Veterans Day: How to Show Appreciation to Veterans

 

On Veterans Day, we honor and remember those who have served in our country’s military during times of war and peace. We recognize their personal sacrifice, courage, love of country, and selfness in fighting for and securing our freedoms. 

 

With such deep meaning, sometimes it might be hard to find a way to say “thank you” to our veterans. Here are a few ways to express your appreciation:

 

Write a Note

If you have a veteran in your life, pick out or make a card and write a special message thanking them for their service and how it’s positively impacted your life. If you don’t know a veteran, consider reaching out to a local retirement home and asking for names of veterans you can write thank you notes to. Thousands of elderly veterans across the country may not have friends or family to commemorate Veterans Day. Knowing that someone remembers their service and sacrifice can mean the world to a veteran.

 

Volunteer

If you’d like to thank veterans in a direct, hands-on way, consider volunteering at an organization that helps and supports veterans. Throughout the United States, numerous organizations assist veterans in finding jobs, recovering from their injuries (physical and mental), and re-entering civilian life. Search for “Veterans and Military Families” on VolunteerMatch.org to find veterans-focused volunteer opportunities in your area. The site offers a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities; it’s a great way to use your time and unique talents to make a difference in the lives of veterans and your local community. 

 

Make a Financial Donation

Our personal obligations and COVID-19 restrictions have made it challenging to support veterans organizations in person. However, consider donating if you’re interested in supporting a veterans organization and have the financial means to do so. 

The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans cope with physical injuries and rehabilitation and the effects of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In addition, the organization offers various programs and support services to help veterans transition into civilian life. 

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, The Veteran Success Resources Group, connects veterans and their families to resources nationwide to help them transition to civilian life, find support, and network with other veterans.

 

Donate Your Airline Miles

If you’re a frequent traveler, you probably have thousands of airline miles saved up. The organization Hero Miles Program allows you to donate your unused miles directly to veterans, and these miles can make a huge difference to veterans and their families. It’s a creative way to use your miles and provides round-trip airfare for veterans who are ill, wounded, undergoing treatment, or attending special events. 

 

Cook or Bake for a Veteran 

A home-cooked meal is one of the best ways to show your love and appreciation. Make a casserole or batch of cookies for any veteran in your life. Or better yet, invite them over for dinner as a way to say “thank you.”

 

Hire a Veteran

If you’re in charge of hiring for your organization. Consider hiring a veteran or military spouse. The transition from the military to civilian life can be difficult, as many veterans are unsure how to translate their skills gained during their service to civilian jobs. Hiring Our Heroes and other organizations help businesses hire veterans and provide resources to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian careers. 

 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning. In addition, we will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. 

 

Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for many years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

 

 

 

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Sources

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g4005/ways-to-help-a-veteran/

https://ceoof.me/memorial-day-how-to-show-appreciation-to-our-veterans-military-and-their-families/

“What Can I Do To Help?” How to Accept Help with Planning a Funeral

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a sensitive and painful subject. Because it is a situation that is so overwhelming and heartbreaking, those closest to you will not only offer condolences but offer to help you plan the funeral arrangements for the deceased. It is their way to show you their love and support during this unspeakably difficult time.

 

For many people, accepting help is a personal challenge. It’s a fascinating contradiction; when something dreadful occurs, it’s our natural reaction to offer to help others, but when it comes to accepting help ourselves when it’s a need of your own, there is resistance. Now, the specific reasons why an individual does refuse help can drastically vary from person to person.

 

It can be difficult to admit that we are vulnerable and genuinely need help in times of crisis. However, when you are grieving the loss of a loved one, it is crucial to accept the caring acts of others, especially when it comes to planning their funeral services.

 

When it comes to properly handling grief, it is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to admit vulnerability and accept the help offered to you, especially when it comes to planning a funeral.

 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning. We will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us.

 

Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for many years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

 

 

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Sources

https://www.everplans.com/articles/how-you-can-help-a-grieving-person-before-the-funeral-or-memorial-service 

https://www.funeralbasics.org/accepting-the-caring-help-of-others/ 

https://phaneuf.net/blog/ask-for-help-when-planning-funeral-reception 

Suicide Prevention Month

Did you know suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019? September is Suicide Prevention Month — a month dedicated to raising awareness on suicide and advocating for the destigmatization of this topic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide rates in the United States have increased about 33% from 1999 to 2019. Here are some warning signs to watch for, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH).

