Homesteaders Blog

How Funeral Professionals Can Support Families That Have Lost a Child

Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death or the age at which it occurs, the overwhelming grief the surviving family members experience is something funeral professionals are uniquely qualified to handle. And as difficult as it is to witness a family’s sorrow, funeral professionals understand that expert care and compassionate service are exactly what these heartbroken families need to honor their loved ones and begin to heal.

In honor of Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, recognized every year in July, discover the invaluable ways funeral providers can help grieving parents and family members during the most difficult days of their lives.

Funeral Procession Etiquette and Guidelines

Most of us have either witnessed or been part of a funeral procession. The images are somber and moving, alerting the entire community that one of their own has died. Growing up in small-town Iowa, I remember more than a few occasions when my parents pulled over our car to wait for what seemed to be an endless stream of cars driving by in slow-motion, headlights beaming, flags proudly waving. Once the final car passed, we’d proceed. 

Four Great Obituary Examples

I was recently tasked with writing my stepmom’s obituary. I thought it would be easy for me, but it wasn’t. I had the basic information to start: date and place of birth, date of death, etc., but the story of her life was much more complex than that. I wasn’t sure how I was going to capture it in a few short paragraphs. Ultimately, with input from family, I chose to keep it short and sweet... just like her.