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Choosing Between an Open And Closed Casket Service

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 02:29:33 GMT

Which Should You Choose? Open or Closed Casket Funeral Service?

Whether you’re pre-planning your own funeral or responsible for planning the funeral of a close friend or family member, one decision you have to make is whether to have an open or closed casket during the service. If you’re having difficulties deciding between the two options, here are some pros and cons for each.

Open casket

Having an open casket allows funeral guests to see the deceased one last time before their send-off. This can provide a sense of closure and a real chance to say goodbye. This can be especially important in the case of sudden and untimely deaths since family and friends would not have been prepared for it.

In the case of an open casket, the funeral director will prepare the body, apply makeup, and dress it nicely so that it resembles the deceased during their life as much as possible. So, you shouldn’t worry about the body appearing in a frightening way after death, although some guests may feel uncomfortable viewing the body, especially any young children that are attending.

But this shouldn’t have too much of an impact on your decision on whether to have a closed casket or not because it is entirely optional to view the body. If anyone doesn’t want to view the open casket, then they can simply remain in their seats during the viewing.

Closed casket

At a closed casket funeral, the casket containing the body is still placed at the front of the service, but with the lid closed. When planning your own wishes, think about how you’d want everyone’s last image of you to be. Some people prefer to be remembered as they were in life (through a happy photo on the altar, for example) rather than viewed in death.

If you’re making this decision for a loved one’s funeral and they haven’t previously stated their wishes, then please take into consideration any religious or other beliefs they held during life. Some religions may not agree with the process of an open casket and the related preparations.

Also, think about how you and those closest to the deceased will feel when viewing the body. It can be an extremely difficult and emotional thing to do, so consider whether it will be too much to deal with on an already difficult day.

There are pros and cons to both types of funeral so, in the end, it mostly comes down to personal preference and beliefs. Pre-arrangement services can help to take the burden of this decision away from your loved ones while ensuring you get the kind of send-off you’d like. Get in touch for our funeral home services at any of our five locations in Lewisville, Winston Salem, Advance, Rural Hall and Kernersville.

What Does A Funeral Director Do?

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 02:20:43 GMT

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

The role of a funeral director is to make the funeral planning process easier on you, even during a difficult period of grief. But if you’ve never had to organize a funeral before, you might be wondering more specifically what they do during the planning process and on the day of the funeral.

In this blog, we’ll briefly go through some of the specific duties of a funeral director and how they help you through the entire process.

Transporting the body

The funeral director will collect the body from its current location, whether this is the person’s home, a hospital, or elsewhere. We will do this for you at any time of day or night. We then transport the body to the funeral home.

Handling the paperwork

The funeral director will prepare the death certificate and provide copies of these needed to file with insurance companies or for the purpose of benefits. They will also handle any other necessary paperwork for these processes.

Prepare the obituary

Some people prefer to write an obituary themselves for their loved one. If you choose not to do this, as many people do, the funeral director will prepare an obituary and submit it to the newspapers of your choice. You may give input on this if there are specific details you want mentioning.

Preparing the body

The body will be bathed and embalmed in preparation for the funeral service. If the body is to be viewed during the service, then it will also be dressed and made-up to look as they did during life.

Other funeral arrangements

The funeral director will assist the family with other funeral arrangements, such as selecting the casket or urn for burial, purchasing the cemetery plot, and scheduling the burial or cremation. If a church service is being held, then they will also coordinate with the clergy on this. And they can arrange transport for the family and a police escort if necessary, for traveling to the funeral or cemetery.

Prepare flower arrangements

We can order flower arrangements, funeral sprays, and anything else needed for the service. If loved ones choose to send flowers to the funeral home for the service, we will also receive and prepare these.

Aftercare

We will support you throughout the planning process and the service to help you through this difficult time. We also have recommendations for grief support services to help you after the funeral.

If you need support with organizing a funeral or making pre-arrangements for your own future, then contact Hayworth Miller or visit one of our funeral homes in Winston Salem, Kernersville, Rural Hall, Advance, and Lewisville.

Tips for Funeral Etiquette

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 02:25:10 GMT

Tips for Funeral Etiquette

It can be difficult to know what to say and how to act when you go to a funeral. Whether you were very close to the deceased or they were just an acquaintance, it can be a difficult and even an awkward experience. If you struggle with knowing the correct etiquette of funerals, here are some tips to help you through them.

What to wear to a funeral

You should try to dress conservatively and formally for funerals out of respect for the occasion. Generally speaking, you should wear dark colors like black or dark blues and grays. Occasionally, a person may specify in their will or pre-arrangements that they want attendees to dress in bright colors to make it a happier, more celebratory affair. But only do this if it is specifically requested.

Arriving at a funeral

Do everything you can to be on time to a funeral, or even arrive early to be safe. Enter the church or hall quietly and respectfully. You may be seated by an usher or member of staff. If you can decide for yourself where to sit, then you should only sit in the first few rows if you are a close friend or family member. Make sure you turn off your cellphone or completely silence it, and don’t use your phone during the service.

