Death Literacy

Helping Children Talk About Grief - My Grief Companion Workbook (Ages 11 and Under)

nmccarthy — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:42:26 +0000

Helping Children Talk About Grief - My Grief Companion Workbook (Ages 11 and Under) nmccarthy Wed, 01/21/2026 - 08:42:AM

Helping Children Talk About Grief - Gently

When a child loses someone they love, many parents worry about saying the wrong thing. The truth is simple: children don’t need perfect words. They need space, reassurance, and permission to feel.

My Grief Companion Workbook (Ages 11 and Under) is a gentle, easy-to-use resource that helps children express grief through drawing, simple writing, and reflection at their own pace.

What This Workbook Offers

Short, age-appropriate activities
Drawing and colouring instead of long writing
Prompts that help children name feelings safely
Space to remember someone special
Reassurance that all feelings are okay

There are no right or wrong answers. Children can open it when they are ready and close it when they need a break.

Why It Helps Parents Too

The workbook takes the pressure off parents. It opens conversations naturally and gives you insight into how your child is coping without forcing difficult discussions.

You don’t have to lead. You simply support.

A Small Step That Makes a Real Difference

Grief can feel overwhelming for children. This workbook provides a calm, familiar place they can return to whenever they need.

Download My Grief Companion Workbook and give your child a gentle way to understand and express their feelings, one page at a time.

Death Literacy

January 22, 2026

Grief Is Not a Problem to Solve

nmccarthy — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:56:03 +0000

Grief Is Not a Problem to Solve nmccarthy Thu, 01/15/2026 - 07:56:AM

Grief is often treated as an interruption, an emotional malfunction that needs to be corrected so life can return to normal. In professional settings, social circles, and even families, grief is quietly framed as something to “get through” as efficiently as possible. This mindset is not only inaccurate; it is damaging.

Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human response to loss, rooted in attachment, meaning, and love. When someone grieves, it does not signal weakness, instability, or an inability to cope. It signals that something significant has changed, and the mind and body are responding as they are designed to do.

Modern culture tends to prioritize productivity, composure, and forward momentum. Within that framework, grief becomes inconvenient. There is an unspoken expectation that sorrow should be brief, private, and tidy. When it extends beyond what is socially comfortable, it is often met with subtle pressure to “move on” or “stay strong.” These messages are rarely intended to cause harm, but their impact is profound.

Attempts to fix grief, through timelines, forced positivity, or rational explanations, often invalidate the experience itself. Phrases such as “everything happens for a reason” or “they wouldn’t want you to be sad” may be offered with kindness, yet they frequently shut down honest expression. They imply that grief is something to overcome rather than something to carry.

Grief does not follow logic. It does not move in a straight line, and it does not respond to motivation or willpower. It ebbs and flows, sometimes receding into the background and sometimes resurfacing without warning. Expecting consistency from grief misunderstands its nature.

When grief is framed as a problem, people begin to measure themselves against perceived standards. They ask whether they are grieving too much or too little, too loudly or too quietly, for too long or not long enough. This self-monitoring introduces shame into an already vulnerable state. Instead of processing loss, individuals expend energy evaluating whether their grief is acceptable.

Reframing grief as a process rather than a problem changes everything. It creates permission for fluctuation, contradiction, and uncertainty. It allows people to experience sadness without believing something is wrong with them. It also removes the pressure to perform recovery for the comfort of others.

This shift has implications beyond the individual. Communities, workplaces, and institutions often struggle with how to respond to grief because they expect resolution. When grief is acknowledged as ongoing and nonlinear, support can be structured differently. Instead of short-term gestures, there is room for sustained presence. Instead of solutions, there is space for listening. Importantly, recognizing grief as valid does not mean surrendering to it indefinitely or abandoning life. It means understanding that grief and functioning are not mutually exclusive.

