditionally been done, then talk about what you don’t want and how you make a new tradition. There are always new memories to be made.
String lights on the trees outside if a tree indoors is too strong of a memory or too hard to deal with. Volunteer through your church or for a charity. The pleasure of giving is very rewarding. It does not take the place of your loved one, but it can make the heart feel a little lighter.
There are support groups available for group and individual support. Not everyone heals by talking about their loss, but to some it can be very comforting. Friends and family can be your best support groups at times. Sometimes, it is the ear of a stranger that listens best.
Your loved one will never be forgotten, they will be with you and your family forever. Take the time to treasure the memories with those you love and place a remembrance for all to see.
January 9, 2011 by Jay Fisher
A Successful Yellowstone Valley Weekend for Women
Over September 23 & 24, Cremation & Funeral Gallery staff had the pleasure of meeting women stopping by our booth at Yellowstone Valley Weekend for Women. We were able to display different memorial options we offer, such as Thumbies, Memory Glass, and Madelyn necklaces; and promote pre-planning for women. We also held a drawing for Cold Stone Creamery & Red Robin gift cards, with the grand prize winner receiving a Thumbie necklace. It was so exciting to see and hear the reactions of our winners. Congratulations!! Below are some pictures of our booth. Enjoy!
Jason, Julie & Jay
Table to sign up for giveaways & get some CHOCOLATE
Urn & register book display
Memory Glass and Thumbie display
September 28, 2011
Yellowstone Valley Weekend for Women
by Tanya Ballensky
Join us for our second year at the Yellowstone Valley Weekend for Women at MetraPark Montana Pavilion. Our booth hours will be 12:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, September 23 and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 24. Tickets are $5.00 at the door, or you can stop by Cremation & Funeral Gallery to get a free ticket (limited number available).
Our goal is to encourage women to take care of their families by planning ahead for their funeral or cremation wishes. We will be available to answer any questions you may have, and will also have some of our merchandise on display.
Stop by, say hi, and sign up for our exciting giveaways!!!
September 12, 2011
Urn Selection
We carry a large selection of Urns at Cremation & Funeral Gallery, including:
Montana made Ceramic Urns
Montana made Wood Urns
Metal Urns
Marble Urns
Bronze Urns
and Scattering Tubes.
We also carry different varieties of Keepsake Urns and Jewelry, including:
Ceramic Keepsake, Heart Keepsakes, and Candle Keepsakes
Metal Keepsakes and Jewelry
We also provide Urn Vaults, which is recommended when burying an urn as it prevents the urn from breaking and keeps moisture out.
Stop by and check out our urns, we will help you find the right urn for your loved one.
**Not all urns pictured may currently be in stock, but orders can be placed.
September 7, 2011 by Julie Bruckner
Thoughts on Services by Reverend Denis Pitman
While some people request not to have a service when they die, in most cases it is done thinking it will help those left behind move on.
The reality is that the funeral or memorial service has an important role to play in helping those we love heal, and begin to understand how to live without someone in our lives.
There are many ways to celebrate the life of a person, and having a service is just one of them. There are several non-denominational ministers in Billings that can help people who don’t have a church. Sometimes just a gathering of friends and family, a brief service, and a reception can let everyone know they are not alone in their grief.
So, before you tell others not to have a service, remember – you have changed the world, and letting those whose hearts you have changed, say thank you, and good bye can be your last act of friendship and love.
August 3, 2011
Receptions by Julie Bruckner
A few years ago, we decided to start hosting receptions at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. This has turned out to be a pleasurable experience for the families who have used our facility. The receptions are very informal, designed so that family members and their friends can mingle, share fun stories, or catch up with one another.
Typically tables are set up in the lobby of Cremation & Funeral Gallery. A light reception might include cookies, bars, breads or fruit, and a more substantial reception may also include sandwiches or wraps, chips, or salad. Lemonade and coffee is provided. We are very flexible to what the family desires and can tailor the reception to their preferences. The family is also welcome to bring their own goodies in and we will set them up.
Being able to have a reception at Cremation & Funeral Gallery generally means more family and friends will stay to visit, as they don’t have to drive to another facility. There is also no set up or clean up involved for the family, so they can focus on remembering their loved one.
This is just another service we provide to make a time of grief a little easier for those remembering a loved one.