What to bring

Some people bring gifts or flowers to a funeral or memorial service, although you are not obliged to do so. If you want to show your sympathies in this way, then you can have flowers sent to the funeral home beforehand so that they are there for the service, or you can bring flowers with you. As an alternative, a sympathy card is a nice gesture for showing your condolences, as is a token gift in memory of the deceased. Providing homecooked food for the family of the deceased can also help them through this difficult time.

What to say

Nothing feels like the right thing to say to someone who is grieving. A simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is a nice way of expressing your sympathies. You may want to share memories of the deceased if you know them well, but be aware of the person’s response to judge whether they want to talk or be left in peace. Try to avoid expressions that try to make sense of the death, such as “there’s a reason for everything.”

If you feel uncomfortable attending funerals, remember that most people in the room are probably feeling the same way. Contact Hayworth Miller if you’re preparing for an upcoming funeral.

Can You Scatter a Loved One's Ashes Abroad?

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 02:12:45 GMT

Can I Scatter a Loved One's Ashes Abroad? Other Tips About Cremation

So, you’re deciding where is the best place to scatter your loved one’s ashes. Or maybe you’re pre-planning for your funeral and would like to have your ashes scattered. It’s a nice sentiment to scatter someone’s ashes in a place that made them happy during their life. Perhaps a place they enjoyed visiting on vacation or somewhere they used to live.

But what if this place isn’t in the US? Can you travel with and then scatter ashes abroad, and how do you go about doing this? Read on to find out more.

Finding out if you can scatter the ashes

Your first step should be to research the country you want to scatter the ashes in. Do they allow it and what are their guidelines? There are some countries where you are simply not allowed to scatter ashes, even if you are a resident. Germany, for example, has very strict laws on this.

Other countries may have limitations, like certain protected areas where you’re not allowed to scatter ashes. If you want to scatter ashes in a specific location, like a national park or in a sea or river, then be sure to check the country’s guidelines on doing this.

It is also advisable to contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to so that you can understand their guidelines about bring ashes into the country and any documentation you need to do this.

Traveling with ashes

A person’s ashes aren’t just something you can take in your carry-on with no further questions. The process and guidelines will vary slightly depending on the airline your flying with and the destination you’re traveling to. So, it’s important to first contact the airline to confirm their regulations and then arrive early on the day of travel in case additional time is needed to get the ashes through customs.

Most airlines will allow you to carry the ashes in your carry-on as long as they are x-rayed first to ensure they contain no contraband. For this reason, it is important to transport the ashes in a non-metallic container. You should also ensure that the container is air-tight so that it can be transported safely. It may be worth placing the ashes in a sealed plastic bag inside the container you are carrying them in.

You will need to be able to provide proof of what you’re carrying. To do this, you should travel with the following documents (if possible):

Death certificate

Certificate of cremation

A document proving your relationship to the deceased

Confirmation from the funeral director

If you have specific requests about where you’d like your ashes scattered after you pass, then make sure you have pre-arrangements in place early. Contact Hayworth Miller for funeral and cremation services in Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, Advance and Rural Hall.

How to Help A Grieving Loved One

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 02:16:59 GMT

How to Help Someone Experiencing Grief

When someone you know and love is grieving, you probably want to support them and help them through this difficult time. But everyone responds to death differently, so it can be difficult to know how to be there for them in the best way. Some people will want to be alone; others want to be around loved ones. Some will want to talk about it; others may want to be distracted from it.

The most important thing is that they know you’re there when they need and in whatever way they need. Here are some tips about how you can help a grieving loved one.

Take care of their responsibilities

Especially if you live with this person, it’s a good idea to take responsibility for the housework, cooking, and grocery shopping as much as you can. This gives them fewer things to worry about so they can focus on their grief and the funeral planning. Even if you don’t live with your loved one, you can stop round with some homemade meals or groceries.

Respect their wishes

You probably want to do as much as possible to help them, but if your loved one asks to be left alone or says they don’t want to talk about it, then you should respect their wishes. Don’t try to force them to open up or do anything else they’re not ready for.

Reach out to them

If you hear that a friend has lost someone close to them, then reach out to them to show that you care. A simple message to say “I’m sorry for your loss” or “thinking of you” can make a difference in showing that they still have people in their life that care for them. Also, let them know that you’re there if you need them.

Actually be there

Don’t just say you’re there for them, but actually be there. If they reach out to you saying they need a friend to talk to or someone to go for a drink with, then be that friend for them. They could be really struggling with the grief, and you never know if you’re the only person they feel comfortable talking to about it.

Everyone grieves differently, so talk to your loved one and try to judge what it is they want and need from you. If you need help supporting your loved one with funeral planning, then contact us at Hayworth Miller to help you handle this process.

What Should You Bring to the Funeral Home?

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 02:02:22 GMT

What Do I Need For Funeral Arrangements?

Handling the death of a loved one is always going to be challenging. If you’re also responsible for arranging that person’s funeral, then it can become all the more difficult. The funeral home you choose will help you through this process as much as possible and may even provide emotional support services.

To make sure you’re prepared before that initial meeting with the funeral home, here are the essential documents and information you need to have at the ready when arranging a funeral.

