It’s only natural to feel a huge range of emotions when a loved one passes. The initial shock can be overwhelming even when it is anticipated. Anger, disbelief, loneliness, pain, even a sense of guilt are all part of the grieving process. And you’re not alone.

Helping you cope

• Everyone grieves in different ways and at different times. It’s important to talk with your family and a grief counsellor can also help you through a difficult and traumatic time.
• Take time to adjust to the loss
  Be good to yourself – stay healthy and well
• Know that it’s all right to cry and feel low
  It’s normal to feel relieved if a loved one passes after suffering for some time
• Share feelings with a compassionate listener or professional counsellor
  There’s no time limit to ‘feeling better’
• For details of face-to-face counsellors and support groups for all ages, visit The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Counselling.

Benefits of a funeral

A funeral offers closure and helps friends, family and everyone reflect. It’s a celebration and thanksgiving for their life and a chance to laugh, cry and express feelings about the person who has passed.

Memorialisation is a valuable and very important way to remember a loved one, helping you cope with grief over time. Our choice of beautiful memorial options in our magnificent grounds gives you a special unique place to visit in years to come and where future generations can remember someone special.

How to talk to Children

Like us, children need to grieve the death of a loved one and in fact may cope much better than we do. They must be told as soon as possible that a person they care about has died and know they can share their feelings with the rest of the family. Here are some helpful ways to talk with children after a loved one’s passing.

Children under six may not fully understand, but they can still feel sad. Be honest when you answer their questions and reassure them with lots of hugs and kisses. Affirm that everyone else is still there and that it is not their fault.

For 6-10 year-old children, it helps to let them see that you are grieving too. Let them know they don’t ‘have to be brave’ and it’s okay to talk about someone who has died. They should be gently told what to expect at the viewing and funeral.

Older children need to be treated as adults. Talk to them openly and share your grief with them. Ask for their suggestions on ways to memorialise a loved one. It’s also a good idea to let their school, sports coach, youth groups know what they are experiencing.