Celebrations of Life

Expressing one’s condolences doesn’t have to be hard. A thoughtful message or heartfelt words can be of vast comfort and support for those who mourn the loss of a loved one. However, even if there is no need to complicate oneself, we can’t deny that what we say to someone who has lost a dear one is indeed a very sensitive and delicate manner. This post, in particular, is centered around what to say in relation to the loss of a father. The loss of a parent is one of the most difficult and wounding deaths anyone can experience. Losing a father can, without a doubt, leave someone completely devastated and in a very fragile state of mind and spirit. Fathers are often little girls’ first loves and act as guardians and protectors. For reasons like this and many more, it can be rather difficult to put together the right words that can truly express our sorrow and distress about the loss of a father.

Fortunately, we can count on the fact that well-intentioned and heartfelt messages will never fail to bring comfort and are unlikely to ever hurt those we love. With this in mind, here are 15 condolences messages written from a perspective of love and devotion for those we cherish, and a willingness to help others offer some degree of comfort and support for their grieving loved ones. Even if it is with something as little as warming their heart or getting a slight smile with a tender condolence message.

Below are  15 condolences messages to consider saying when it comes to the death of a father:

Losing a beloved pet is never an easy process or something any of us can prepare for. Finding the right words to comfort and support a loved one who is going through this type of transition is often a delicate and highly sensitive manner. Beyond all of our intentions and willingness to help them feel better, there are many times in which our message can cause further discomfort or be misinterpreted. When confronted with the news that a family member or friend’s pet has passed away, we need to be able to put ourselves in their shoes and not prompt them to rush their grieving process.

The truth is, pets often become part of the family, and their loss can be just as painful as losing a human loved one. With this in mind, below you can find 15 condolence message examples to let a loved one know whose dog has recently passed that you’re thinking of them and are sending your love and empathy to them during this time. 

15 Condolence Message Examples

1. I am very sorry for your loss. [Pet’s name] was very loved.
2. [Pet’s name] we’ll be greatly missed 
3. Wishing you all of the support and comfort during this transition.
4. I understand your pain and want you to know I’m here for you and wish to help with anything you might need.
5. Losing a member of the family is never easy. I’m thinking of you and sending my thoughts and prayers.
6. I know it’ll take time for the pain to ease. Please know that I’m here whenever you need someone to talk to. 
7. We’ll never forget about [Pet’s name. [He/she was a loyal companion and cheerful soul.
8. [Pet’s name] might no longer be here with us, but at least we have the memories to hold on to. 
9. Such a beloved and loyal companion like [Pet’s name] will always be remembered and stay alive in our thoughts and hearts.
10. My most sincere condolences as you go through this period and transition. [Pet’s name] was a loved member of the family and his/her departure has without a doubt left a dent in everyone’s hearts. 
11. I know it’s not easy losing a beloved pet. Please know you’re not alone and we accompany you in your loss. 
12. There are no amount of words that could take away the pain you’re currently experiencing, but please know you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
13. We like to believe dogs never die and will always take care of us no matter where they’re. Sending you all of our love and support.
14. The unconditional love of a beloved pet is hard to find. We’re very sorry for your loss. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the loss of a pet, we can always send a sympathy card, email, or flowers with a compassionate message to remind those who are grieving that they’re not alone and remain in our thoughts and prayers. As you write or get ready to express your condolences toward someone who is mourning the loss of a pet, try to refrain from comments like “You can get a new one soon” or “Pets come and go”. 

The death of one’s mother is one of the most heart-rending events to encounter in life. Regardless of the closeness of one’s relationship with their mother and the ages of the deceased and the relative, such an occurrence can leave the bereaved in agony and despair. Blood relationships are always special, but the relationship with a mother is even more profound. It is not only defined by love, care, and concern but also unconditional sacrifice in bringing one into this world and then fostering their growth. Sending condolences on such an occasion is a sensitive task as one needs to tread the thin line between not further hurting their feelings but also presenting sorrow for the great loss that has occurred.