Pre-arrangements

Your loved one may or may not have been through a pre-planning process before their death. This is especially likely if the death was expected, as in the case of lengthy illnesses. If they did so, make sure you have all their pre-arrangement documents with you. These will outline specific details of how they wanted to be sent off, which will help you and the funeral directors honor their wishes. If they have a will, then this may also include relevant information for planning their funeral.

Filing a death certificate

In order to legally process the death of your loved one and to continue with the funeral planning, a death certificate needs to be filed. If this has already occurred, then you can bring a copy of the certificate with you to speed the process along. If not, then the funeral director can file one for you, but they will require various pieces of information about the deceased. You should prepare for this and bring as many documents with you as you have access to that may contain important information. These may include:

Birth certificate

Marriage certificate

Last will and testament

Power of attorney

Military discharge papers

Insurance information

Social security card

Content for an obituary

Some people decide to write a eulogy or obituary for their loved one while others leave this task to the funeral director. If you would like the director to write your loved one’s obituary, then make sure you bring in any relevant information that you would like mentioning in this. Writing out notes to hand to them is sufficient.

Obviously, paperwork is the last thing you want to be worrying about right now, but it’s important that you bring these documents with you to the funeral home to make the arrangement process go as smoothly as possible. If you need any support during this period, please get in touch with us at Hayworth Miller.

How to Write A Condolence Letter

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 02:06:28 GMT

How to Write a Condolences Letter

When someone has experienced a loss, you might want to give them some space to let them grieve and spend time with their family and close friends. Or perhaps you don’t live nearby, so you can’t stop by to express your condolences. In either of these situations, sending a personalized condolence letter is a good option.

It goes a step further than sending a generic sympathies card, allowing you to really express your condolences in a personal way and let that person know you’re thinking of them. You can send a condolence letter directly to the person or bring it with you if you’re attending the funeral or memorial service.

If you’d like to send a sympathy note to someone, then here are some tips for writing one.

Handwrite for that extra special touch

The personal nature of a sympathy note is what really shows that you care. You’re not just sending something because you feel obliged. Handwriting your note on nice stationery adds even more of a personal touch that could make the grieving family feel loved in this difficult time.

Directly express your sympathies

The best way to start a condolence letter is to acknowledge the loss and express your sympathies for it. Do this in a simple and straightforward way. Don’t skirt around the issue or try to justify the event with phrases like “everything happens for a reason.” Often, a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is all that’s needed.

Remember the deceased

If you knew the deceased personally, then express what you’ll miss about them, why they were such a great person, or share some special memories you have of them. Reading this might bring a smile to that person’s face in a difficult time. If the death was very recent, then they might pass over these details due to the immediate pain of the event, but it might be something they come back to at a later date to remember their loved one fondly.

Offer your support

Grief can be an extremely lonely period. This person needs to know that they have friends and family members there for them if they need support. Finish the letter by saying you are there if they ever need to talk or have a shoulder to cry on. You might even offer help in more specific ways, like offering to bring them home-cooked meals or do the grocery shopping for them. People are often too upset or too busy with funeral planning during this time to focus on these kinds of tasks.

If you or someone you know needs support through a time of grieving, then we have lots of resources to help you through this difficult time. Contact us any time for support with funeral planning, pre-planning, and other services.

My Condolences- Say it With Flowers

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 23:05:09 GMT

How to express condolences and support local businesses

When someone local to you passes, it can be hard to know how to express your sympathies to their friends and family. You may have known them well or you might only have known them by name, but it still feels right to give your condolences in some way. At Hayworth Miller, we provide an easy way for you to do this.

Send flowers

On our website, you can visit the “send flowers” page to see all upcoming services. As well as being able to view the details of the deceased, their service, and their obituary, you also have the option to send flowers for the service. This is a great way to show your love and respect for the deceased as well as your support and sympathies for those close to them.

How does it work?

Simply choose the bouquet, basket, or wreath of flowers you like, and order them directly through our website with a quick online payment. You can also add a message to your order for the deceased and their family. Your order will be sent to our local florist with no additional fees required. Once arranged, the florist will deliver the flowers to us in time for the service.

Other options

Looking for something a bit different when sending your condolences? If flowers aren’t for you, then you’ve got a few other options. Fruit baskets are a nice gift for families, which are also available to order through us online. These can be a nice touch as they are both decorative and edible. There are also sweet gift boxes available to send.

Many families also set up a tribute wall to remember their loved one by and to celebrate moments of their lives. If you have a photo or memory of the deceased, you can view their details online and upload a photo of them, write a message, or even share a video. It’s great for families to be able to see how many lives their loved one touched while they were here, and all the happy times they shared with others in the community. This tribute wall can then be shared during the funeral or memorial service for all to rejoice in.

If you want to share your memories or simply send your condolences, then take a look at the services we have upcoming. Contact us for more information on funeral planning or preplanning a service.

What to Say to Someone Who's Grieving

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 23:10:11 GMT

What to Say to Someone Currently Grieving

Losing someone is never easy. When it happens to someone you know, you want to be there for them and support them through this difficult time. But it can be hard to know what to say or how to act. You want to find the balance between supportive, sensitive, and empathetic, while also giving them their space and privacy if that’s what they want.

If you’re stuck for words, here are a few tips for what to say to someone who’s grieving.