June 28, 2011
Memorial Services – Serving a Purpose
A memorial service is a rite of passage and is similar to other major lifetime ceremonies by which we pay tribute to an important milestone in our lives. It acknowledges the reality of the death for the living, for people that have known, loved, and/or been touched by the life of someone. It is a time to honor and celebrate the life of the person who has died. A memorial service helps provide emotional support needed at the time to those who grieve. Grief is never easy and you need to feel support. The advantage of this support helps those who grieve to face the reality of death and take the first steps toward healthy emotional adjustment. Look at it like a before and after photo. When someone dies, we have the time in our hearts and memories of when they were with us. A memorial service helps you mark the time when you start the grief journey of a “new normal”; the time when they are not with you anymore.
Personalization, to reflect the life of the deceased, gives special meaning to family and friends attached to the deceased’s life. Services can also reflect the ethnicity, social affiliations, occupation, community work or other life activities. Memorial services can be held at a private home, a place of worship, the funeral home, at the graveside or crematorium. You should feel held up, free to cry, laugh, celebrate and remember.
Recognize the importance that funerals are for the living – for those who will suffer the trauma of losing a loved one. It is through the memorial service process that emotional needs are served for those who grieve. Another step of the grieving process and a step toward closure.
THE FIRST RULE IN FUNERALS (MEMORIAL SERVICE) IS –
THERE ARE NO RULES
If a song has meaning to the family or the person, it should be sung.
If there are special people who can share meaningful thoughts and insight into the life of the person, they should be heard.
If the family wants to speak they should do so even if their voices break and they must stop for a cry or so.
If there are special things that had meaning to the person, they should be at the service.
These are the things that make a funeral meaningful.
Feel free to express and honor without rules.
Source: Memorial & Funeral Services
Source: Planning a Meaningful Cremation Funeral by Doug W. Manning
June 3, 2011 by Jay Fisher
Why we fold the American flag 13 times by Jay Fisher
Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you.
The ‘first fold’ of our flag is a symbol of life.
The ‘second fold’ is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The ‘third fold’ is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The ‘fourth fold’ represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The ‘fifth fold’ is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The ‘sixth fold’ is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The ‘seventh fold’ is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The ‘eighth fold’ is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ‘ninth fold’ is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The ‘tenth fold’ is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The ‘eleventh fold’, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The ‘twelfth fold’, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.
Sources: Military Flag Fold, ECPAA Flag
May 17, 2011
Memorial Day
ABSAROKA BEARTOOTH COLUMBARIUM
Located in the chapel of Cremation & Funeral Gallery
Memorial Day Holiday Hours
Friday May 27, 2011 open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday May 28, 2011 open 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday May 29, 2011 open 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Monday May 30, 2011 open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Memorial Day makes me wonder how many people know about our columbarium. The Absaroka Beartooth Columbarium was established in 1999 during the time the new location of Cremation & Funeral Gallery was built at 29 8th Street West. The previous owners, Sharon Brown and Jerry Nordquist, thought the concept of an indoor cemetery for cremated remains (columbarium) was a wonderful idea and had it incorporated into the construction of the new funeral home. We continue to believe it is a good concept and a nice idea.
The families that have loved ones inurned here appreciate and enjoy the benefits of coming in out of the cold in the winter, and in out of the heat during the summer, to be able to sit down in a chair for a time of remembrance. For example, we have one gentleman who lost his wife several years back and had her cremains inurned in the columbarium. He brings her flowers every month like clockwork. I receive several benefits of his visits. When I get caught up in the race of life, his visit to his beloved wife reminds me that a new month must be upon us, that we should always remember those we love, and that fresh breath is important as he always leaves me a peppermint life saver.
April 20, 2011 by Bob Williams
Something Special by Tanya Ballensky
I’ve always enjoyed having a variety of products for families to choose from. Although it is impossible to keep every product available in inventory there are many items that can be specially ordered. We have put together scrapbooks that contain many of these items. At any time you are welcome to browse through them at the funeral home or even take one home for a day or two.
Joel and I are big fans of the wood urns that are locally made. The craftsmanship and quality of wood is very impressive. Best of all they can be engraved with about any type of design. One of my favorite paintings is one that hangs in the funeral home. It is called retirement party. It is of three old pickup trucks. We now keep an old pickup truck wood urn in our selection room.
Julie likes that we are able to provide so many different choices for families. This blue linen register book happens to be my current favorite out of the 16 different register book styles that we offer.
Memory glass is another one of Joel’s favorites. A beautiful and colorful way of remembering someone by having their cremains suspended in a solid glass keepsake.
Bob likes the Thumbie jewelry the best. They are so personalized and the quality of the jewelry is very nice. I had a family ties necklace made for myself and I just love it!
March 29, 2011