Piedmont Personalized Memorial Services

Options for Bereaved Families

 Many changes have come about regarding the death industry, including how to mourn or celebrate a deceased family member or friend. The National Funeral Directors Association 2007 study showed that 23% of the respondents desired a very personalized funeral.

The Emerald Event Center is a facility truly celebrating a loved one because of the compassion, care and uniqueness they offer our community; one significant factor being great value meeting individual budgets, seating anywhere from 100- 500. Because of the spatial options, memorial and funeral services could be held in the same room for a more intimate setting, as opposed to a church and a funeral home.

The covered patio can be easily decorated and offers an outdoor sitting area.

Most of the decor is offered, in-house by Emerald.

 

The Emerald Event center is also the home of Create a Cake Catering, where fresh, comfort food is offered. In the past, the center held an Irish memorial service, given by their priest and meal where guests were fed favorite foods made from recipes family members provided for the cooking staff. A full bar was offered as well, because an ABC license is held by the center. A radio, Irish music cd’s, mementoes and personal stories about the gentleman were exchanged in a private room, where even the children felt comfortable to exchange memories of their Uncle. A Celebrate Life cake was also personalized with a picture and mementoes dear to him.

 

Beautiful Altars can be created.

For a beloved Veteran

For bereaved families of pregnancy and infant loss, the facility may be an option if the couple does not belong to a church or out – of- town family members will arrive at a later date. Angelversary cakes can be personalized to reflect the baby’s gender, nursery theme, zodiac sign, and birthstone, to recognize and honor the child. The Emerald Event Center will also be able to accommodate the last-minute decision to use their facility. Click here, how to help plan for baby loss.

Unnecessary driving miles can be avoided, by having the service, memorial, and meal in one place. If you would like to take a tour of the center, call 336.691.000.

Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal

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Jewish Law-Pregnancy Loss Rituals

Rabbi Dickstein has led the Conservative movement to establish new legal responses that carry with them the full authority of Jewish law. Here are the major points of this new practice:

1. In the case of a full-term pregnancy, when an infant dies for any reason, at any time after birth, its parents and other family members should be obligated for full bereavement practices, just as for any other child. The parents should recite Kaddish for 30 days and should observe yahrzeit. Young siblings have no oblig­ation to say Kaddish, and post-bar/bat mitzvah siblings should be encouraged to use the traditional rituals to work through the many feelings they have.

2. The body should be buried in accordance with Jewish practice. The funeral should follow standard practice with appropriate readings of comfort in place of a eulogy. Parents should be encouraged to attend the funeral, as should family and close friends. The funeral should be held as soon as possible, although if the mother wants to attend, burial may be delayed until she recovers enough physical strength following the delivery to attend.

3. If the infant was not named prior to death, it is usually given a name at the grave. The name may be the one the parents intended to use for their child (although this might be difficult for the surviving grandparents whose own parents may have been remembered with this name), or they might choose a name like Menahem or Nehamah, names that indicate a desire for “comfort.” There are two reasons for the naming: a) according to Jewish folk tradition, giving a name will enable parents to “find” their child in the world to come; and b) psychologists consider the prac­tice of naming to be an important help in healing the parents’ grief.

4.  If the information gathered from an autopsy can help determine the advisability of future pregnancies for the couple or of treatment of diseases to which other chil­dren of the couple might be susceptible, it should be allowed, even encouraged.

5. A complete shiva should be observed, beginning with the meal of consolation and including daily prayer services for the mourners. Communal participation in the shiva makes real this loss and overcomes the tremendous isolation the parents feel. If things had turned out differently, the community would have been there for visit­ing the baby and welcoming it with Jewish birth rituals. The family whose newborn dies should not be denied its community. It is also extremely important, especially for the father, to allow permission to do nothing else but mourn during the shiva period.

6. The father and the mother should be treated equally as mourners. Both parents will react differently to the loss, [but] it is partic­ularly important for the father to recognize his loss, for it is no less real than the mother’s. When the father is treated as a mourner, he is relieved of the burden of “being strong” for his wife. He has a specific set of ritual tasks to do that encourage him to confront the magnitude of his loss in all its dimensions.

7. In the case of infants born prematurely, there is still debate within the Law Committee on how to define “viability.” Some, including Rabbi Dickstein, argue that between five months and thirty weeks the decision concerning mourning might be made by the local rabbi and the parents.

Certainly, there may be those who feel the centuries-old practice of not mourning a neonatal death could be more comforting than engaging in the whole ritual of Jewish bereavement. But for those who desperately need a vehicle for grief, this recent ruling allowing for the mourning of newborns is indeed a welcome development.

Dr. Ron Wolfson is the Fingerhut Professor of Education at American Jewish University and the president of Synagogue 3000.

