Creating Personalized Memorial Ceremonies for Your Loved Ones Posted on September 11, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes In times of grief, when the weight of loss bears heavily upon our hearts, the power of remembrance becomes a guiding light. Memorial ceremonies, particularly when infused with personalization, offer a poignant way to honor those we’ve cherished. At Iles Funeral Home, we understand the significance of crafting ceremonies as unique as the individuals they commemorate. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the art of creating personalized memorial ceremonies, a tribute that reflects the essence of your loved one, and offers solace to those who grieve. As we navigate this path together, we extend our support through our cremation services in Des Moines, IA. 1. Embrace Personalization Personalization is the heart of a memorable memorial ceremony. Think about your loved one’s hobbies, passions, and values. Incorporate elements of their life, such as their favorite music, hobbies, or quotes, into the ceremony. 2. Unique Venues Consider holding the ceremony in a place that held significance for your loved one. Whether it’s a park, a beach, or even their own backyard, a unique venue can add a personal touch to the event. 3. Customized Programs Designing a personalized program for the ceremony allows you to share not only the order of events but also stories, photos, and quotes that capture the essence of your loved one’s life. 4. Memory Tables Create a memory table with mementos and photos that represent different stages of your loved one’s life. Encourage attendees to bring their own items to contribute to the table. 5. Meaningful Readings and Rituals Include readings, poems, or rituals that hold special meaning for your family and your loved one. These can provide comfort and solace during the ceremony. 6. Video Tributes Compile a video tribute with photographs and videos that showcase your loved one’s life. It’s a powerful way to share their story and allow attendees to reminisce. 7. Release of Balloons or Lanterns Consider a symbolic gesture like releasing balloons or lanterns at the end of the ceremony. Each attendee can write a message or memory on their balloon or lantern before letting it go, creating a beautiful and meaningful moment. Personalized memorial ceremonies offer a chance to say goodbye in a way that truly reflects the person you’ve lost. They become a tribute to a life that was unique and precious, celebrating the memories and legacy they leave behind. In our commitment to helping you create a personalized and meaningful tribute, Iles Funeral Home is here to provide support and guidance. If you have any questions about cremation services in Des Moines, IA, or need assistance in planning a personalized memorial ceremony, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (515) 276-4567. We are dedicated to ensuring that your loved one’s memory is celebrated in the most heartfelt way possible. In conclusion, a personalized memorial ceremony is a powerful way to honor your loved one and find solace in their memory. It’s an opportunity to celebrate a life that was unique and cherished, and to create a lasting tribute that brings comfort to those who grieve.
Celebration of Life: A Focus on Love, Not Loss Posted on August 28, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes As we evolve, so too do our attitudes and approaches to commemorating the lives of those we have lost. Now, more than ever, families in West Des Moines, IA are opting for celebration of life services over traditional funerals. This trend reflects a growing desire to focus on love and life rather than loss and grief. It is a shift made even more pronounced with the rise in popularity of cremation services in West Des Moines, IA. Shifting the Focus to Love and Life A celebration of life is all about shining a spotlight on the joy, love, and positivity the departed brought into the world. It’s a platform for sharing stories, laughs, and even tears as loved ones remember the deceased in their own unique way. Planning a Personalized Celebration Every individual is unique, and so too should be their celebration of life. It can be as simple or as elaborate as desired, taking place in any location that was significant to the departed, and featuring elements that reflect their passions, hobbies, and personality. Inviting Participation and Shared Remembrance A celebration of life is an interactive event. It encourages attendees to participate by sharing their own memories or anecdotes. This collective remembrance not only helps keep the deceased’s memory alive, but it also provides a supportive environment for those in the early stages of grief. Integrating Beliefs and Values This type of celebration is an opportunity to honor and perpetuate the deceased’s core values and beliefs. A favorite charity, for example, could be highlighted with an option for attendees to contribute in the deceased’s name. The celebration can also integrate rituals or customs that reflect the deceased’s spiritual or philosophical beliefs. Remembering and Healing While the emphasis of a celebration of life is on positivity and remembrance, it is still crucial to allow space for mourning and reflection. Achieving this balance ensures that the event is a true source of comfort and healing, allowing attendees to both grieve and celebrate. Between each shared memory, every recounted tale of joy and laughter, and all the personal touches that bring a unique personality to life, there lies the true essence of a celebration of life event. This intimate, collaborative space for shared grief and shared love nurtures collective healing, allowing mourners to find solace in their shared experiences of the departed. As the celebration unfolds, the atmosphere imbued with the departed’s spirit becomes a comforting space for loved ones to support each other, hold space for each other’s grief, and collectively embrace the journey toward healing. In times of loss, the focus on love and life provides a beacon of light and hope. A celebration of life offers an uplifting and comforting way to commemorate a life well-lived. The team at Iles Funeral Home understands this profoundly and is here to offer support, guidance, and exceptional cremation services in West Des Moines, IA. To begin planning a celebration of life that truly honors your loved one, call Iles Funeral Home at (515) 276-4567.
