The Blog
Not everyone is celebrating: Navigating grief at Christmastime
The holidays are sold to us as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for so many, this season brings more grief than joy. If you’re feeling heavy, hollow, or downright resentful this time of year, you’re far from alone. And if you’re grieving, be it a person, a pet, a relationship, a job,…
How to Remember Loved Ones: Meaningful ways to create ritual and honour the dead
November is a natural time for remembrance. As the days grow colder and darker, we’re invited to turn inward. My friend Jilly calls it embering time — the flames of busyness and bluster have died down, and all that remains are the glowing coals. Time to take an intentional rest for the purpose of conserving…
Victoria Death Care Event: The Doing Death Different Community Marketplace
Looking for end-of-life resources, grief support, or death care options in Victoria? On Sunday, October 4, from 1–4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion (411 Gorge Rd East), we’re gathering again for the 3rd Annual Doing Death Different Community Marketplace—a space to explore death, dying, and grief in creative, honest, and even playful ways. Discover Doing…
How to Raise Independent Kids: Parenting Lessons from a Funeral Director
How do you raise independent kids? By giving them the chance to stand on their own feet while they’re still under your roof. Independence grows when children learn to take responsibility, solve problems, and make mistakes without a parent rushing in to fix everything. I’ve gained that perspective in part by years of working with…
Death as a Rite of Passage: What it Means to Die Well
Death is the final stage of life. It deserves the same honour and preparation we give to birth, graduation, marriage, and other big life transitions. Definition: a rite of passage is a meaningful ritual that marks a significant transition from one stage of life to another. Death is universal and unavoidable but for some reason,…
Little White Crosses: Why Roadside Memorials Matter
Every summer I look forward to road tripping to Alberta with my boys to visit family and friends, and every drive I spot them: those little roadside memorials. White crosses. Silk flowers. A photo tucked under glass. Sometimes a name. Sometimes just a worn teddy bear or a fading ribbon fluttering in the wind. Someone’s…
After Death Home Care – What Happens When We Stay?
Liminal space: that in-between place where a person is transitioning from life into death. It’s long past the point of encouragement that things will get better. Now it’s time for brave words: “This is what dying feels like. It’s OK. Your body knows what to do. Relax and let go.” Just like labouring to birth…
Eco-Friendly Burial Options in Canada: Why B.C. Needs More Options
In British Columbia, we have two legal options when it comes to body disposition: burial and cremation. That’s it. Burial in BC: Traditional vs. Green Burial Traditional burial is what most people picture when they think of a cemetery: caskets, flat lawns, and headstones. The grave is dug, a concrete liner (basically a big concrete…
The Cost of Convenience: Has Honouring the Dead Become Optional?
I’ll admit it, I enjoy the conveniences of technology: online shopping, self-serve checkouts and the many tools at my fingertips on my smart phone. Technology has evolved exponentially fast in a few short decades, but somewhere along the way, we’ve lost something important: our emotional connection to each other. It feels like convenience has become…
Leave Love, Not Stress: The Power of Planning Ahead
Ok, I get it – thinking about the end of your life isn’t exactly the first thing on your to-do list. But taking time to get your affairs in order now can make a world of difference for the people you care about most. You can start by organizing your finances. No need to overhaul…