If your relationship with the person whose mother has passed away is such that you feel you should attend the burial or memorial services, then consider attending. However, sending a heartfelt sympathy message, or saying condolences over a phone call can still be a good idea as it helps you express your love and empathy to the bereaved and that you are thinking of them in a difficult time like this. 

Even if your relationship with the deceased’s relative is of a professional capacity, it is still a good idea to make sure that your behavior isn’t too formal and instead help in creating a supportive environment for them with the right, heartfelt messages.

For many, a funeral service is a big part of their religious beliefs and traditions and serves as an occasion to make remembrance of the hope and faith they might hold. It is very common for funeral services to encompass generational traditions and rituals that honor the faith of the deceased. It’s not uncommon for burial ceremonies to be centered around hope for a better life after this one is over and the spiritual journey that awaits the one who has passed. For those that hold no beliefs in an afterlife, a funeral service entails something different.

If you have been recently invited to attend a secular funeral, we encourage you to go over this guide to help you understand a little more about nontraditional funeral services and what to expect as a guest. Continue reading to become familiarized with secular funeral customs and traditions as you learn about a different approach to funeral rites and final goodbyes.

Atheist Funeral Traditions

Atheists are known for their disbelief of the afterlife or a higher being. For this main reason, it’s very unlikely you’ll come across religious hymns or prayers, or even a priest or pastor when attending an atheist burial. For them, funeral services are more focused on the life of the deceased rather than what awaits him or her after. Secular funerals take heed on remembering the life of the deceased, the time spent together, and what he or she accomplished.

Buddhist funerals are unique in many aspects. They vary not only from family to family and different schools of Buddhism, but also according to their  country of origin. Samsara, the cycle of life, is the core of the Buddhist faith. This belief emphasizes that the rituals performed at a funeral help the deceased progress onto the next stage of their journey into the afterlife. Buddhist funerals range from more traditional to a combination of traditional and modern practices. 

Read on to explore the basics of a Buddhist funeral service, including its customs, traditions and etiquette to learn how to properly pay your respects. 

What is a Buddhist Funeral?

Buddhis funerals are centered around a focus of peace and serenity. While rituals can vary from family to family, usually the family of the deceased plans the funeral service and an altar for the ceremony. Buddhist funeral ceremonies are simple in their nature. Usually, a monk would oversee the services and guide the family through the prayers and meditation aligned with the traditional activities. The Buddhist funeral service usually ends with the cremation of the loved one. There are no strict, formal guidelines for Buddhist funerals so some families tend to blend Christian and Buddhist rituals.  

The Orthodox Christian Church, also referred to as Eastern Orthodox or Greek Orthodox Church, is the second-largest Christian Church. And although the Church can be found all over the world, Orthodoxy is mainly practiced in Greece, Eastern Europe, and Russia. Orthodox believers share a lot of their beliefs with the rest of the Christian Churches, acknowledging Jesus Christ as God, His resurrection, and finally His return. Many people have compared the Orthodox Church to the Catholic Church. However, both churches differ in many of their beliefs and views of the afterlife. 

As you prepare yourself to attend an Orthodox funeral service for the first time, we hope you find this quick guide about Orthodox funeral customs and traditions helpful in developing an understanding of how they remember and honor those who have passed.

The Orthodox View of The Afterlife

The Eastern Orthodox Church believes in the resurrection of the deceased, and when the time comes that soul and body will be reunited. They do not consider humans’ main purpose is to meet their final destination in heaven after death, but rather that those who pass meet with God until the final judgment when all who have died will be resurrected like Christ. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian sect with beliefs based on Christian Bible. They are known for proselytizing (inviting people to convert religiously) and prophesying the end of the world. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the church’s governing body. While their scriptures are based on Christianity, the followers strictly believe that God is not a deity but a person. 