Understanding the Benefits of Pre-Need Funeral Services Posted on August 14, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes The reality of mortality can often be challenging to face. Despite this, an increasing number of individuals are opting for pre-need funeral services, including considering cremation services in Urbandale, IA. These services offer numerous benefits, which we will discuss in this article. Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones Pre-need funeral services allow you to make decisions about your final arrangements, providing peace of mind for both you and your family. By pre-planning, you spare your loved ones the emotional strain of making decisions at a time of grief, allowing them to focus on healing. Ensuring Your Final Wishes are Met By planning your funeral service in advance, you have the ability to ensure your final wishes are carried out. Whether it is a traditional service or a celebration of life, you can choose the style of service, the music, readings, and more. This planning ensures your wishes are known and respected. Financial Stability One significant advantage of pre-need funeral planning is the financial relief it provides your loved ones. By pre-paying for your services, you are able to lock in current costs, avoiding future price increases. This can relieve your family from the financial burden during an already difficult time. Encouraging Open Discussions About Death Death is a natural part of life, yet it’s often a topic that many avoid. By discussing and planning your end-of-life arrangements, you encourage open discussions about death within your family. This dialogue can foster understanding and acceptance, helping everyone cope when the time comes. Personal Growth and Reflection Planning for your own mortality often prompts introspection and personal growth. It provides an opportunity to reflect on your life and legacy, prompting you to live each day more purposefully. Pre-need funeral services can thus serve as a tool for personal development and appreciation of life’s journey. Pre-Need Funeral Services Foster Empathy and Communication Openly addressing your wishes regarding final arrangements fosters open communication within families. It’s a conversation that cultivates understanding and empathy, making it easier for loved ones to discuss and navigate other sensitive topics as well. The process of pre-need planning is thus not just about your final wishes, but also about nurturing healthier communication within your family. Tailoring a Unique Celebration of Life The beauty of pre-need funeral services is that they can be tailored to reflect your unique personality and life experiences. This could include specific readings, music, or rituals that are meaningful to you. It’s a chance to create a final celebration of your life that captures your spirit, values, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Such personal touches can offer immense comfort to grieving loved ones, providing them with a celebration of life that truly honors your memory. Pre-need funeral services, including cremation services in Urbandale, IA, offer a sensible, thoughtful, and considerate solution for end-of-life planning. The team at Iles Funeral Home is dedicated to guiding individuals through this process with compassion, respect, and professionalism. If you’re considering pre-need funeral services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Iles Funeral Home. Their dedicated team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process, providing support every step of the way. Call them today at (515) 276-4567 to discuss your pre-need funeral planning options.