“I’m sorry for your loss”

It’s simple, yet meaningful. You’re not trying to explain or justify what has happened. You’re not trying to make it better. You’re just letting the person know that you are sympathetic and concerned for them.

“I’m always here if you need me”

Whether they need someone to talk to, someone to help with funeral arrangements, to notify friends of the death, or to help around the house while they grieve, it’s important that they know that someone is there for them. Even if they don’t ask for help, it provides them with emotional support by knowing that they still have people who care for them.

“He/she will be missed”

If you knew the deceased personally, then it can help to talk about them if the person going through grief is ready to. It can be uplifting in this difficult time to know that lots of people loved that person and that their impact on the world will be missed. Once your grieving friend is ready to talk about it, sharing fond memories of the deceased can be beneficial.

Saying nothing at all

Sometimes, you don’t need to say anything at all to show your love and support. A kind hug and simply being there for them can be enough. They might not be at the stage where they’re ready to talk about it yet, but you can still provide them with a shoulder to cry on, and they know you’re there and ready to listen if they do want to talk.

Let them feel what they’re feeling

The important thing is to let that person grieve in their own way and to never tell them what to feel. Avoid saying things like “be strong” or “he wouldn’t have wanted you to be sad.” Grief is a terrible feeling and everyone will go through the process slightly differently, so accept their emotions and let them go through it in their own way.

If you’re supporting a loved one through grief, then helping them with funeral planning can help to take this responsibility off their mind while they process their loss. Get in touch with Hayworth Miller for funeral planning and preplanning around Lewisville and Winston Salem.

Memorial Ideas for Veterans

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 22:58:54 GMT

Funeral Services that Honor Veterans

Funerals and memorial services are all about honoring the person who has passed and the achievements they made in their life. When a veteran passes away, this sentiment can feel even stronger. The contribution they made to our lives and our country deserves to be celebrated and honored in a special way.

If you’re planning a memorial service for a veteran, then we’ve got some ideas to make it a special event and to give them the send-off they deserve.

Military Funeral Honors ceremony

The life of military members and veterans can be celebrated with an official Military Funeral Honors ceremony. At this ceremony, at least two members of the Armed Forces will be present, typically from the same branch as the veteran served in. The US flag will be presented and often draped on the casket. Taps will also be played, either live on a bugle or trumpet or played as a recording. Many veterans are also buried in their military uniform.

Headstones for veterans

A custom headstone can also be provided for the burial of a veteran at no charge to the family, furnished by The Department of Veterans Affairs. Headstones or flat markers are typically provided in marble or granite to coordinate with the style of other headstones in the cemetery. As well as custom text to honor the veteran and their service, imagery and etchings are often used as well to represent their role played in the armed forces.

Highlighting their achievements

As well as the special provisions for veterans from the government, you can also make the day a special remembrance of your loved one. Most funerals and memorial services involve reminiscing about the deceased’s life and achievements, whether that’s through photos or stories.

When celebrating a veteran’s life, you could display their uniform, medals and other achievements they earned during their service, and photos or videos of them in the armed forces or in their uniform. The people who served with the deceased may also want to share special memories from their time together. Combining this with memories from their home and family life is a good way to celebrate the different aspects of their life, each important in their own way.

If you need more memorial ideas to really do justice to a veteran, then get in touch with Hayworth Miller in Winston Salem, Lewisville, Advance, Kernersville, or Rural Hall. We provide cremation services as well as burial funerals, so you can plan something that honors their wishes properly.

What to do with a Loved One's Ashes

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 23:02:07 GMT

Advice on What to do With a Loved One's Ashes

If you or a loved one have decided to be cremated once you pass, the next decision is what to do with the ashes after the cremation funeral. This might be something you’re deciding for yourself as part of funeral preplanning or something you’re deciding for a loved one who has already passed.

If you’re unsure what to do, here are a few ideas of popular ways to commemorate a loved one through their ashes.

Present them in an ornamental urn

Keep your loved one close by with an ornamental urn containing their ashes. You’ll find a variety of different styles of urns to choose from, so you can select a piece that you’ll enjoy looking at and that fits well in your home. It’s a great way to remember them and keep them close to you.

Scatter them somewhere personal

Scattering ashes is an extremely popular choice. It returns that person’s remains and, usually, to a place that meant a lot to them during their life. You might want your ashes scattered in the sea or on the beach, at the top of a mountain, in your favorite park, or around the gravesite of a loved one. It’s a completely personal choice with so many possibilities.

Create jewelry from them

Keep your loved one close to your heart, literally, with a necklace containing their ashes. Or you can choose any kind of jewelry, like a ring, bracelet, or earring. One option is to have a locket or a similar pendant that can hold a small amount of your loved one’s ashes. Another option that is more expensive is to have their ashes turned into a gemstone, like a diamond, to adorn an item of jewelry.

Turn them into art

Art lovers will rejoice at the thought of their remains living on in a painting. You can mix a small amount of the ashes in with paint and create a masterpiece that commemorates them. If there is no one creative in your life, then you can commission an artist to create a painting that perfectly represents your loved one’s life, whether it’s a portrait of the deceased or something else.