People can return to work, care for others, and engage with the world while still carrying grief. Productivity does not erase loss, and loss does not negate capability. Grief also resists comparison. Each loss is unique because each relationship is unique. Treating grief as a problem encourages benchmarking against others, against expectations, against imagined milestones. Treating grief as a process acknowledges that no two experiences will look the same, and none need justification.

At its core, grief reflects connection. It exists because something mattered. To attempt to fix it is, in some ways, to deny the depth of that connection. A society that rushes grief risks devaluing love itself. Understanding grief as a natural response rather than a malfunction is the first and most critical step in learning how to live with loss.

Without this foundation, every conversation about coping, healing, or resilience remains superficial. With it, grief can be approached with honesty, dignity, and compassion, both for ourselves and for others.

Death Literacy

January 15, 2026

Understanding Feelings of Sadness During the Holidays - A guide for children under 10

nmccarthy — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:46:11 +0000

Understanding Feelings of Sadness During the Holidays - A guide for children under 10 nmccarthy Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:46:AM

A Message for Parents and Caregivers

The holiday season can amplify emotions for children who are grieving or missing someone special. While the world around them focuses on celebration, many young children quietly navigate complex feelings they may not yet have the words to express. This short guide is designed to help open gentle, age-appropriate conversations about grief with children under 10.

You’ll find simple language, warm explanations, and reassuring messages meant to help children understand that their feelings are normal, valid, and worthy of care. Children often move between joy and sorrow quickly, and both emotions deserve space.

Feel free to read this together, pause for conversation, or use sections as prompts for deeper moments of connection. Your presence, patience, and willingness to listen provide the strongest foundation for helping children learn to carry both memory and hope through the holiday season.

Understanding Feelings of Sadness During the Holidays

The holidays are usually filled with lights, music, and special moments. But sometimes, even during this exciting time, you might feel sad because someone you love isn’t here anymore. Missing someone is a normal feeling, and many children experience it too.

It’s okay to feel happy one moment and sad the next. Feelings can change quickly, and all of them are important.

It’s Okay to Feel Your Feelings

Sometimes grown-ups say the holidays are supposed to be joyful, but your heart might feel heavy.

You might feel:

Sad
Lonely
Tired
Confused
Or even a little happy when you remember something nice

Every one of these feelings is completely okay. There is no “wrong” way to feel.

You Can Take Breaks When You Need Them

Holiday activities can be busy, parties, school events, family gatherings. If it ever feels like too much, you can:

Ask for a quiet moment
Sit somewhere calm
Take deep breaths
Ask a grown-up for help

Your feelings matter, and it’s okay to say when you need a break.

Remembering Someone You Love

Even though someone is not here anymore, you can still keep them close in your heart. You might:

Light a small candle with a grown-up
Draw a picture of them
Bake or eat a food they loved
Visit a place that reminds you of them

These little actions help you feel connected, even when you miss them very much.

Talking Helps Your Heart

Sharing stories can make you feel lighter. You can talk about the person you miss with your family or a trusted grown-up. You can say their name, share funny memories, or tell others what you loved about them. Talking helps remind you that love doesn’t go away.

Smiling Is Still Allowed

Even if you are missing someone, you’re still allowed to laugh, play, and enjoy the holidays. Feeling happy doesn’t mean you forgot them. It means your heart is strong and can hold many feelings at once.

Joy and sadness can live side by side.

Ask for Help When You Need It

If you feel really sad or confused, it’s okay to ask for help. You can always talk to:

A parent or guardian
A teacher
A school counsellor
A trusted family friend

You don’t have to carry big feelings alone. There is always someone who wants to listen.

You’re Not Alone

Missing someone you love is something many children feel, especially during the holidays. It shows how important that person was to you.

As you move through the season, remember that it’s okay to feel, okay to rest, and okay to enjoy moments of happiness.

You are surrounded by people who care deeply about you.

Death Literacy

December 16, 2025

Holding Space for Grief Amid the Holidays

nmccarthy — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:42:54 +0000

Holding Space for Grief Amid the Holidays nmccarthy Tue, 12/09/2025 - 01:42:PM

The holiday season is marketed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many, it is one of the most emotionally complex periods of the year. When someone you love is no longer here, the contrast between the festive world around you and the quiet ache within you can feel overwhelming.