Understanding the Wide Range of Available Veteran Services Posted on July 24, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes Honoring Those Who Served As a nation, we hold a deep appreciation for the brave individuals who have served in the military. Recognizing their sacrifices and contributions, it is essential to understand the wide range of veteran services available to support them and their families. In this article, we will explore the various services offered to veterans and their families, highlighting the importance of honoring their service. Funeral homes offering cremation services in Des Moines, IA are dedicated to assisting veterans and providing compassionate support during their final arrangements. Military Funeral Honors One of the most significant services available to veterans is military funeral honors. These honors are provided to eligible veterans and can include the folding and presenting of the American flag, the playing of Taps, and a rifle salute. Funeral homes work closely with military organizations to ensure that these honors are carried out with the utmost respect and dignity, paying tribute to the veteran’s service. Burial in National Cemeteries Veterans have the option to be buried in national cemeteries, which are hallowed grounds dedicated to those who have served their country. These cemeteries offer a final resting place that is beautifully maintained and perpetually cared for. Funeral homes can assist families in navigating the process of arranging burial in national cemeteries, ensuring that all necessary documentation and arrangements are handled appropriately. Veterans’ Benefits and Entitlements There are various benefits and entitlements available to veterans and their families. These can include financial assistance, healthcare benefits, educational benefits, and more. Funeral homes can provide guidance and support in understanding and accessing these benefits. They can help veterans and their families navigate the paperwork and documentation required to ensure that they receive the entitlements they deserve. Veterans’ Support Organizations Numerous support organizations are dedicated to serving veterans and their families. These organizations offer a wide range of resources, including counseling services, employment assistance, housing support, and more. Funeral homes can connect veterans and their families with these organizations, providing access to the additional support and assistance they may need beyond the funeral service. Personalized Veteran Tributes In addition to the specialized services available, funeral homes understand the importance of personalized veteran tributes. Each veteran has a unique story and deserves to be honored in a way that reflects their individuality and service. Funeral homes can assist families in planning personalized elements, such as incorporating military insignia, displaying medals, or creating photo displays that showcase the veteran’s military journey. Support for Families Finally, it is crucial to recognize that the families of veterans also require support during their time of loss. Funeral homes offer compassionate care and guidance to families, helping them navigate the complexities of funeral arrangements and supporting them in their grieving process. They understand the unique needs of veteran families and are dedicated to providing the necessary assistance during this challenging time. The range of available veteran services is extensive, honoring the sacrifices and service of those who have served in the military. Funeral homes offering cremation services in Des Moines, IA are committed to supporting veterans and their families, providing specialized services, personalized tributes, and compassionate care. If you or your loved one is a veteran in need of assistance, contact Iles Funeral Home at (515) 276-4567. Their experienced team is ready to provide the support and guidance you deserve.
The Rising Popularity of Direct Cremation: Exploring the Reasons Posted on July 17, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes Understanding Direct Cremation Direct cremation is a funeral option that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional funeral services, direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a formal viewing or ceremony. The cremated remains are then returned to the family. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the rising popularity of direct cremation and its advantages. Funeral homes in Des Moines, IA are well-equipped to provide direct cremation services and assist families during this process. Cost-Effectiveness One of the primary reasons for the growing popularity of direct cremation is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional funeral services can involve significant expenses, including embalming, caskets, venue rentals, and more. Direct cremation eliminates many of these costs, making it a more affordable option for families. Funeral homes can offer direct cremation services at a lower cost compared to traditional funerals, allowing families to manage their budget effectively during a challenging time. Simplicity and Convenience Direct cremation offers simplicity and convenience for both the family and the funeral home. The process does not require elaborate funeral arrangements, allowing families to focus on the grieving process without the added stress of planning a formal service. Funeral homes in Des Moines, IA streamline the direct cremation process, handling the necessary paperwork and logistics, providing a hassle-free experience for the family. Flexibility in Memorialization Contrary to the misconception that direct cremation eliminates the possibility of memorialization, it actually provides families with greater flexibility in how they choose to remember their loved ones. After the cremation, families can hold a memorial service, scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, or choose to keep the urn in their home. Funeral homes in Des Moines, IA can assist families in planning memorial services or offer guidance on alternative ways to honor and remember their loved ones after direct cremation. Environmental Considerations The rising awareness of environmental sustainability has also contributed to the popularity of direct cremation. Unlike traditional burial methods that involve embalming chemicals and the use of land for cemeteries, direct cremation has a smaller environmental footprint. Cremation reduces the use of land and minimizes the use of resources. Funeral homes prioritize eco-friendly practices in their direct cremation services, ensuring a more sustainable approach to funeral arrangements. Changing Attitudes and Preferences Society’s attitudes and preferences towards funeral traditions have evolved over time. Many individuals and families are seeking more personalized and non-traditional options for their final arrangements. Direct cremation aligns with these changing preferences, offering a simpler and more individualized approach. Funeral homes recognize the importance of providing diverse options, including direct cremation, to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of families. Professional Support and Guidance While direct cremation offers simplicity, it is still important to have professional support and guidance during the process. Funeral homes, such as Iles Funeral Home, have the expertise and experience to provide compassionate assistance and ensure that the direct cremation is handled with care and respect. Their dedicated team can answer questions, address concerns, and provide families with the support they need during this time of loss. The rising popularity of direct cremation can be attributed to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity, flexibility in memorialization, environmental considerations, and changing attitudes and preferences towards funeral traditions. Funeral homes in Des Moines, IA understand the advantages of direct cremation and can provide families with the necessary support and guidance throughout the process. If you are considering direct cremation or have any questions, contact Iles Funeral Home at (515) 276-4567. Their compassionate team is ready to assist you and ensure that your loved one’s final arrangements are handled with care and dignity.