Jewish twist on parenting

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Energy Reading for a Stillborn Angel

An energy reading and a very detailed interpretation of the reading were presented to me by Janet Nestor, holistic healer and author of Pathways to Wholeness.

Janet is a supporter of Just a Cloud Away, Inc. Journal offering articles not typically accepted by mainstream society. If you are willing to open your mind to the possibilities, please do consider speaking with her regarding your losses.

Because my son died at birth, any memorabilia, pictures, descriptions are very much welcomed. A few photographs were taken of him at birth, clipping of hair, ashes, foot and hand prints and it just isn’t enough for a mother. Below is an energy reading where Janet connected with my little angel on August 3rd, 2010.

Tanner, son of Diana Gardner-Williams

Tanner has a whole lot to say. His senses are all operational from the spirit realm. His is connected to spirit, his listening ears are wide open for communication. He has a lot to say about a lot of things.

The blue orb at the third eye…inner eye. He is like a magnet. He intuits everything and is able to process through the center better than any others. His vision is full spectrum vision. He sees everything on all at once….many levels of seeing and understanding and had the ability to communicate what he sees and understands.

Colors:

Peach-he is social. Likes to be part of the mix. Also patient and kind and you can feel his love and compassion without hardly trying. He is shadowy in structure, but when he communicates you can hear and communicate with him.

Light pink/lavender-He is vibrant. He has a lot to say/intuit/process. He likes where he lives and is exactly where he is supposed to be. This is his world. He is comfortable within his world. He knows his way around.

The light blue in his energy field-it is his level of permanence. He is ever-present in your life, will remain ever-present in your family life as long as this family exists. He is part of the family and enjoys his interactions. He has a sense of humor. He can pop in and out and does.

His spiritual body seems to be a thought form. He is light and airy. He has great wisdom, which he will share if you listen to what he has to say. It is not infant wisdom, but wisdom of spirit that is collective in nature. He really does not seem to be identified with his human body at all. He is identified with his spiritual being and that life.

Notice his eyes and the fact that they appear alert. They are alert. The line through his eyes is a boundary of sorts. Reflects his deep insights. He will not interfere in what is not his to see and hear. He stays back unless invited. He is not hesitant. But he is respectful of privacy and of his role. As a child one might have called him timid, but not silent. Shy, but not withdrawn. Funny, but not a clown and center of attention.

The only thing he misses is the ability to cuddle. He would have loved touch and still likes touch although it is not the same. He will snuggle in close to you if he can…almost feel like a part of you. You might notice when he is around because he likes to be so close. He would loved to be noticed in those moments, but he does not seek to be noticed.

He is both child energy and very wise energy all rolled up into one spiritual being. His identity in this life is one of infant child. His spirit identity is ages old. A lovely mix of innocence and aged wisdom.

I cannot thank you enough Janet. These words are precious to me and gives my being another purpose and understanding of my child. This is tangible and will be cherished upon my alter for him.

 

Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™Journal thanks you for providing resources for our community.

Janet Nestor will be signing copies of her book on Friday January 14th at Chanel Lace Hair Gallery-2011. Beautiful wigs for women on a healing journey, click here for more information

More information on energy readings, click here

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Re-touched Old Photos Lasting Forever

I had the pleasure of meeting Anna and William Heroy of Old Photo Specialists while delivering Just a Cloud Away, Inc.™ Journals in Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. The shop is absolutely beautiful and nostalgic with photos, each with a story gracing their walls.

 As a surprise, William offered to create a forever photograph of our stillborn son. My husband and I often replace Tanner’s photograph in his memory garden due to fading from the sun.

Many people are unaware of the product William offers in his studio. The photographs are reproduced on archival material resistant to fading and water. The photos can even be displayed without inserting into a glass frame. They would make a wonderful sympathy gift.

One of the 12 photographs we have of our little angel is so precious, I choose this one for William to work with. He did not re-touch Tanner’s picture, but now we will always have this picture and never have to reproduce it again.

William also printed a short poem found in Tanner’s scrapbook pages.

Pictures like this are priceless, thank you William.

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Loss of a Pregnancy or Infant-Triad, NC

Support is available for bereaved families of pregnancy and infant loss in the Piedmont Triad Area. Heartstrings  is our local non-profit working with families who have lost a pregnancy or baby from conception to one year of age. This is done through a variety of supports designed to help them grieve, mourn, and begin to reconcile themselves to the death of their baby as well as cope with the emotions of a subsequent pregnancy.

The 6th Annual “Walk to Remember” of 2010 was held at Triad Park in Kernersville, NC. Families come to remember their children who briefly came into their lives and forever in their hearts.

The morning was beautiful and perfect for remembering angels.

T-Shirts were provided for the walkers.

Tammy Councilman is our local photographer representing the non-profit, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Handmade Quilt by families of the babies passed.