At Beechwood, we understand that grief does not pause for the holidays. It doesn’t soften because lights are twinkling or because calendars say it is time to be merry. Grief is personal, persistent, and deeply human. As you move through the season, honouring your emotions is not only acceptable, it is essential.

Acknowledge the Reality of Your Feelings

The pressure to “be okay” during the holidays is real. Family rituals, social expectations, and cultural norms all push toward celebration. But grief demands honesty. You may feel sadness, exhaustion, loneliness, guilt, or even flashes of joy that surprise you.

All of these experiences are valid. Grief is not linear, and it does not follow the calendar. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel without comparison or judgement.

Set Boundaries That Serve Your Emotional Well-Being

The holidays often come with packed schedules and high expectations. When you are grieving, that level of engagement may not be sustainable. Be clear about what you can handle this year.

You can decline invitations.
You can leave events early.
You can simplify traditions or step back from them entirely.

You are not letting anyone down, you are taking care of yourself during a period that demands emotional capacity.

Adapt or Create Rituals of Remembrance

Many people find comfort in weaving remembrance into their holiday traditions. These gestures do not erase the pain, but they create space for meaning. Consider:

Lighting a candle in honour of your loved one.
Displaying their photo in a place of reflection.
Preparing a favourite recipe to keep their memory present.
Visiting their resting place for a quiet moment of connection.

Rituals remind us that grief is love carried forward. They anchor us in continuity when loss makes the world feel unfamiliar.

Share the Story

Talking about your loved one can be a powerful release. Share memories, anecdotes, and family stories. Speak their name. Allow others to share their experiences of that person as well. These conversations validate your loss and reinforce that your loved one’s impact didn’t end with their passing.

Embrace Moments of Joy Without Guilt

Finding joy during the holidays does not betray your grief. It does not diminish your love for the person you lost. Moments of laughter, warmth, or beauty are natural human responses, and they are signs of resilience, not forgetfulness. Let them in when they come.

Seek Support When You Need It

Grief can feel isolating, especially during a season built around togetherness. If the weight becomes too heavy, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. This may be through:

Family or friends
Spiritual leaders • Support groups
Professional grief counsellors

You do not have to shoulder this alone.

Honour Your Pace

There is no timeline, no benchmark, and no “right way” to grieve during the holidays. Your experience is uniquely yours. Be patient with yourself. Extend grace to your own heart. Some years will be harder than others. That is part of the journey.

A Season of Love, Memory, and Compassion

Grief during the holidays is a testament to the depth of the bonds we shared. It is a reflection of a life that mattered.

As you move through the season, may you find moments of peace, meaningful remembrance, and the confidence to honour your grief in ways that support your well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, Beechwood is here with resources, supportive programming, and a community committed to compassion during all seasons of life.

You are not alone.

Death Literacy

December 11, 2025

The Grief Companion Workbook

nmccarthy — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:23:44 +0000

The Grief Companion Workbook nmccarthy Mon, 09/15/2025 - 08:23:AM

A Practical and Emotional Support Tool for Navigating Life After Loss

A NOTE TO YOU

Grief is love with nowhere to go. This workbook is here to give it a place. Whether your loss is recent or old, whether your grief feels sharp or quiet, there’s room for you here. There are no timelines, no expectations, and no right or wrong way to grieve.

This companion is your space to reflect, to honour, to begin healing, and when you’re ready, to gently look forward.

Go at your own pace. Come back when you need. You are not alone.

Download today!

Death Literacy

September 18, 2025

What to Expect: Bringing Children to the Cemetery for the First Time

nmccarthy — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:58:45 +0000

What to Expect: Bringing Children to the Cemetery for the First Time nmccarthy Mon, 07/14/2025 - 08:58:AM

A family guide before, during, and after a loss

Cemeteries hold deep meaning for families - places of quiet reflection, remembrance, and connection. For adults, the experience is often familiar. For children or grandchildren, however, a first visit can raise questions, emotions, and uncertainties.