The Power of Personalized Memorials: Honoring Unique Lives Posted on July 10, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes Embracing Personalization in Memorials When it comes to honoring the lives of our loved ones, personalization plays a vital role in creating a meaningful and heartfelt tribute. Personalized memorials allow us to celebrate the unique qualities, passions, and accomplishments of the person we have lost. In this article, we will explore the power of personalized memorials and how they can provide solace, healing, and a lasting legacy. Funeral homes offering cremation services in West Des Moines, IA understand the significance of personalization and can assist in creating truly memorable and personalized tributes. Reflecting the Individual’s Personality Personalized memorials reflect the individual’s personality and capture their essence. Whether it’s incorporating their favorite colors, displaying their cherished possessions, or showcasing their hobbies and interests, these elements help create a tribute that feels authentic and deeply meaningful. Funeral homes can work closely with families to understand the unique aspects of their loved one’s life, ensuring that the memorial truly reflects who they were as a person. Incorporating Meaningful Symbols and Rituals Symbols and rituals can add profound symbolism and meaning to personalized memorials. Whether it’s a religious symbol, a personal emblem, or a cultural tradition, incorporating these elements can honor the person’s beliefs, values, and heritage. Funeral homes can help families identify and integrate these meaningful symbols and rituals, allowing the memorial to serve as a true reflection of the person’s identity and journey. Customizing Visual Elements Visual elements, such as photographs, videos, and slideshows, can play a significant role in personalizing memorials. They offer an opportunity to showcase special moments, memories, and milestones from the person’s life. Funeral homes have the expertise to help families create visually stunning presentations that celebrate the unique story of their loved one. These visual elements serve as a powerful reminder of the life lived and provide comfort to those left behind. Interactive and Engaging Activities Personalized memorials can incorporate interactive and engaging activities that encourage participation and evoke memories. This may include storytelling sessions, memory sharing, or even creative workshops where attendees can contribute to a collective artwork or keepsake. Funeral homes can offer guidance and ideas for incorporating these activities, fostering a sense of connection and shared remembrance among attendees. Giving Back in Memory Personalized memorials can also provide an opportunity to give back to the community in memory of the person who has passed away. This may involve organizing charitable events, establishing scholarships or funds, or participating in volunteer activities aligned with the person’s passions and values. Funeral homes can assist families in identifying and organizing these acts of kindness, allowing their loved one’s legacy to live on through positive contributions to society. Creating Lasting Legacies The power of personalized memorials lies in their ability to create lasting legacies. They serve as a testament to the person’s life, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who attend. Funeral homes, such as Iles Funeral Home, understand the importance of personalized memorials and can provide the necessary support and guidance to help families create meaningful tributes that honor and celebrate their loved one’s unique life. Personalized memorials have the power to honor and celebrate the unique lives of our loved ones. Funeral homes offering cremation services in West Des Moines, IA are dedicated to assisting families in creating deeply personal and meaningful tributes. If you need guidance and support in personalizing a memorial for your loved one, contact Iles Funeral Home at (515) 276-4567. Let their compassionate team help you create a lasting tribute that beautifully captures the essence of your loved one’s life.