Plant a tree

Truly live on in nature by having your ashes placed in a biodegradable urn with a seed that will grow into a tree over the years. The ashes, along with the urn itself and the soil around it, will nourish the seed so that it can grow well. The tree will grow and live on for generations to come.

Are you looking for cremation services in the Winston Salem area? You can get in touch with Hayworth Miller for our supportive funeral, cremation, and pre-arrangement services.

5 Reasons Why You Should Pre-Plan Your Funeral

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:52:59 GMT

Why Pre-Planning Funerals is Important

Funeral planning isn’t something we really want to think about, but it’s extremely important, nonetheless. Not only planning the funerals of loved ones we lose along the way, but also preplanning your own funeral. Whether it’s something you’ve thought about before or not, here are some key reasons why you should consider preplanning services for your funeral.

Get the send-off you want

Maybe you’ve already imagined what you’d like your funeral to be like. Preplanning ensures that you get all of this when the time comes. You can decide whether you have a burial or a cremation funeral, whether you want an open coffin or not, what music and readings you’d like, along with lots of other details.

Take the burden off your loved ones

Planning something like a funeral can be stressful at the best of times, never mind while you’re grieving. Planning your funeral in advance takes some of the pressure off your loved ones so that they have fewer decisions to make and things to organize.

And the financial burden

As well as the stress of organizing the day, funerals can also be expensive affairs, depending on the details. Preplanning and pre-paying your funeral takes the financial burden off your family so they don’t have to pay a lot of money all at once. Even if money from your will covers the funeral costs, it often takes a while for this to be settled and for your family to actually receive the money.

Make it more affordable

Since funeral costs can be a lot to pay all at once, preplanning is advantageous since it allows you to pay in installments. This makes it more affordable and manageable over time, so you can choose the details that you want for your funeral without having to hold back due to budget.

Make sure your affairs are in order

Arranging your will and putting the rest of your affairs in order is something that people often put off. If you decide to preplan your funeral, then it ensures that you remember to settle everything else, like your will and life insurance that could support your family.

If you’re ready to start preplanning your funeral, then you start your pre-arrangements form on our website. Or get in touch with us if you have any more questions about funeral planning for you or a loved one.

Is Cremation or Burial Right for you?

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:54:53 GMT

Which Funeral Service Should I Choose? Burial or Cremation?

When you’re preplanning your funeral, there are lots of decisions you can make to ensure that you get the send-off that’s right for you. One important decision is whether you would like to be buried or cremated. If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, then you might also need to make this decision for them.

We’ll look at some of the reasons why people prefer one over the other to help you decide between a burial and a cremation funeral.

Cost

If cost is an important factor in your funeral planning, then cremation is generally the more affordable option. Prices for burial vary greatly, especially when it comes to choosing a casket. Many of the additional costs associated with burial are not needed for cremation, especially if the body is created right away without a viewing first.

Religious beliefs

Some people’s choices come down to religious beliefs since some religions encourage one option over the other. Some even forbid burial or cremation, depending on the religion in question and the beliefs that they hold. However, these attitudes seem to be turning more relaxed with time.

Environmental impact

If you’re worried about the impact your death will have on the environment, then there are pros and cons for each option. Embalming fluids are thought to be bad for the environment, which is typically used in burial and may also be used for cremation if the body is to be viewed first. For burial, the type of casket you choose will have a big impact on eco-friendliness. More people are now choosing biodegradable caskets to limit their impact on the environment.

Personal preference

Most of the choice between burial and cremation comes down to personal preference. Some people might not like the idea of cremation, while others can’t stand the thought of their body decomposing in the ground. Many people choose cremation because they like the idea of being returned to a place that was special to them during life. This is often a completely personal choice that you must think about.

Family’s wishes

You might also take your family’s wishes into consideration. Some families take comfort in being able to visit a grave while others might prefer to take home a decorative urn containing the ashes of their loved one. Many people choose burial in order to have an open casket at the funeral, but this can also be done with cremation services, with the funeral taking place before the body is cremated.

Whichever option is right for you, Hayworth Miller can help you carry out your wishes or those of your loved one. We can help you with prearrangement services, cremation services, and more to help make funeral planning easier on you and your family. Get in touch for funeral care around Winston Salem and Lewisville, NC.

Tips for Dealing with Grief

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:44:20 GMT

Helpful Tips for Dealing With Grief

Losing someone you were close to is never easy. You’re bound to have a period of grief afterward, and this will last longer for some people than others. Everyone deals with grief differently, but it helps to know some strategies that will help you through this difficult time.

Let yourself grieve

The most important part of grieving is to actually grieve. Pushing down your emotions and pretending nothing is wrong can be extremely unhealthy and doesn’t allow you to process your feelings. It’s okay to cry, to get angry, to need some time off work, or however else you need to cope in the early stages of grief.

Don’t isolate yourself

It’s normal to want to be alone with your feelings for a period, but don’t isolate yourself completely. Spend time with your loved ones, whether that’s friends, family, your partner, or your kids. Talk to them about your loss if you want to, or just simply be with them or use them as a shoulder to cry on.

Talk to a therapist

If you do want to talk through your thoughts and feelings, then you might be more comfortable doing so with a professional. Everyone is different, so this tip might not be for everyone. But if you do talk to a therapist, it can help you get your feelings out and process them, perhaps for the first time since your loss. They can also help you with developing healthy coping strategies moving forward.