Introducing young people to the cemetery - before, during, and after a loss - can create a more thoughtful, healthy relationship with death, memory, and tradition. Here’s how to approach it at each stage.

Before a Loss: Starting the Conversation

Bringing a child to a cemetery before a death occurs allows the visit to be about connection, not crisis.

Why visit now?

It builds comfort, reduces fear, and frames cemeteries as peaceful, meaningful places. It also opens the door to talk about family history, values, and legacy - without the urgency of grief.

How to prepare:

Set expectations: Explain that cemeteries are places where we remember people who have passed away.
Use gentle language: Use clear, age-appropriate words like “passed away” or “died” to build trust and understanding.
Walk through the space: Explore together, notice headstones, flowers, trees, and the quiet atmosphere. Let them see beauty and meaning.

What to do during the visit:

Visit a relative or family plot and share stories.
Look at the symbols on headstones and explain what they mean.
Encourage curiosity. Let them ask questions and give honest, compassionate answers.

During a Loss: Supporting Grief and Understanding

A funeral or interment may be a child’s first real experience with death. The cemetery visit becomes part of a larger emotional moment.

What children need during this time:

Reassurance and presence: Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even quiet.
Clear communication: Explain what’s happening. If there’s a burial or ceremony, describe what they’ll see and hear.
Involvement: Give them a simple role - like placing a flower or lighting a candle - so they feel included and empowered.

Things to remember:

Let them step away if needed. Emotional regulation looks different at every age.
Expect questions later. Processing loss is ongoing.

After a Loss: Building Meaning and Routine

Returning to the cemetery in the weeks and months after a funeral helps children process grief, feel connection, and understand the importance of remembrance.

Why it matters:

Grief is not a one-day event. Children benefit from opportunities to remember, talk, and reflect in a space designed for those very things.

How to make visits meaningful:

Share memories or family traditions at the grave.
Bring drawings, notes, or small tokens of remembrance.
Encourage quiet time for reflection, or walk and talk about how they’re feeling.

Continue the learning:

Talk about the people buried there, not just how they died but how they lived.
Visit together on birthdays, anniversaries, or important dates. These rituals anchor children in love and legacy.

Cemeteries are more than places of final rest - they are spaces where families come together to reflect, remember, and heal. Introducing children or grandchildren to these spaces at all stages of life helps reduce fear and build compassion. Whether it’s a peaceful walk before a loss, a farewell during a funeral, or a visit after months have passed, each experience becomes part of the legacy you build together.

At Beechwood Cemetery, we are honoured to support families of all ages. Our grounds are open for remembrance, for reflection - and for learning how to navigate life’s most profound moments with care, dignity, and connection.

Death Literacy

July 15, 2025

What Happens to the Urn at Home? Planning for the Future of a Loved One’s Ashes

nmccarthy — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:21:05 +0000

What Happens to the Urn at Home? Planning for the Future of a Loved One’s Ashes nmccarthy Tue, 06/24/2025 - 02:21:PM

In the quiet corners of many homes across Canada, urns rest on mantels, bookshelves, or in private home memorials, carefully placed by grieving family members as a tribute to someone they love and miss. For many, keeping the urn of a loved one at home brings comfort, connection, and a sense of closeness. But what happens when the person who made that choice, the “keeper of the urn” passes away?

It’s a sensitive topic, but an important one.

As time moves forward and generations shift, families are often left uncertain about what to do with cremated remains. If no plan has been made, urns can be misplaced, forgotten, or even discarded during estate clean-outs. This is not only heartbreaking, it’s avoidable.

Why You Need a Plan

Cremation is now the choice of over 70% of Canadians. While the options for final disposition are more flexible than ever before, flexibility without a plan can become a burden for the next of kin. When no instructions are left, loved ones are forced to guess what “Mom would have wanted” or feel guilt over decisions they weren’t prepared to make.

