Jennifer Muldowney on showing them you care

Jennifer is author of ‘Say Farewell Your Way’ - a funeral planning guide for Ireland, blogger of www.theglamreaper.blogspot.com, creator of Irish Glass Memorial Jewellery line: Humans - www.celtic-ashes.com; Pets - www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com, planner of Memorials at funeral homes and talker - @TheGlamReaper on Twitter and Tedx 2017 Any questions just ask - muldowney.jennifer@gmail.com

By Jennifer Muldowney A small gift to remind them you care

We all know in the funeral community how difficult it can be in the winter months for those who are grieving. Grieving alone, grieving with family, grieving at work, grieving during Christmas and now grieving in COVID times where even if we WANTED to we can’t reach out for a hug or call into an elderly neighbour.

I often get asked what makes for a good GIFT for someone who is grieving and, honestly, the person grieving will adamantly say the greatest gift would be their loved one’s return but sadly we can’t do that so we can do the next best thing which is to show our support in some shape or form. I have compiled a shortlist of unique sympathy gifts that might help you to help your own individual grieving communities. 1. A Memory Tree/Plant: Planting a tree/plant 4. Starting a neighbourhood memory can be a beautiful way to honour the memory book: Purchasing a beautifully bound book with of a cherished family member. I know some empty pages begging for stories and photos and companies that are eco-conscious already memorabilia from the neighbourhood and/or provide this but dropping off a small sapling community of the deceased. It starts with you, or seed kit to someone’s door to plant in their includes a letter with instructions and once loved one’s honour is a beautiful symbol of complete send it off to the next person. Once strength and healing. Once dropped off, you it returns to you, have it wrapped and presented could follow up with a video call explaining to the family or loved one you had in mind. your reasoning and offer to help them to plant What a treasure. it when they have chosen the resting place of the tree. 5. Trinkets, Ornaments or Frames: Depending on the deceased, a small trinket or ornament or 2. A Charity Donation: Small or large, money particular frame might be perfect to show their typically does not matter when it comes to grief family you are thinking of them. It is a perfect and/or charitable donations. It is the thought one for this time of year to remember a loved that counts. one during the Christmas season. Newbridge A charity donation can be a great way to honour Silverware do beautiful small ornament frames the memory of a person who has passed away. that hold a passport-sized photo, Farewell Celtic If the family needs help with setting up a Ashes offers personalized ornaments that house foundation or a fund in honour of the deceased, the ashes of the deceased (pet/human) or you could offer assistance there too. Pledgeling paperweights with the deceased’s photo inside. is a great company to help with this. I worked with a family whose mother adored angels and fairies of all kinds so each year they 3. A handcrafted wind chime: A beautiful receive one to decorate their Christmas tree in addition to anyone’s porch or back door are her memory from a family friend. chimes and they can be crafted in many forms which could be personalized using the materials, What a true gift that friend is! decoration and sounds. How beautiful to wake Stay safe and take care of in the morning to the sound of chimes that each other is the greatest remind you of your favourite person while you gift you can give. enjoy your morning coffee or tea.

CREMATION JEWELLERY CREMATION JEWELLERY

Cremated remains FUSED with glass - creates a unique piece for your client. Cremated remains FUSED with glass - creates a unique piece for your client. Cremated remains Cremated remains ENCASED within glass. ENCASED within glass.

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FEEDBACK

FEEDBACK

"very happy and emotional"

"loved her fuseball pendant of her mother's ashes. She never takes it off and she cried when I gave it to her."

"It has been such an incredibly hard time and your jewellery has meant so much to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to my requests"

"You do a marvellous job, it is very special and it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated - keep up your good work and thank you!"

"this jewellery is beautiful and such an amazing idea. I already feel I can move on better from the death of my beloved, so thank you so much for that gift."

"Thank you for everything. I'm so beyond pleased. What you do is wonderful and I can't say enough good things. God bless you for helping me feel some joy during one of the saddest and darkest times in my life.”

"very happy and emotional"

"loved her fuseball pendant of her mother's ashes. She never takes it off and she cried when I gave it to her."

"It has been such an incredibly hard time and your jewellery has meant so much to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to my requests"

"You do a marvellous job, it is very special and it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated - keep up your good work and thank you!"

"this jewellery is beautiful and such an amazing idea. I already feel I can move on better from the death of my beloved, so thank you so much for that gift."

"Thank you for everything. I'm so beyond pleased. What you do is wonderful and I can't say enough good things. God bless you for helping me feel some joy during one of the saddest and darkest times in my life.”

Feel free to reach out to the

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