May 06, 2014
ASD recently began a blog series to showcase the bittersweet beauty that can surround a tragic event. While the somber face of death normally takes center stage in our culture, funeral professionals witness just as many uplifting moments, silver linings, and even the occasional miracle. These moments are not entirely happy or entirely sad—they are a combination of both emotions that can never be fully defined. Fulfilled final wishes, touching tributes, enduring love stories and gifts from beyond the grave reveal how love can transcend loss and grief. Since ASD has connected with clients through our social sites, we have had the opportunity to read so many poignant stories about everyday people coping with the realities of death in extraordinary ways. We hope you enjoy this blog series as we continue to search for more inspiring stories to share with you.
Heartfelt Last Wishes Fulfilled
There is something undeniably heartwarming about seeing a final wish granted. A terminal illness brings about feelings of complete powerlessness for everyone involved. Death is an unstoppable force and when we are confronted with it, it is our instinct as humans to fight, to search for a new solution, to deny reality. If there is something in that chaos that we can control, some way to bring light into that darkness, it can take away some of the sting that comes with an impending death. These stories reveal how fulfilling a bucket list dream can provide peace to both the terminally ill and their loved ones.
Click here to read them.
Touching Tributes You Won’t Forget
From creating a heart-shaped meadow in memory of a loved one to building a monument in the middle of the Sahara desert, these moving tributes demonstrate how beauty and inspiration can grow from grief. Since ASD has connected with clients through our social sites, we have had the opportunity to read so many poignant stories about everyday people coping with the realities of death in inspiring ways. These stories demonstrate how grief can produce something remarkable. Loved ones are driven to do something extraordinary in memory of another, whether to work through their loss or to show the world how special the person was to them
Click here to read them.
Enduring Love Stories Death Could Not Separate
ASD compiled a list of real-life couples who could not be separated by death. These stories reveal how human souls can be both emotionally and physically entwined. It is inspiring to think that a couple can be so deeply connected to one another that even death cannot separate them. They shared an everlasting devotion that inspired everyone around them to love wholeheartedly. Their enduring passion for one another never waived, even during the final moments of their lives. And their love was strong enough to take them away together.
Click here to read their stories.
Gifts from Beyond the Grave
A terminal illness is a terrible tragedy to befall anyone, but as any funeral director will tell you, there is often light in even the darkest places. We have found some incredible examples of people who made arrangements to send love and comfort to their families from beyond the grave. They looked ahead at the future and at the world without them, beyond the date of their own funeral service, so they could leave behind a lasting message to loved ones.
Click here to read their stories.
What are some other stories or themes that could be included in ASD’s “Bittersweet Beauty” Blog Series? Leave us a comment with your thoughts – we’d love to hear them!
About The Author
Jess Farren (Fowler)
Jess Farren (Fowler) is a Public Relations Specialist and Staff Writer who has been a part of the ASD team since 2003. Jess manages ASD’s company blog and has been published in several funeral trade magazines. She has written articles on a variety of subjects including communication, business planning, technology, marketing and funeral trends. You can contact Jess directly at Jess@myASD.com
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