If you’re currently keeping an urn at home, ask yourself:

Who knows it’s there?
Have I written down what should be done with it in the future?
Will the next generation feel confident making a decision?

Creating a Plan for the Urn’s Future

You have options and it’s not too late to document your wishes. Here are a few proactive steps you can take:

1. Talk to Your Family : Open the conversation. Let your loved ones know where the urn is kept, why you chose to keep it at home, and what you hope will happen to it in the future.

2. Put It in Writing : Whether it’s in your will, an estate plan, or a letter of instruction, writing down your wishes ensures clarity. State whether you want the urn interred, scattered, placed in a niche, or passed on to a specific person.

3. Choose a Permanent Resting Place : Cemeteries like Beechwood offer permanent options for cremated remains; including burial plots, columbarium niches, and memorial gardens. These are dignified and secure places where family and future generations can visit.

4. Register with a Cemetery in Advance : You can make arrangements at any time to have the urn placed at Beechwood; even years after the passing. Many families find peace of mind knowing there is a permanent plan in place.

5. Consider a Commemorative Plaque or Monument : Even if you continue to keep the urn at home, you can honour your loved one publicly. A plaque or name inscription at a cemetery provides a place of remembrance for others.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

Too often, cremated remains are left unattended; stored away in closets, basements, or drawers, eventually forgotten or passed between family members with no clear plan.

In some cases, they are unintentionally forfeited to estate executors, city services, or even discarded during property clean-outs. Without documented wishes, urns can be lost, mishandled, or disposed of without the dignity your loved one deserves.

Every life deserves a respectful resting place. And every family deserves the peace of knowing their loved one’s legacy has been preserved with care, intention, and dignity.

We Can Help

If you have an urn at home and are unsure what to do next, speak with our team. We can walk you through your options, help you record your wishes, or assist in transferring cremated remains to a final resting place.

Beechwood Cemetery also offers a dignified communal option through our Shared Memories Lot, where urns can be interred with care and respect. Learn more here.

Beechwood Cemetery — the National Cemetery of Canada — is here to help ensure no Canadian is forgotten.

Death Literacy

June 26, 2025

Death Dialogues: What to Consider When Choosing a Casket

nmccarthy — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:12:34 +0000

Death Dialogues: What to Consider When Choosing a Casket nmccarthy Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:12:AM

At Beechwood, we understand that choosing a casket is one of the most personal and significant decisions a family can make. It’s not just a matter of appearance—it’s about values, legacy, and ensuring that every detail honours the individual in a dignified and respectful way.

In our ongoing Death Dialogues series, we recently welcomed Northern Casket, a Canadian company with nearly a century of experience in casket manufacturing. Their insights to families provided valuable guidance on what to look for—and what truly matters—when selecting a casket.

The Case for Canadian-Made Caskets

When it comes to something as important as a final resting place, local craftsmanship makes a difference. Canadian-made caskets reflect high standards of production, environmental responsibility, and a deep connection to Canadian heritage. Supporting local manufacturers ensures ethical practices, shorter supply chains, and long-term quality. Northern Casket, based in Lindsay, Ontario, is one of the last fully Canadian and family owned and operated casket manufacturers. They manufacture every casket —from sourcing wood to assembly—and offer a product families can trust.

Key Factors to Consider

Here’s what families should keep in mind when choosing a casket:

1. Material - Hardwood vs. Veneer

Hardwood caskets, made from species like oak, maple, and poplar, are long-lasting, naturally beautiful, and biodegradable. They are often chosen for their strength, timeless appearance, and the warmth of natural wood grain. Each type of hardwood brings its own unique character—oak for its tradition and strength, maple for its smooth finish, and poplar for its lighter tone and sustainability. These caskets are ideal for families who value craftsmanship, durability, and an environmentally conscious choice.
Veneer or particleboard caskets offer a more cost-effective option while maintaining a dignified appearance. These caskets are ideal for families seeking a simpler or more economical solution, and can still be customized with various finishes and interiors to reflect the personality and preferences of the individual.