How to Create a Cremation Plan that Reflects Your Values and Beliefs Posted on June 26, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes Planning for end-of-life arrangements is an important and deeply personal process. If you have chosen cremation as your preferred option, creating a cremation plan that reflects your values and beliefs allows you to leave behind a meaningful legacy. Cremation provides flexibility in personalization, allowing you to design a service that honors your life, values, and wishes. With the guidance of cremation services in Urbandale, IA, you can navigate the planning process and ensure your final arrangements align with your unique preferences. In this article, we will explore how you can create a cremation plan that reflects your values and beliefs. Reflecting on Your Personal Values and Beliefs Before creating your cremation plan, take time to reflect on your personal values and beliefs. Consider what is most important to you and how you want to be remembered. Think about your spiritual or religious affiliations, cultural traditions, and any specific rituals or customs that hold significance in your life. Understanding these aspects will help you shape a plan that aligns with your core values and beliefs. Selecting the Right Cremation Services Provider Choosing the right cremation services provider is crucial in creating a plan that reflects your values and beliefs. Look for a reputable provider in Urbandale, IA, such as Iles Funeral Home, that offers personalized and compassionate assistance. Research their offerings, ask questions about their approach to customization, and ensure they can accommodate your specific requests and preferences. A supportive and understanding provider will guide you through the planning process and help you create a meaningful cremation plan. Customizing the Cremation Ceremony One of the advantages of cremation is the flexibility it offers in customizing the ceremony. Determine the type of ceremony you envision and how you want your life to be celebrated. Consider elements such as music, readings, speeches, or personal tributes that reflect your personality, achievements, and values. Discuss these ideas with your cremation services provider who can assist you in incorporating them into your cremation plan. Memorialization Options Memorialization provides an opportunity for loved ones to honor your memory and find solace. Explore various memorialization options that resonate with your values and beliefs. These can include scattering your ashes in a meaningful location, creating a personalized memorial plaque or headstone, or even opting for a living memorial such as a tree planting. Discuss these options with your cremation services provider who can provide guidance and assist you in making informed decisions. Communicating Your Wishes Creating a cremation plan that reflects your values and beliefs involves effective communication of your wishes. Share your plans and preferences with your loved ones, ensuring they are aware of your desires and the reasoning behind them. Consider documenting your wishes in a will or advance directive to provide clarity and avoid any potential misunderstandings. Open and honest communication will help ensure that your cremation plan is respected and carried out according to your wishes. Conclusion Creating a cremation plan that reflects your values and beliefs is an essential part of end-of-life planning. By reflecting on your personal values and beliefs, selecting the right cremation services provider, customizing the ceremony, exploring memorialization options, and communicating your wishes, you can design a plan that truly honors your life. Cremation services in Urbandale, IA, such as Iles Funeral Home, can provide the guidance and support you need throughout this process. Contact Iles Funeral Home at (515) 276-4567 to receive compassionate assistance in creating a cremation plan that reflects your unique values and beliefs.
Tips For Maintaining A Memorial Garden Posted on May 22, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes When you go with cremation services in West Des Moines, IA for a loved one’s final services, it’s an honorable thing to do for them. Once that process is complete, you can do whatever you want for them. Many families have a memorial service, for example. You might want to honor your loved one in other ways, too, like by creating a memorial garden. If you did just that, you will want to maintain that memorial garden as the years go by. Here are a few things you will want to do. Remove Leaves in The Fall The leaves are going to fall in the autumn and you are going to want to enjoy the colors, but also remove the leaves from the memorial garden area. You can blow them out of the garden, rake, or gather them in bunches and put them into bags for disposal. Leaves often make good mulch, so you could crunch them up and use them as plant coverage over the winter months, too. Protect Plants In The Winter Some plants are meant to die out in the winter and you will simply replace them when the spring comes around. Other plants might need to be dug up and stored over the winter. And then, there are plants that will come back on their own in the spring. However, the Iowa winters can be harsh and you might need to protect the plants that are more sensitive to the snow, frost, and cold temperatures. That might mean covering certain plants with insulated cones, placing mulch on top of the plants, or simply covering the area with a cloth and stamping it down. The plants can flourish the next season when treated right in the winter. Add New Life In The Summer During the summer months, you might want to add a little color and new life to the memorial garden. Add some beautiful annual flowers around the edges, surrounding the memorial bench, or in other areas of the garden. If you have bushes or other things that have died out, remove and replace them. Summer is prime planting time and a great time to make changes to the garden as a whole. Prune In The Spring In the springtime, it’s a good time to take notice of what winter did to the memorial garden. You will want to prune back dead branches, replace flowers that need replacing, and perhaps add some new things. This is a good time to plant seeds that can grow into the summer months as well. If you have created a memorial garden for your loved one after their cremation services in West Des Moines, IA, you are going to want to keep that garden looking nice as the years go by. It can be a great way to honor them in an ongoing way. Gardens can be a lot of work, though, and you can ask family, friends, and others to help you maintain things if you need the help.
