Until Death Do Us Part: Losing a Spouse  Three to Six months After Loss

Trae Cody • June 10, 2024

By now most of the big stuff is probably done. The thank you notes have been written and mailed. The marker or head stone has been placed or you’ve found a place for the urn. You’ve probably filed for the life insurance, and perhaps you’ve even begun to clean out his closet.    

  

You may be wondering, what have I missed?  

  

  • Have you changed the titles to the car?  
  • Put the deed to the home in your name?  
  • Have you changed the utilities and cable service into your name?  
  • Is your medical power of attorney up to date?  
  • Have you updated your estate plan or will?  
  • Have you spoken to an accountant or tax expert about any tax consequences associated with gifts you have made or increased allocations from IRA or investments?  

  

How about you? What are you doing to take care of you?  

  

  • Are you up-to-date with your health and dental care?  
  • Are you eating well?  
  • Are you learning to cook or have you gotten someone to mow the lawn?  
  • Have you had lunch or dinner with a friend?  
  • Have you done something fun? A movie? Golf? A ballgame?  

  

Scientists tell us there is a hand/mind connection. Doing things with our hands actually increases our sense of well-being. Even simple chores such as washing the dishes, preparing your meal, or even making your bed help to provide purpose and a natural routine. Why not step outside of your box and try something creative that you used to enjoy doing or have thought about trying? Don’t discount the value of a craft, woodworking or art project.  

  

Finally, see people. Human contact is vital to your new normal. If your friends and family aren’t calling you, then call them. Look for a movie you would like to see, a museum you would like to visit, or a restaurant you would like to try and ask someone to join you.     

 

www.companionfunerals.com

Embalming … What Funeral Directors Do

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Cheap Funerals

By Trae Cody • January 9, 2025
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Death and Taxes

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Spring : A Fresh Optimistic Start

By Trae Cody • December 5, 2024
The birds are back. Nest building is underway across America. The early blooms dot the landscape with bright yellows and blues. The grass is that beautiful fresh green that only happens this time of year. Spring has arrived. People feel revitalized, ready to take on new tasks and are optimistic about the future.

Flowers and Funerals

By Trae Cody • December 5, 2024
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Celebrating Grads and Grands

By Trae Cody • December 5, 2024
Now is the time. Capture those stories. Ask your parent(s) about their life before you. Ask the same of grandparents. Ask about their hopes and dreams. What surprised them? What was fun and what was hard? Capture the stories and the life lessons. Prepare to celebrate the grands as well as the grads.

Grief Is Individual

By Trae Cody • June 21, 2024
Let’s talk about the stages of grief. There is denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I studied them in nursing school, reviewed them when I got divorced and generally found them to be a pretty accurate and helpful bit of knowledge. And then, a family member died.

The Gift of a Note To Your Family

By Trae Cody • June 10, 2024
Nothing means more to a grieving child, spouse, sister, brother or friend than a personal note from the deceased. It’s something that will be cherished. The note will make its way out of it’s safe keeping spot whenever the mourner needs to feel close to the person who died.

Writing the Thank You Notes

By Trae Cody • June 10, 2024
Writing thank you notes is usually one of the very first “after the funeral” tasks you will undertake. You may be surprised to find that your brain/hand coordination is not working so well. You sit there with pen in hand and well-formed thoughts in your head, but somehow it all gets lost between the head and the paper. Don’t despair.

Veterans Day - Thank You for Your Service

By Trae Cody • June 10, 2024
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