Warning Signs

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling great guilt or shame

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Changing eating or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

What can you do?

ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Suicide is a devastating public health problem that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

Sources:

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html

August 28 Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

 

If you own a pet, then you know just how special your relationship with your furry friend is. When we lose a pet, it’s more than just losing an animal: it’s like losing a family member and close companion. No matter what your relationship is like with your pet, losing a pet can affect you profoundly. That’s why Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was created-- to help celebrate the lives of your favorite furry friends. 

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is on August 28, and was created by Deborah Barnes in honor of her beloved cat, Mr. Jazz. When Mr. Jazz passed away in 2013 after 15 years of companionship, Deborah decided to publish a book about their special bond in 2015, thus creating Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Though it is a relatively new holiday, the response to Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day has been enormously positive-- a true testament to the power of the relationships we have with our pets is. Celebrate the day and the life of your pet with these special activities: 

• Social Media. Post a memory or a photo with your pet on social media. When looking for the perfect photo to post, you’ll get the chance to go through all of your photos and happy memories with your pet. Popular social media sites like Facebook or Instagram may provide the official Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day logo, which you can put on the photo you post to celebrate the day. If you do decide to post on social media, use #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay to celebrate with other people around the world!

• Animal Shelter. You may feel better volunteering your time at an animal shelter, where you can help other animals in need of care or a forever home. If you lost a pet recently, this may help you begin to move on and process your grief in a happy and helpful way. And who knows-- you may even find a new friend to bring home!

• Gather with Family and Friends. Reminisce with other loved ones who were touched by the life of your pet. Hosting a small gathering where you can share photos and tell stories of your pet will honor their life in a happy and jovial setting, which may be the exact thing you need to help you move on and process your grief. 

• Donation. If you can, consider making a donation to an animal shelter or animal charity in honor of your animal companion. 

• Artwork. There are many mediums in which you can get custom artwork made to remember your pet. Paintings, photographs, and even pillows can be made with your pet on them, which you can display around your home so you always remember the impact they had on your life. You can even have a Christmas ornament made to put up on your tree each year so they’re always there to help you celebrate the holidays!

• Plant a Tree. Many cultures and religions plant a tree after a death to signify replacing death with life. Consider doing this after losing your pet to help you create a long and lasting visual memory of your pet that you can see in your own home or garden. 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

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Sources: 

https://nationaltoday.com/rainbow-bridge-remembrance-day/ 

https://go.petchamp.com/articles/august-28th-is-rainbow-bridge-remembrance-day 

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/rainbow-bridge-remembrance-day-august-28/ 

Planning Your End of Life Care

 

The end of life is not an easy subject. Every individual confronts the reality of mortality in different ways; some are making end of life care plans for a parent or ill loved one while others are experiencing end of life care themselves.

One thing is for sure: we will all go through an end of life at some point. Planning ahead to have a comfortable close to your beautiful story should be discussed long before you find you or your loved one in this phase.

Not all variables of end of life care pertain to someone who is close to passing away. In many cases, these variables are hashed out decades before a person is either eldery or falls ill. The focus should be less on life ending and more on enriching one’s entire life.

End of Life Care Is For The Living

While the term itself sounds like a pessimistic topic, end of life care is actually for the living. This pertains to both the individual that the plan is for and the friends and family that remain once said person has passed away.

For example, it should bring tremendous peace of mind to a young couple knowing that if one of them became ill or were incapacitated at any age, their wishes and affairs are in order. This is why it pays to plan ahead long before anything occurs.

A more positive view is that this young couple will both live to be much older and pass on peacefully. But even so, the last thing you want to do is start planning for end of life care during the end of life. Planning long before means that no matter what, your affairs will be handled. 

What Does End of Life Care Entail?

From medical assistance to financial plans, end of life care covers a vast array of your or your loved one’s wishes. In addition to that, an end of life care plan can also detail what happens to you after you or a loved one has passed.

Medical arrangements are taken care of in a living will. For example, it may be outlined in an end of life care plan that an individual does not wish to be kept alive artificially, where they establish who decides to end life-sustaining medical measures.

