The holidays are often filled with pressures, and can be especially difficult for those who have recently lost a loved one.
It also can be a tough time for people who have lost a family member or friend — even if it happened quite some time ago and they’re still grieving that death.
To provide some help, Hodges Family Funeral Homes and Chapel Hill Gardens are extending an invitation to those who would like to attend a holiday service of remembrance.
The service will be on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., in the Chapel Mausoleum, at Chapel Hill Gardens, 11531 U.S. 301 in Dade City.
“This is our fifth year (offering the remembrance service) at Chapel Hill,” said Keith Williams, general manager for Chapel Hill Gardens and Hodges Family Funeral Home.
“Most of these families — this is their first year without their loved one. Their first Christmas, without their loved one. We want them to know that they’re not alone.
“There are other families that are going through that. We’re here for them.
“What the service consists of is some holiday music, some readings that we find are very encouraging.
“We’ve got a couple of people who come every year,” Williams said.
The service is open to anyone who would like a place to go and reflect about their loved one, and to be with others who also have suffered a loss.
“We know that it’s a difficult time,” he said. The service is intended to deliver the message: “You’re loved. We’re here for you.”
The service will last around an hour. There also will be some light refreshments afterward, and people are welcome to mix and mingle, Williams said.
While the service will acknowledge the reason for the Christmas season, it is open to people from all denominations.
“We don’t preach the gospel,” Williams said.
It’s a service that offers a place for anyone who just needs to come and be with likeminded people for the moment, he said.
No RSVP is required, but one would be appreciated and can be made by calling (352) 567-5571.
It often is difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving. Grief.com offers these suggestions to help navigate conversations that sometimes lead to unintentionally hurting someone we love.
The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief
- I am so sorry for your loss.
2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
3. I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in anyway I can.
4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
5. My favorite memory of your loved one is…
6. I am always just a phone call away.
7. Give a hug instead of saying something.
8. We all need help at times like this; I am here for you.
9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything.
10. Say nothing, just be with the person.
The Worst Things to Say to Someone in Grief
- At least she lived a long life, many people die young.
2. He is in a better place.
3. She brought this on herself.
4. There is a reason for everything.
5. Aren’t you over him yet? He has been dead for awhile now.
6. You can have another child still.
7. She was such a good person, God wanted her to be with him.
8. I know how you feel.
9. She did what she came here to do, and it was her time to go.
10. Be strong.
Published December 7, 2016
