8 Ways to Remember a Loved One on Valentine’s Day

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While Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate love, it can be difficult to celebrate after the loss of someone close to you. Focusing your attention on a meaningful way to honor and memorialize your loved one can help channel your thoughts and feelings in a positive way during the holiday. Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your relationship, reflect on the love you shared and find comfort in their memory. Here are 8 Valentine's Day crafts to help you to honor your loved one; all you need are basic crafting supplies and a little love to pull these off.

No-Sew Heart Pillows

It’s easy to create a simple heart pillow with a loved one’s clothing or favorite blanket, giving you something to hold tight in moments of grief. This would also be a thoughtful gift of remembrance to make for someone who has lost a family member. This no-sew method would be an easy craft to do with friends, family or by yourself. See the full tutorial here: Heart Pillows

Personalized Pillowcase

Take an old letter or card that has a special message from a loved one and trace it onto a pillowcase. When you lay your head down at night you will see that special message in their writing to remember them. See the full tutorial here: Personalized Pillowcase

Shadowbox

When a loved one passes away we often look for ways to honor that person’s life and to keep their memory alive. A shadowbox is one way to preserve and display precious memories. Items such as medals, dried flowers, cards, name tags, pictures, scribbled notes, wallets, jewelry, etc. fit nicely in a shadowbox. Poems and excerpts from books can also be added to your display.

Glass Photo Magnets

Use clear glass gems from a craft store to turn vintage photos into magnets. In less than ten minutes and just a few supplies, you can create wonderful gifts to give to family or for yourself. Use photos of your loved one to remind you of their memory and the good times you shared. See the full tutorial here: Glass Magnets

Heart Hand Warmer

Warm hearts = warm hands! Keep your fingers toasty warm with a few soft and cozy DIY hand warmers in your pockets. You can whip these up in no time at all with a couple of small pieces of fabric (flannel or wool recommended) and a little plain rice. Make these extra special by using your loved one’s clothing. See the full tutorial here: Heart Hand Warmer

Hanging Heart Suncatcher

Use a loved one’s costume jewelry or visit a craft store to find personalized beads to create a heartwarming suncatcher. As the sun passes through, their memory will light up your house. See the full tutorial here: Glass Bead Suncatcher

Family Photo Wreath

If you have any unused small photo frames laying around the house, a photo wreath is a great way to display family memories. By attaching the frames to a wreath, you can hang it in a place you walk past regularly to remind you of your loved ones.

Writings on the Wall

It’s not every day that you decorate with something that has a personal connection to you. Give your wall décor a little meaning and purpose by framing a handwritten note or recipe from your loved one. See the full tutorial here: DIY Framed Recipe Cards

This Valentine’s Day allow space for the joy of your loved one’s memories to share space with the pain of them not being with you. Facing Valentine’s Day is never easy after a loss, and depending on how you are coping you might not be ready to bring up old memories. But ultimately, it’s OK to do what you feel is right for you. We hope these simple crafts allow you to cherish the love you once had and serve as a reminder that their love carries on within you.