There are other differences between this sect and other Christian sects as well. These include not celebrating pagan holidays, voting, gambling, or smoking cigarettes. Considering the many differences between this sect and the others, one may wonder what are the funeral customs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this article we’ll be covering a detailed account of Jehovah’s Witnesses funeral customs and traditions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Beliefs On Death And Afterlife

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs on death and afterlife differ from mainstream Christianity in two ways. First, they believe in the death of the soul and the body. Simply put, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the soul ceases to exist until the end of the world. Since the soul does not live on and their beliefs do not put emphasis on the body, the followers are encouraged to cut ties with the deceased. Second, they do not believe in Hell. The sect does not believe that God would subject His creation to suffering. Therefore, they do not fear death, instead it is considered a state of nothingness. Since mourning is uncommon, funeral customs such as wakes and sacrifices are usually avoided. 

Mormon funerals are generally viewed as celebratory opportunities, with a blend between a somber and joyful atmosphere. Mormons believe in the afterlife and choose to view funeral services as an inevitable transition that brings peace for those who have passed and brings them close to the source of life. Guests can usually expect songs, hymns, prayers, modest clothing, and family members who retain a spirit of hope during the service.

Beyond Mormon funerals and religious traditions, the ceremony serves as a reminder to those who mourn the loss that everything’s not lost and that there is more to experience in an eternal afterlife. It also provides loved ones of the deceased with comfort and helps make the transition easier as much of the decision-making is already established by the funeral customs and traditions. Without further ado, here is a detailed guide on what you can expect at a Mormon funeral. 

Mormon View of Death 

For Mormons, death is viewed as a separation of the spirit from the body, with the spirit remaining alive once the physical death has taken place. Mormons believe in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus’s atonement that has ensured eternal life for all who believe. Since Mormons firmly believe in the resurrection of Christ and Eternal life, they often refrain from wearing religious embellishment portraying a crucified Christ. When attending a Mormon funeral, you’d likely want to refrain from wearing a cross or crucifix necklace as this can be taken as a form of disrespect. Crosses are not a part of the Mormon faith.

New Orleans is vibrant. New Orleaners love celebrations and parades. And a New Orleans funeral service also exudes a celebratory funeral rather than a somber one. Jazz funerals in New Orleans celebrate the beauty of the afterlife. The funeral begins at a church or funeral home and proceeds to a cemetery. Mourners are accompanied by a band that plays music that starts off with a melancholy feel that turns into an uplifting tone, radiating hope and conviviality. 

With the same vibrant and enthusiastic nature of New Orleans funerals in mind, here is what you can expect while attending a New Orleans funeral. 

History of New Orleans Jazz Funerals

Jazz funerals of New Orleans are rich in cultural traditions. In West African culture, mourners express their sorrow loudly and vocally. By the end of the service, they laugh and celebrate, rejoicing in the spirit’s ascent into heaven. This aspect of West African culture found its home in New Orleans’s Jazz funerals with the music exemplifying a soulful blend of African and European influences. While this method of memorializing loved ones is still well-known in New Orleans, it is mostly restricted to honoring the passing of prominent community members. 

Traditionally, funerals were considered events where family and friends would come together to mourn and lament the loss of a loved one. They were somber occasions in which everyone was present to pay tribute to a loved one with an air of melancholy. They were far from a celebration or festivity.

In a traditional funeral ceremony, attendees typically don’t have the chance to say their final thoughts and feelings toward the deceased, nor does the deceased get the chance to hear and appreciate all of the poignant sentiments their loved ones have to say about them. As people have begun to realize how many exhaustive elements go into planning a funeral service and how it ends up being more for the living rather than the deceased, we are seeing new perspectives around what a funeral service should be or needs to be. As more and more people begin to embrace the concept of death as an inevitable part of life and the beginning of a new chapter, we are seeing a rise in the number of living funerals being hosted and celebrated. 

Thankfully, there are many reasons to have a living funeral and ditch the conventional customs and traditions, if desired, and get to have one big final celebration with those we love before it is time to say goodbye. Hosting a living funeral empowers the honoree to celebrate their final chapter on their own terms.  Here are 5 reasons to consider having a living funeral service to honor a loved one before their passing and celebrate their life and legacy however they wish.