Hardwood is a preferred choice for families seeking tradition, strength, and environmental integrity.

2. Customization and Personal Touches

Many families choose to personalize caskets as a meaningful way to honour the life, values, and legacy of their loved one. Customization options not only allow for individual expression, but also ensure that the final tribute is reflective of the person’s beliefs, heritage, and personality. Consider the following features when selecting a casket:

Interior Fabric Choices: Families may select from a range of materials such as soft velvet, quilted cotton, or embroidered satin. These fabrics can feature designs or patterns that reflect the loved one’s personal style or cultural background.
Finish and Stain Colour: The tone and texture of the wood finish can be customized to align with the individual’s aesthetic preferences, from rich mahogany and deep walnut to lighter tones like maple or ash. Matte, gloss, or natural finishes can add further depth.
Engraved Nameplates or Emblems: Personalized engravings, including the individual’s name, important dates, or meaningful quotes, can be added to a metal or wooden nameplate. Emblems representing military service, professional affiliations, or personal passions can also be included.
Religious or Cultural Symbols: Many families choose to incorporate symbols such as a crucifix, Star of David, Om symbol, or national motifs to reflect their loved one’s faith, heritage, or spiritual beliefs. These details create a sense of continuity and honour cultural traditions.

Personalizing a casket can provide comfort and significance during a difficult time—turning a necessary choice into a lasting expression of respect and remembrance.

3. Sustainability

For families mindful of their environmental footprint, sustainable casket options offer a way to honour a loved one while supporting ecological responsibility.

Key considerations include:

Responsibly Sourced Hardwoods: Choose caskets made from Canadian hardwoods such as oak, maple, or poplar that come from sustainably managed forests. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, and durable.
Water-Based Finishes: Look for low-VOC, water-based stains and sealants that minimize air pollutants and reduce environmental harm during production and use.
Local Manufacturing: Selecting caskets manufactured in Canada supports lower transportation emissions and aligns with higher domestic environmental and labour standards.
Eco-Efficient Production: Families may also seek products created through low-waste, low-energy manufacturing practices—an increasingly available option across many responsible casket producers.

Enviro-Casket™ by Northern Casket For those seeking a certified green burial option, the Enviro-Casket™, designed and produced by Northern Casket, offers a uniquely Canadian solution. This trademarked and proprietary casket is crafted from sustainable materials using environmentally conscious production methods. It is free of metal components, constructed with biodegradable materials, and finished with water-based products—making it suitable for natural or green burial practices. Proudly built in Lindsay, Ontario, the Enviro-Casket™ reflects a commitment to preserving natural ecosystems while honouring loved ones with dignity and care. https://www.northerncasket.com/enviro

4. Budget and Value

A well-made casket should meet both emotional and financial needs. Canadian manufacturers offer a wide range of price points without compromising on integrity or quality.

5. Origin and Manufacturing

Ask where and how the casket is made. A truly Canadian-made casket will:

Be constructed entirely in Canada.
Use Canadian-sourced wood.
Be subject to local labour and environmental regulations. This ensures the product reflects national standards and values.

Did You Know?

Northern Casket has been crafting caskets since 1926 and remains family-owned.

They are one of the few manufacturers offering entirely Canadian-made caskets, from raw material to final product.

Choosing a casket is never easy, but it can be a deeply meaningful part of saying goodbye. By understanding what to look for—material, craftsmanship, customization, and sustainability—families can make informed decisions that reflect their values and honour the person they love.

At Beechwood, we are committed to providing thoughtful guidance through every step of the journey. Whether you’re preplanning or making decisions in the moment, we’re here to ensure your choices are respected and supported.

Northern Casket is a proudly Canadian, family-owned business that has been serving funeral homes and families across Canada for four generations. Their dedication to superior craftsmanship, ethical practices, and environmental sustainability has earned them a reputation as a trusted name in the funeral industry.