Do You Need To Ship Cremated Remains? Posted on May 15, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes When a loved one passes on, you want nothing but the best for them and that might mean moving towards cremation services in Urbandale, IA. Cremation is an honorable way to go and it allows you to have options that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Cremated remains, for example, are very portable. You can take them wherever you want to go in a car, you can travel with them by plane, and you can even ship them. Here are some reasons you might need to ship cremated remains. The Next Of Kin Lives Elsewhere Perhaps you took care of a loved one’s cremation services, but that persons next of kin actually lives in another area and they can’t make it to your region to pick their loved one up. You can certainly ship the remains to their next of kin so that person can have a memorial, figure out the final resting place, and so on. You Want To Distribute Them To Other Family While you were in charge of the cremation services, you might want your loved one’s remains to rest among other family members. You can split their remains up into mini-urns and then mail them to the proper family members. Each person can display the remains in a place of honor, scatter them, bury them, or do something else with them that they feel that person would appreciate. Shipping the remains can help you cut down on your own travel while you get your loved one where they need to go. Someone You Know Lives Somewhere Special For A Scattering You want your loved one to have a final resting place in the ocean, or perhaps atop or near the mountains that they loved. But you live nowhere near those places and have no plans of traveling to them any time soon. If you know someone in those places, you can send your loved one to them and have them scatter the ashes in that final resting place. They can have you on a video chat to be part of the service or send you pictures of the process. Your loved one will ge the final resting place you wanted for them. You Want To Send Them Ahead To Your New Location If you are going to move, you might want to ship your loved one remains since the hustle and bustle of moving can be a lot. You want your loved one’s remains to be safe and secure the whole time and it’s important to ensure that they get where you are going without being disturbed. When you are going about getting cremation services in Urbandale, IA for a loved one, you will want to take your time figuring out what else you want to do for them once that process is complete. You could ship their remains for a variety of different reasons. Get details from the cremation provider or perhaps the mailing professionals. That will help you to get your loved one where you want them to go.
Reasons To Journal When Grieving Posted on April 10, 2023 by ilesfuneralhomes When a loved one of yours passes on and you have cremation services in Des Moines, IA for them, you might want to take up journaling as a way to help yourself through the grieving process. Here are a few reasons you might feel that journaling will work well for you, or, at the very least, is worth a try. -To Give Yourself A Safe Place To Vent You are going to be talking to family and friends a lot, and perhaps venting your emotions to them quite a bit. But you might also want to have a safe place to vent other things that you can’t bring yourself to say out loud. You might want to complain about the burdens you are under right now, talk about how angry you are at the situation, and other such things. The journal is a safe place where you can let it all out. -To Record What You Are Going Through Grief is hard and it’s going to take whatever path it wants to take. As you journal, you are recording what you are going through, and that can help you to understand what stage of grief you are in, perhaps show you how things are going, and simply give you something you can look back on when you want to remember memories of your loved one that you recorded in writing. -To Allow You To Look Back And See Progress It’s never easy to grieve and you are going to go through good times and bad times as you chart your path to a new normal. But you are going to progress, even if you can’t see the progression upfront. Look back through your journal, perhaps, and see the progress you have made. You might recognize that when you first learned your loved one passed on, you couldn’t sleep at night and now, you are getting a full eight hours in on a regular basis. When grieving was at its worst, you couldn’t go an hour without crying and now, those crying bouts are reduced to a few per day. Seeing the progress can help you motivate yourself to continue down your path to healing. -To Help You Cope On The Bad Days When the rough days come, and they will, having your journal can help you to get through them. You can look back at how things were and the progress you made. You can read through memories you recorded of your loved one. You can write out what you are feeling and wonder why you feel like you are going backwards down the wrong path again. You can cope when you have something to turn to and the journal can give you just that. When you are grieving, the professionals that helped with your loved one’s cremation services in Des Moines, IA are there for you, no matter how much time has passed. They have resources that can help you, like counselor suggestions, grief support group times and locations, and other such things