Look after yourself

You might feel like staying in bed all day and doing nothing, but it’s important to still look after your health. Make sure you’re still eating and drinking enough – some people might experience a loss of appetite while others might overeat to make themselves feel better. Get some fresh air and walk around each day to stay active, and see a doctor if you need to.

Keep up a routine

You’ll probably take some time off work initially after your loss, but it’s important to still keep up a routine to maintain some order to your life, even if it feels like it’s spiraling. Get up, get dressed, brush your teeth, take a shower, and try to eat your three meals each day. This gives you small goals to focus on and a schedule to stick to, which can make a big difference at a difficult time like this.

Let Hayworth Miller take a load off your mind during your period of mourning. We make it straightforward to plan a funeral for your loved one. Get in touch to find out how we can help across Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, and Advance.

How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Eulogy

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 22:48:40 GMT

Tips for Writing and Delivering the Perfect Eulogy

A funeral, memorial service, or wake is the perfect time to remember and honor your loved one who has passed. This is where someone close to the deceased often delivers a eulogy that they have written themselves. While this isn’t a compulsory element of a memorial service, it can be a nice touch to say goodbye to your loved one in a personal way.

What is a eulogy?

In general, the term “eulogy” refers to a speech that praises someone highly. While it is not specific to funerals, this is the setting in which they are most often delivered as a way of praising and celebrating the life of someone who has passed.

How to write a great eulogy

There are no set rules to follow when writing a eulogy. It should be personalized to the person in question, so will likely be completely unique to any other eulogies you’ve heard. If you’re stuck for words, then here are a few tips of what to include:

Tell a story – Think about all of the great experiences you shared with the deceased. Choose one or two stories or memories that you think will be good to share in their eulogy. Look for uplifting stories that highlight the strengths and personality of your loved one.

Mention their achievements – Celebrate what your loved one achieved throughout their life. These may be achievements in school, their career, or their personal and family life.

Express your feelings – A memorial service or funeral is all about the impact this person had on everyone’s lives. So, in the eulogy, you should try to express what that person meant to you or how they changed your life for the better.

Lighten the mood – If you think it’s appropriate, then you might want to add some light humor into your eulogy. Especially if the person you lost was known for their sense of humor and always making their friends and family laugh.

Remember to talk to other close friends and family members to get their input. They may have some great stories to share that you don’t know about.

Tips for delivering the eulogy

When delivering the eulogy, try to speak clearly and confidently. Don’t rush through it or else people might find it difficult to understand your words. You might want to add in pauses where relevant, to give people time to reflect on a story you’ve told, for example. And remember that it’s okay to get emotional during the eulogy. Grieving is an important process for everyone, so don’t try to shut these feelings down.

If you really dislike public speaking, then the person leading the ceremony may be able to give the speech for you.

Do you need support with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one? Get in touch with Hayworth Miller for funeral planning and preplanning around Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, and Advance.

4 Ideas for Creating a Beautiful Funeral

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 22:24:18 GMT

4 Ideas for Creating a Beautiful Funeral

You want to send your loved one off in the best way possible, and the funeral you plan for them is a big part of this. It gives that person’s friends and family the chance to remember them and celebrate their life, as well to say goodbye to them. So, you want to do it right, but that can feel difficult and overwhelming.

If you’re stuck for inspiration when planning your loved one’s funeral, then here are a few ideas to help you create a beautiful funeral for them.

Flowers

Flowers brighten up a space and add beauty to the room. The best way to honor your loved one and make the place look beautiful at the same time is to choose their favorite flowers for the funeral. Did they love roses, lilies, tulips, or daffodils? If they made any pre-arrangements for their own funeral, then you should have this information from them already. If you don’t know what their favorite type of flower was, then choose ones that are bright in a range of colors to make for a beautiful funeral.

Other decorations

Flowers are the go-to decoration for most funerals, but they’re not your only choice. You might consider using balloons, candles, ornaments, and artwork to decorate a funeral. You can choose sculptures and paintings that the deceased loved or had placed in their home. If they were an artist themselves, you can even display their own work for people to admire and remember. Decorations can be used both to make the space look nice and to celebrate the life and loves of the deceased.

Music

Music can also add to the beauty of an event and invoke emotions in those attending the funeral. You might want to choose a combination of popular songs and instrumental or classical music, depending on the tone of the funeral and the times at which they are used. Try to choose songs with meaningful lyrics and ones that meant something to your loved one while they were alive, or simply their favorite songs.

Memories

The most beautiful way to celebrate the life of your loved one is to display memories of their life, of their happiest moments. This is typically done with a photo collage from different points of their life. It’s a great opportunity to remember them as they were at some of their happiest moments. You can even ask guests to bring their own photos of memories with the deceased. Another idea is to play a video reel of your loved one. You can also display mementos or collectibles that they accumulated during their life.

If you need any more ideas or assistance when planning your loved one’s funeral in the Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, and Advance areas, then you can get in touch with Hayworth Miller for our support.

