Spring: A Fresh Optimistic Start

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

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. Of course, […]

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The Gift of a Note to Your Family

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

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 its safe keeping spot whenever the mourner needs to feel close to the person who died. It will be read on those […]

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Dad died. What Do I Do with the Pills?

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

Prescription medication is expensive. Just that fact can be an understandable motivation for some risky business. When my father died, my mother was asking everyone, “Aren’t you on blood pressure medicine?  You take this heart pill don’t you?  What do you take for depression?” Her plan, no waste. My mom will also save four string beans when dinner is […]

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Mother Died…How Long Do We Keep Her Things?

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

Separating from a loved one’s belongings is one of the more difficult jobs you will have to do after a death. It is amazing how much is collected over a lifetime. You probably won’t get it done in a day and you will probably shed a few tears. Ask for help. Accepting and asking for […]

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Grief is Individual

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Grief

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. Stages? In our house it was more like we all went […]

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