Financial details and who handles savings accounts, such as an IRA or a 401K, are integral in an end of life care plan. Likewise, organizing an individual's insurance and bank information makes sorting through any financial documents much easier.

We Have Your Care In Mind

Here at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, we pride ourselves on providing exemplary customer service, including being part of end of life planning. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs.

To discover more about how we can serve your needs and help give you and your family support, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

Important Information About Hospice Care

The end of life is not an easy subject to discuss, let alone experience. Understanding hospice care is something many avoid until the time comes, which often complicates the process and creates stress during a time of grieving.

This is why learning about hospice care prior to it ever being needed in your life is necessary, so when the day comes where you must consider it for someone close to you, both you and they can experience physical and emotional comfort.

If you are currently helping transition a loved one to hospice care, know that you are doing the right thing. Too often, the term ‘hospice’ has a negative connotation correlated with giving up, when truthfully, it is there to improve the life of an individual.

Individual Attention

As opposed to the traditional care you find elsewhere, hospice care is much more personalized. Firstly, there are two levels that allow for patients to be taken care of at home, where a hospital setting is not required.

Caregivers and nurses that work in hospice care are experts in pain management for those individuals who are suffering from a terminal illness. These medical professionals get to know your loved one well, so they know exactly what procedures to implement as a way to keep them always comfortable.

Watching over an aging or ill loved one can be emotionally draining and not always the best option for everyone. With this unique level of end-of-life care can and will help you and your family and friends grieve properly while knowing the individual in hospice is cared for similar to how you would.

Hospice Covers All Ages

The unfortunate reality of life is that end-of-life care is not exclusive to the elderly. An individual of any age who is struggling with an illness deemed terminal, where they are expected to pass away in six months or less, makes hospice care a viable option.

In the case of a terminal illness, the level of care received in hospice is even more vital for quality of life. As a matter of fact, there have been many instances where a younger, ill individual was moved to hospice care only to improve in health and be moved out for the time being.

Ceasing curative treatment is not required to be moved to hospice care, though if one chooses to end treatment for an illness that has been deemed ineffective, hospice is by far the best choice. As previously mentioned, pain management specialists are there to help increase comfort and ease suffering.

Personalized Funeral Planning

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning.

Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

Honor Those Who Died While Fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces

Although Memorial Day is known as a fun holiday, filled with friends, family, picnics, and barbecues, that marks the beginning of the summer, it’s important to celebrate Memorial Day for its true purpose. Take a moment this Memorial Day to honor those who lost their lives while fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly those who died as a result of injuries or in battle. Remember, this holiday is different from Veteran’s Day as it specifically honors those who sacrificed their lives to protect you and their country. 

It doesn’t matter if you know someone who has lost their life while in the U.S. Armed Forces or not, you should still pay your respects. There are many small things you can do on Memorial Day to honor their lives, including: 

• Saying Thank You. Write a thank-you note to a veteran for all of their service! Go visit veterans in person and listen to their stories, or write a thank you letter to a veteran that an organization can deliver for you. It’s never a bad time to thank the living for the service, and it may make you appreciate those who lost their lives even more. 

• Parades. Attend a parade or event that celebrates Memorial Day. Many local governments and towns will organize events that provide great opportunities for you to honor those who served. These parades are usually appropriate for people of all ages too, so you can feel welcome to bring babies or young children to celebrate with you.

• Flags. Buy some flags and decorate fallen soldiers' graves with American flags, or even just red, white, and blue. You can also decorate your house or lawn with these colors and flags, the same way you might for the Fourth of July. If you have a flag pole, you may also consider flying it at half staff on Memorial Day from dawn until noon time. 

• Flowers. If you’re not into flags or American colors, then decorate graves or your home with flowers to pay respects. You may also consider buying poppies from Veterans of Foreign Wars, the proceeds of which serves as a donation for state and national rehabilitation and service programs for veterans. 

• National Moment of Remembrance. Take a one minute pause at 3PM wherever you are to reflect on your freedoms, as well as those who died to give you those freedoms, while living in the U.S. 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

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Sources: 

https://www.usinspect.com/blog/5-ways-celebrate-memorial-day/

https://www.parents.com/holiday/memorial-day/traditions/patriotic-ways-to-celebrate-memorial-day-with-kids/

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history#section_4