From traditional wood caskets to biodegradable options, Northern Casket provides a wide range of products that reflect the values and wishes of each individual and family they serve. Their focus on innovation and community engagement ensures they remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering both quality and compassion in every product they make.

Death Literacy

April 22, 2025

Changing the Experience of Death and Dying in Our Community: The Role and Services of a Death Doula

nmccarthy — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:46:35 +0000

Changing the Experience of Death and Dying in Our Community: The Role and Services of a Death Doula nmccarthy Thu, 02/27/2025 - 08:46:AM

In Western culture, death is often shrouded in fear and silence, creating a societal narrative that distances us from one of life's most natural processes. This fear of death, or thanatophobia, manifests in various ways – from the anxiety of mortality to the fear of illness and dying itself. Consequently, death is frequently hidden away, avoided in conversation, and treated as a taboo subject. This societal avoidance fosters an environment where people die in isolation, away from loved ones, their final moments filled with anxiety and loneliness.

Yet, death is as natural as our next breath, an inevitable part of life's journey. Central to the death positive movement is the role of the Death Doula, a compassionate professional dedicated to changing our experience of death and dying.

A Death Doula, also known as an End-of-Life Doula, is a non-medical professional trained to support individuals and their families through the end-of-life process. Unlike medical staff who focus on physical health and pain management, Death Doulas offer holistic support – addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of the dying and their loved ones.

Their role is grounded in the belief that death should not be feared or hidden but acknowledged and experienced fully as a natural and meaningful part of life. A Death Doula's presence allows for a peaceful, conscious dying experience, offering solace and guidance during this profound transition.

Death Doulas provide a range of personalized services designed to honor the individual's wishes and support families through this challenging time. These services include:

Emotional and Spiritual Support: Death Doulas provide a compassionate presence, creating a safe space for individuals to explore their fears, hopes, and reflections on life. They encourage open conversations about death, helping to demystify the experience and reduce death anxiety. By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, they enable individuals to live fully up until their final moments.
End-of-Life Planning and Advocacy: One of the most valuable services offered by Death Doulas is assistance with end-of-life planning. This includes helping clients articulate their wishes regarding medical care, living wills, and funeral preferences. Death Doulas ensure that these decisions are documented and communicated clearly to loved ones and healthcare providers, reducing the burden on families and empowering individuals to have a say in their end-of-life journey.
Vigil Presence and Holding Space: In the final days and hours, Death Doulas provide a continuous, supportive presence, ensuring that no one has to die alone. They create a serene and comforting environment, often incorporating personalized rituals, music, or readings that reflect the individual's beliefs and preferences. This vigil presence honors the sacredness of dying, offering peace and comfort to the person transitioning and their loved ones.
Legacy Projects and Life Review: Death Doulas facilitate the creation of Legacy Projects – tangible memories that celebrate a person's life. These can include memory books, video recordings, letters to loved ones, or the sharing of meaningful stories and experiences. Engaging in legacy work provides individuals with a sense of closure and purpose, while also leaving behind cherished mementos for their families.
Grief Support and Aftercare: The role of a Death Doula does not end with death. They continue to support families through the grieving process, offering resources, counseling, and compassionate listening. By normalizing grief and providing a safe space for emotional expression, they help families navigate their loss with acceptance and understanding.

In a society where death is often viewed as a failure or an end to be feared, Death Doulas play a crucial role in transforming our cultural narrative. They advocate for death positivity, encouraging open and honest conversations about mortality, grief, and dying. This cultural shift from fear and avoidance to acceptance and dialogue helps people confront their mortality with curiosity and peace rather than dread.

Death awareness, promoted by Death Doulas, empowers individuals to reflect on their values, relationships, and life's purpose. It encourages living authentically and fully, with an appreciation for the present moment and an understanding of life's impermanence.

Modern Western society is largely disconnected from death. Medical advancements and institutionalized care have distanced us from the dying process, leading to a culture of death denial. Many people have never witnessed a death or cared for someone at the end of life, which contributes to widespread death anxiety.