The children are missed and remembered.

Every year symbolic ornaments are presented to the parents, which are then hung on a tree while the baby names are read.

This year, a butterfly.

Many sponsors provide refreshments, signs and donations.

Many people walk the 1 mile track to honor babies and their families.

To help those comforting bereaved parents of pregnancy and infant loss, please take a few minutes to answer a few questions to be published within Just a Cloud Away, Inc. Journal. It is only by sharing our experiences, will others know how to comfort those walking in different shoes. We thank you for your time.

Journals are published online at, Read Journals Online.

Peace Love and Hugs from Above

Diana Gardner-Williams  publisher

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Comforting Bereaved Parents of Pregnancy Loss

 

 

 Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal is our community paper addressing loss, healing, memorials and proactive living. Founded by a mother, whose stillborn son is an integral part of the family today.

They are looking to educate society by providing articles within the journal addressing questions below. The journey of loosing a baby or pregnancy is devastating; however, if one has not walked in these shoes, it is difficult to comprehend. Please contact Diana@justacloudaway.com with answers to these questions (you may remain anonymous). Feel free to comment directly onto this post as well.

1. Have you experienced any signs from your child/children?
2. What words or actions of others comforted you the most?
3. How can people help you in the future to honor your child?
4. How have you memorialized your baby/babies?
5. How have you described your loss to other living siblings?
6. When people ask, “How many children do you have?” what is your response?
7. Has the loss of your child/children changed your spirituality?
8. Men and woman grief differently, do you have any suggestions to help other couples understand these differences?
9. How do you acknowledge the Angelversary (day child passed)

10. Would you be interested in attending a casual paper crafting workshop at the Emerald Event Center, on a Friday night from 5-11? The location is 2000 East Wendover Ave, where supplies are provided to create memorials. More information is provided at http://www.justacloudaway.com on various ways to remember and memorialize our angels.

Please help increase awareness of pregnancy and infant loss. If you are located in another state other than North Carolina, please note in your answers and thank you.

Peace …..Diana

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Creating Love Memorials-Workshop

Workshop for Families-Creating Love Memorials™ in Greensboro, N.C.

Are pictures sitting in a box with journals, recipes, or other handwritten memorabilia of loved ones passed? Bring your keepsakes to create beautiful works of art with your own hands, where no experience is necessary and all supplies are complementary.

 Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal and other local organizations are sponsoring the first Creating Love Memorials™ Workshop for families. Feel free to bring any 2 dimensional papers, fabric or tags to incorporate, whether from a loved one or beloved pet. Professionals will be on site in the craft area to assist children in creating paper keepsakes.

Adults will have the opportunity to design an awareness ribbon for the cause of their choice. Below is a ribbon for a Grandmother with Alzheimer’s Disease.

A Love Memorial™ is a keepsake or sympathy gift, going beyond the typical cards, flowers or food. It is a thoughtful creation showing compassion for each specific situation. Many samples will be provided, including; pressed flowers, metal, jewelry, scrapbooking, woodwork, decoupage, gardens, stone, glass, photography and photo montages. Community resources will provide literature on babysitting classes, support forums, alternative funeral options and more. Also joining us are local animal rescue groups with adoptable pets. Our fire and police departments will share safety tips.  After school food and beverages will be served. Energy work sessions will be offered, and music performed by Jennifer Cockman during the workshop.

Thursday September 23rd

2000 East Wendover Ave. from 3-6pm

 Bring and share your own memorial keepsakes. These may be an inspiration to someone else.

Come and meet our resources (click for more information)

• Just a Cloud Away, Inc.™Journal- Our community paper addressing loss, grief, memorials and proactive living
• Power Home Technology– protecting families
• Larry Pearman Law– wills, estates, adoptions
• Chadwick Insurance Group– major medical, Medicare, disability
• Nixon Photography & Photo Montages– keepsakes & meaningful art
• Create a Cake Catering & Celebrating Life Cakes
• Emerald Event Center– memorials, weddings and other occasions
• Janet Nestor-Holistic Healer -healing naturally, energy table sessions
• Diana Digs Dirt-Landscape Design, Installation, Consultations, Speaker
• Soloist-Jennifer Cockman– vocalist with soul
• Chihuahua Rescue & Transport, Inc.– adopt a new friend
• Heartstrings-Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support– you are not alone
• Triad Mommies- Support Forum– discussing all topics dealing with motherhood
• Police and Fire Department-on site Fire Truck and safety literature
• Lucky Cat-Pet/Home Sitting
• Goforth Travel– spiritual retreats, singles, & more
• Friends of Penny Min Pin Rescue– adopt a new buddy
• Feral Cat Assistance Program, Inc.– adopt a new companion
• Greensboro Beautiful– green memorials
• Goodwill Industries-Workforce Development– getting back into the workplace
• Potscapes-indoor and outdoor decor
• The Word Project -poetry healing
• Personalized Treasures – engraved keepsakes
• Take Shape for Life– no 1 solution to weight loss-Angela Howard
• Cindy’s Cleaning Service
• Professional Time Savers– Beth Watts
• Weight Watchers-Burlington Area

More resources include

• Ameriprise Financial- planning for the future
• Colonial Life- employee benefits counselor
• New York Life- life insurance protecting families
• GDR Credit Solutions- affordable help for those in need of improving credit scores

It is never too late to remember……………..

