To offer comfort, understanding, and resources for individuals and families in Markham, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas navigating the complex emotional journey of grief and loss.
Grieving in isolation was already a trending topic due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but since the tragedy in Nova Scotia it's becoming part of a wider conversation. Not only are these families dealing with personal grief, but the entire community, province and country. Under normal circumstances, there would be…
If a loved one has recently been widowed, they're probably experiencing a lot of emotions. Grief is hard for anyone, but losing a spouse can be extra difficult - especially those who had a long happy marriage. After the funeral, memorial and reception, you might think that it's best to…
"No funeral!?" That's the reaction many people have when a loved one tells them their wishes, or when they're told there will be no service for dearly departed friend or family member. It can be hard to believe that someone wouldn't want this time-honoured tradition. While we at Chapel Ridge…
Death doesn't adhere to a convenient schedule, so there's really nothing you can do to prevent a death over the holidays. The holiday season is fun, but it is already a little bit stressful. Adding a death, whether expected or not, can only add to your grief. Many families grapple…
Up until recently, pet burials had to happen in specific places separate from human burial sites. However, a cemetery in Laval, Quebec, is recognizing your furry friends as a member of the family, allowing them to be buried alongside their human owners. The Laval Cemetery now has a "Masters and…
Have you ever heard of an end-of-life doula? While most people recognize the term doula as related to birth and babies, there are now doulas specializing in death and dying. For those who have received the unfortunate news that they have a terminal illness or that their health is declining,…
If you're having a tough time after a death, but are intimidated by traditional therapy, consider trying some grief counseling apps and web platforms to break the ice. There's no shame in grieving, especially if a close family member or friend passed away. Everyone copes in different ways. And while…
Have you heard about Bereavement Photography? Unless you've ever been in the position to request this service, it's unlikely that you have. It's a hush-hush topic, as it generally has to do with terminally ill children or still born babies. And while you might want to turn a blind eye…
Feeling joy after a death in the family or a close friend can trigger feelings of guilt and remorse in the grieving. Guilt over feeling happiness when you should be feeling nothing but sadness and despair. But is that really fair to yourself? To punish yourself for feeling anything but…
In addition to planning and organizing a funeral, family members are often responsible for cleaning out a deceased relative's house. Whether the physical house is being kept by a member of the family, or sold to settle the estate, there is still the matter of all the possessions within the…