Death Doulas are instrumental in bridging this gap. They bring death back into the home and community, supporting individuals to die surrounded by loved ones rather than in sterile, isolated environments. They challenge the fear of death by helping people to face it openly, with dignity and courage.

By embracing the guidance and support of Death Doulas, we can transform the end-of-life experience into a meaningful, sacred, and conscious journey. It is not about hastening or delaying death but about respecting it as a natural part of life's cycle.

As a part of the death positive movement, Death Doulas offer an antidote to death phobia, transforming fear into acceptance and denial into open dialogue. Their work reminds us that death is not the opposite of life but a part of it.

By embracing this perspective, we can live more fully, love more deeply, and approach death with peace and dignity. As our community engages in this important conversation, we invite you to explore the support that Death Doulas offer and reflect on how we can collectively change our experience of death and dying.

Death is happening in every moment; it is as natural as our next exhale. Let us face it, embrace it, and live fully because of it.

Death Literacy

February 27, 2025

Understanding MAID in the Context of Funeral Pre-Arrangements

nmccarthy — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:56:20 +0000

Understanding MAID in the Context of Funeral Pre-Arrangements nmccarthy Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:56:AM

The decision to proceed with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is deeply personal and often accompanied by a range of emotions. Families and friends may experience a mixture of relief, acceptance, sadness, and uncertainty. At Beechwood, we recognize the importance of providing not only professional guidance but also deep compassion and care during this sensitive time.

Each journey with MAID is unique, and our role is to offer unwavering support while ensuring that funeral arrangements align with their wishes. Understanding what to expect can help ease the process and provide peace of mind during this difficult transition.

Supporting Families with Care and Understanding

Providing Time and Space for Grief

We understand that families may need additional time with their loved one after their passing. We respect these moments and allow families to take the time they need before bringing their loved one into our care.
Since MAID can be called off at any time prior to the procedure, funeral homes do not keep staff on standby for immediate transportation. Instead, we ensure that our services are available when the family is ready.

Reaching Out for Support

When the time comes, families should call Beechwood’s main phone line to coordinate arrangements once the Medical Certificate of Death is prepared.
To ensure prompt assistance, it is best to use the main contact number rather than reaching out to a specific service representative’s cell phone.

Transportation with Dignity

If the MAID procedure occurs in a private residence, we strive to arrive within two hours of receiving the family’s call, ensuring that the transition is handled with care and respect.
If the procedure takes place in a hospital, hospice or retirement residence, families are still responsible for notifying us. In these cases, transportation will be arranged following standard protocols, prioritizing the family's needs and the dignity of the deceased.

Guidance Through Necessary Documentation

To facilitate transportation and funeral arrangements, an original Medical Certificate of Death is required, or at minimum, confirmation that it is forthcoming.
Even if a pre-arranged funeral contract is in place, a meeting with a licensed funeral director is still necessary. This meeting ensures that the legal registration of death and other essential paperwork, such as a cremation application, are completed properly.

Arranging a Meaningful Farewell

While cremation or burial cannot be scheduled in advance, as the required legal documentation is only available after death, we work closely with families to ensure these services are arranged as smoothly as possible.
Typically, obtaining a Coroner’s Cremation Certificate or a Burial Permit takes up to 48 hours after passing, and scheduling will be subject to availability.

Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

The only aspect that can be scheduled before a death is the arrangement meeting with a funeral director.
This meeting, coordinated through our Funeral Coordinator, ensures that a dedicated professional is assigned to assist the family and that the process is as seamless as possible.

A Commitment to Compassion and Respect

At Beechwood, we understand that the journey of saying goodbye is never easy. Our goal is to provide a guiding hand and a compassionate heart, ensuring that every family receives the support they need. MAID is a deeply personal choice, and we are here to help navigate this process with the utmost care, honouring the wishes of both the individual and their loved ones.

For families seeking guidance, we encourage you to reach out. You are not alone—we are here to help, every step of the way.

Death Literacy

February 20, 2025