How Therapy Dogs Can Help When Grieving

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 22:29:49 GMT

How Therapy Dogs Can Help When Grieving

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. So, it makes sense that they can be a great support when we’re going through a hard time, whether that’s an illness or injury, depression, or grieving over a loved one. Therapy dogs are trained to comfort people through loss and other difficulties. Places like funeral homes and hospitals often employ therapy dogs to help people through the loss of a loved one.

Why dogs are the perfect therapy companions

It’s official – pets make us happy! Studies have found that being around and looking after pets helps to lower blood pressure, relieve stress, reduce loneliness, and lower reports of anxiety and depression. But why are dogs especially ideal companions for grief, depression, and other issues?

Just look at them, they’re always happy! And that can be infectious. Dogs provide us with unconditional love, they’re always excited to see us when we return home, even if we’ve just been to the shop for 10 minutes, and they’re completely non-judgmental. When you’re going through a tough time, having someone around you like that can be a real boost.

How can dogs help us through grief?

Research by the NFDA found that 34.5% of people would be very interested in having a therapy dog present at a memorial service. Many funeral homes are now offering this service, both as a form of grief support while families are planning the funeral and for all guests during the funeral or memorial service itself.

Dogs are incredibly intuitive, so they can often pick up if we are feeling unwell or sad about something, even though they don’t understand the cause of these feelings. Picking up on these signals may change their demeanor, so they’re more likely to be gentle with you and cuddle up with you when they notice your vulnerability.

Dogs provide us with comfort as we cuddle them and stroke them, which can instantly elevate our moods. Children can also use therapy dogs as a way to process their grief. If they don’t feel comfortable talking about their loss with a family member, they might be happier talking to or around a dog in the same way they might talk to their toys during play. As mentioned above, dogs don’t judge, so they can make us feel more at ease when dealing with difficult emotions.

If you’ve had a death in the family and are looking for ways to cope with it, then we’re here to help. We can support you through funeral planning and preplanning. Get in touch for more information.

Celebration of Life Service Ideas

Mon, 20 May 2019 22:13:01 GMT

Celebration of Life Service Ideas

The way we mourn and process the death of a loved one is unique. What works for one family or person might not be suitable for someone else. Nowadays, the traditional funeral or memorial service is not the only options. People are arranging diverse celebration of life services to honor their loved ones in more personal and personalized ways.

If you’re planning a celebration of life service for a loved one, or even for yourself as part of pre-arrangement services, then we’ve put together some ideas to help inspire you.

Photo displays

Displaying photos of all the amazing moments of your loved one’s life is a great way to celebrate and remember it. You can create a collage or display board of photos, and invite guests to bring their own photo memories of the deceased along. You could even play some videos recorded during their life.

Tributes to the deceased

You can also encourage guests to say a few words about the deceased and their memories with them. Everyone will have different experiences with them and they might have some great stories that you haven’t heard before. People that don’t feel comfortable speaking in public might want to write down their memories on postcards instead. If you’ve got creative guests, maybe they want to perform a tribute through song or poetry, for example.

Honor their passions

The things the deceased loved will make great additions to their celebration of life service. Think about these things when planning the music, food, drinks, and decorations. Make displays featuring their hobbies, past, and present, things that they collected throughout their life, or places they’ve traveled to.

Make it a party

Did the deceased love to dance and have a good time? Then you might want to steer the celebration of life service in this direction. It is supposed to be a celebration after all. While some people might prefer a more somber service, others might want a lively send-off where the guests are having fun and laughing. Think about the personality of your loved one and what kind of tone they’d want at this service.

Your loved one deserves a great send off and you deserve a chance to say goodbye, and these celebration of life ideas could be the perfect way to achieve this. If you need help planning a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life service, then contact Hayworth Miller for our support across Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, and Advance.

Ideas on How Our Community Can Help Others in Need

Mon, 13 May 2019 22:17:22 GMT

How to Support Community in West-Salem, North Carolina

Community is important to us here in Winston Salem. So, when someone you know has lost a loved one, it is natural to want to support them and help them through their difficult time. But it can be hard to know how to help for the best. Some people may want to talk about it, others might want distracting from their grief, while others may want to be left alone entirely while they work through it on their own.

Everyone’s different, but here are a few practical ideas on how you might be able to help others in need within your community.

Bring them homemade food

It may sound like a cliché, but cooking for someone who is grieving can be really helpful. It’s likely that they don’t want to think about cooking for themselves right now, and you want to make sure they’re still looking after their own needs. Dropping off a casserole or something similar can give them multiple portions to keep them going while they grieve.

Run errands for them

Similarly, shopping for groceries, going to the bank, or cleaning their home are probably the last things on their mind after a death in the family. Offer to do these things for them so that they can focus on themselves and spending time with their loved ones. They may be too polite or proud to accept help. In this case, you might want to insist or do something to help anyway, just make sure you’re not overstepping your mark.

Help with funeral arrangements

Planning a funeral while you’re grieving can be another difficult process, while others use it as a way to work through their grief and honor their loved one. Helping your friend with funeral arrangements can be a big help during this time, whether that’s helping them select the details of the funeral, coordinating with the funeral home, or helping with financial arrangements.