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Inflation affects nearly every part of daily life, from groceries and utilities to health care and housing. One area that is often overlooked is funeral and cremation planning. Like most services, these costs tend to increase over time. Preplanning provides a thoughtful way to prepare while reducing both financial and emotional stress in the future. More people are choosing to make arrangements in advance, not only to ensure their wishes are clearly known, but also to help protect their families from rising costs and difficult decisions during an already emotional time. The Reality of Rising Costs Funeral and cremation services include many components influenced by inflation, such as professional care, facilities, transportation, materials, and regulatory requirements. As these expenses increase, waiting to make arrangements can result in higher costs for families who may be unprepared to manage them, both emotionally and financially. Planning ahead allows you to make decisions calmly and deliberately, rather than facing rushed choices during a time of loss. Addressing Today’s Prices One benefit many people appreciate about preplanning is the ability to address pricing in advance and reduce uncertainty about future costs. Preplanned arrangements may be funded in full or paid over time, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that fits your budget and personal situation. This approach helps make planning more approachable and manageable. To help protect pricing, arrangements are typically financially secured through full payment or an approved payment plan. This helps ensure that the services you choose today remain in place in the future, even as costs change. Reducing Financial Stress for Loved Ones One of the most meaningful benefits of preplanning is the consideration it shows for those you care about. When a death occurs, families are often required to make many decisions in a short amount of time. Having arrangements already in place removes much of that burden. By planning ahead, you relieve your loved ones from financial uncertainty and clearly document your wishes. This allows them to focus on honoring your life and supporting one another instead of worrying about costs or decisions. A Thoughtful Part of Long Term Planning Preplanning final arrangements is similar to creating a will or setting aside savings. It is an important step in long term planning. It gives you the opportunity to take control, ask questions, and make informed choices without pressure. Many people find comfort in knowing their plans are documented, their preferences are clear, and inflation is less likely to affect the value of the arrangements they have chosen. Peace of Mind for Today and Tomorrow Ultimately, preplanning is about peace of mind. It provides reassurance that your wishes are understood, your family is supported, and important details are handled thoughtfully. If you have been considering planning ahead, our team is here to share information, explain options, and answer questions whenever you are ready. A simple conversation today can bring comfort and confidence for years to come.

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Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear? While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear. 1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option. Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones. Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise. Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance. 2. Dress Modestly and Neatly Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative: For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer. For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate. 3. Footwear Matters, Too Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service. Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors. 4. Consider the Location and Weather The setting of the service can influence your outfit: For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel. Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice. In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season. 5. Keep Accessories Simple This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering. 6. What About Children? Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service. 7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support. What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most

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Planning a funeral or cremation—whether for a loved one or preplanning for yourself—can feel overwhelming. There are many decisions to make, all while navigating the emotions that come with loss. But with a little preparation and guidance, the process can be meaningful, healing, and manageable. Whether you're planning ahead or handling arrangements after a loss, this guide walks you through the key steps of planning a funeral or cremation service. 1. Decide Between Burial and Cremation One of the first decisions to make is whether the individual will be buried or cremated. This choice often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences. Burial typically involves a casket, a graveside service, and a cemetery plot. Cremation may still include a funeral or memorial service and allows for more flexible options such as scattering, keeping an urn, or burying cremated remains. Some families choose direct cremation (without a service) or direct burial and hold a memorial at a later time. 2. Decide on the Type of Service There are many ways to honor a life, including: Traditional funeral service (usually with the body present) Memorial service (typically after cremation or burial) Celebration of life (a more personalized, informal event) Services can take place at the funeral home, a place of worship or outdoors. Choose what best reflects the person’s life and what brings comfort to those attending. 3. Select the Details You’ll want to personalize the service with details such as: Obituary and newspaper or online notices Casket or urn selection Music, readings, or spiritual elements Photos, videos, or displays of personal items Flowers or charitable donation options Who will speak, perform, or participate Many families also choose to include military honors, religious traditions, or cultural customs. 4. Consider Final Resting Place Options For burials: Choose a cemetery and purchase a plot if one isn’t already owned Decide on a headstone or grave marker For cremation: Decide whether ashes will be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a niche Some families divide ashes among keepsake urns or jewelry 5. Handle Legal and Practical Matters Don’t forget the necessary paperwork: Obtain a death certificate (you may need multiple copies) Notify Social Security and financial institutions Handle wills, trusts, and estate matters If applicable, coordinate with veterans’ services or insurance providers Funeral directors can help guide you through most of this, but having documents organized in advance can ease the burden. 6. Consider Preplanning Preplanning your own arrangements relieves your loved ones of decision-making during an emotional time. You can: Specify burial or cremation preferences Choose the type of service and location Prepay or set aside funds Record personal touches you’d like included Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed—and it brings peace of mind to everyone involved. While planning a funeral or cremation is never easy, it is an opportunity to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life. Whether you’re planning for the future or coping with a loss today, take each step at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or trusted loved ones for support.