Be there for them

Make sure they know that you’re there if you need them. They might ask you for help, call you up for a chat, or ask if you’ll go out with them to take their mind off of things, to the movies, for example. Be there to support them and what they’re going through. This might mean talking to them about their loved one, doing other things to take their mind off it, or simply sitting with them in silence. Support comes in lots of different ways.

If you need support with planning or preplanning a funeral in Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, or Advance, then we can help you at Hayworth Miller. Get in touch for support with funeral planning or pre-arrangement services in North Carolina.

How to Plan a Memorial Service

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:41:36 GMT

How to Plan a Memorial Service

Have you recently suffered a death in the family? Or maybe you’re thinking ahead to how you’d like to be remembered and celebrated by your own loved ones? Planning a memorial service can be difficult if you’re grieving, so we’ve put together some tips on how to do it, with the hopes of making this process a little easier.

Decide the date

A memorial service is not the same as a funeral since the body is not present. This means that you don’t really have a time limit when setting a date for the memorial service. You could give yourself some time to grieve and get your loved one’s affairs in order before holding a memorial service to commemorate them. So, you could arrange it for weeks or months down the line, or even to celebrate the first anniversary of their passing.

And the venue

Next, you need to decide where you’ll hold the service. Many people choose a church or other place of worship, while others opt for general public spaces. You could choose a funeral home or a hall that you can rent out, or you could even have it outdoors at a local park, for example. Another option is to hold it at your home, but then space may be limited.

Invite people

Now you know the where and the when, you can start telling people about the event. You could have official invitations made for the service or you might prefer to just tell people over the phone or by text. If you’re holding the service in a public place with plenty of space, you could print an open invitation in the local newspaper, for example, allowing anyone who knew the deceased to attend.

How will you celebrate their lives?

You also need to plan the content of the memorial service. This is a great chance to remember your loved one and celebrate their lives and the time you spent together. Music is often an important part of this, so think about the songs you would like playing through the service. You may also want decorations, such as their favorite flowers.

People often speak at memorial services to reminisce on the life of the person they are commemorating. If your service is in a religious space or a funeral home, you may have an officiant leading the service. Friends and family of the departed may also want to say a few words. Displaying photographs and videos can also be a moving tribute to their life.

If you’re planning a memorial service for a loved one or are interested in pre-arrangement services for yourself, you can contact us or visit us in Lewisville, Winston Salem, Kernersville, and Advance.

5 Steps to Help Pre-Plan Your Funeral

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 21:41:36 GMT

5 Steps to Help Pre-Plan Your Funeral

We don’t like thinking ahead to our own funerals, but doing so can really relieve our loved ones of some of the burden when the time does come. Your closest friends and family will be in a state of mourning, so making funeral plans may be the last thing they want to do. Pre-planning your funeral can make this process easier on them as well as relieving some of the financial burdens if you decide to make arrangements in advance.

If this is something you’re considering, then here are 5 steps to help you pre-plan your funeral.

Decide what kind of service you want

There are various considerations for what kind of funeral you want to have. Do you want your funeral held in a church or a funeral home? Would you rather have a burial or a cremation? Do you want to be embalmed? Have an open casket? What kind of wake or reception do you want, if you want one at all?

Choose a casket

If you decide to be buried rather than cremated, then you might want to choose your own casket in advance. This will likely come down to price as well as your own personal preferences since the highest quality caskets can be expensive. Friends and family members planning your funeral can get bogged down on details like this, especially if they’re uncertain of your wishes, so this small decision can be a big help.

Or what to do with your ashes

If you go down the cremation route, then have a say in what happens to your ashes afterward. Do you want them to remain in an urn in a special place? You could choose and even buy an earn if you make this decision. Maybe you’d prefer to have your ashes scattered and decide to specify a location.

Compare local funeral homes

Once you know what you want from your funeral, you can start comparing funeral homes to decide which one suits your needs and budget best. You probably don’t want to make your friends and family travel far, so look at local homes if possible. Compare prices and services as well as looking at reviews and reputation to choose someone trustworthy.

Consider pre-paying for your funeral

You can also pay for your funeral in advance or pay for it in part with a deposit, for example. This gives your family one less thing to worry about when arranging your funeral. You can talk to funeral homes to see what pre-pay options they have for funeral services. Another option is to allocate money in your will towards your funeral.

If you’ve suffered a death in the family or are considering pre-arrangement services, then contact Hayworth Miller for funeral services around Lewisville and Winston Salem, NC.

Grief Support Groups in Winston-Salem

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:41:36 GMT

Grief Support Groups in Winston-Salem

GriefShare grief recovery support groups meeting weekly in Winston-Salem.

Mount Tabor United Methodist Church
3543 Robinhood Road
Winston-Salem, NC Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Feb 6, 2019 – May 8, 2019

Calvary Baptist Church
134 South Peace Haven Rd
Winston-Salem, NC Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Jan 8, 2019 – Apr 9, 2019

Calvary Baptist Church
134 South Peace Haven Rd
Winston-Salem, NC Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Apr 16, 2019 – Jul 16, 2019

Pinedale Christian Church
3395 Peters Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC Mondays at 6:30 pm
Jan 21, 2019 – Apr 15, 2019

Ardmore United Methodist Church
630 South Hawthorne
Winston-Salem, NC 336-723-3695