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What is an Angelversary

Angelversary n. 1. is a word created by a bereaved parent denoting the annual date of a baby’s death, either early in pregnancy, stillbirth, or shortly after. This day is just as important to a bereaved parent as a birthday, and many are marking both birth and death on the same day. While “anniversary” might work, that often seems too celebratory a word for this kind of day. Angelversary is our answer to describing the most difficult day during the year.

 These are suggestions and ideas for Angelversary days.

♥ Release balloons or butterflies

 ♥ In-name-of Gift -You can buy a star named after your child or give a financial contribution to a deserving charity

♥ Visit child’s resting place – You can spend this day visiting your child’s gravesite, memory garden, site where you spread your child’s ashes, or any number of places that hold special meaning to your family and remind you of your child

♥ Take baby someplace new – We believe your baby is with you in some spiritual way.  If you too believe this, you may like the idea of taking your baby someplace new each angelversary.  You can take pictures at that location and compose a scrapbook of all the places you visited in honor of your special angel baby

♥ Send a letter to family and friends – Sharing the memory of your child can be especially important and healing.  One way to do this is to send a letter to your family and friends with special memories and thoughts you have of/for your child

 ♥ Adopt a pet – Pets are great healers and need your love. Perhaps now is the day you want to choose an addition to your family

 ♥ Living object – You can plant something in honor of your beloved child.  The choices of what to plant are quite plentiful and if you don’t have space at home you can plant in a community garden, pot or memorial garden.

 by Basil Augusta

Some information provided by www.alovingjourney.org and www.kotapress.com

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Terragen Nursery-Unique Plants for Greensboro

Greensboro and surrounding areas can enjoy a unique supplier of plant material, Terragen Nurseries, Inc.

They are located in Browns Summit. Just take 29 North to 150, make a left on 150, make a left on Summit Ave and you cannot miss Terragen Nurseries on the RIGHT.

You know I am a sucker for roses and they have plenty, even the double bloomers.

Knock out roses make excellent hedges

Yes, they have yellow knock out roses. They only require 6 hours of daylight.

These roses bloom from spring until frost with little maintenance. This is a perfect memory garden plant because of its hardiness.

Carolina jessamine vine to ramble over a fence, up a pergola, down a slope. This beauty is evergreen and the blooms are intoxicating in the spring.

Gorgous Grasses Too!!

Plumbago

This hot red mandavilla vine is the perfect choice for spanish style gardens or landscapes with other warm colors like; orange, coral, and yellow flowers.

Hibiscus

Tropical plants like agave are offered at the nursery

Don’t forget the ferns for your shade gardens. They are also suitable as foundation plantings (some are also evergreen). Ferns add great contrast because of their unique textures.

Terragen Nurseries offer many varieties of palm trees.

Plant material as a sympathy gift is appropriate for bereaved families. Terragen nursery offers trees, shrubs, vines, tropicals, perennials, annuals, and indoor plants.

Stop by and I guarantee you will not find customer service more pleasant and you will leave with your hands full of goodies.

Thank you to our newest advertiser, David Miller for contributing to Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal

Peace

Diana

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Mothers Day Recognizes All Mothers

Mothers Day is typically a joyous time where mothers are treated like queens by their children. What happens on this day when the children are deceased?

Mothers Day is different for some families.

What could have been, is not.

There are numerous books regarding pregnancy and infant loss from all perspectives. Unfortunately, most people reading them are only those directly affected. If others took some time to look over these resources, when or if a tragic event occurs, they may be the shoulder of comfort for the bereaved parents.

Definition of a mother: a female person, whose egg unites with a sperm, resulting in the conception of a child. Mothers Day is arduous for women who have lost their babies due to society’s view for a day of happiness and appreciation. Many women forego church due to the sadness of not having their child present and unsure whether to stand while being recognized by members. Mothers long for acknowledgement, even if in private.

Tracey Holyfield, founder of Heartstrings, suggests sending a thinking of you email, card, or phone call, recognizing her and her baby. Making donations to Heartstrings, Haven of Hope and Healing or March of Dimes in the child’s memory is another kind gesture.

Tracey purchased stackable rings for her deceased twins and other living children on her first mother’s day. Surviving the first year is twice as difficult because while mothers are grieving, communicating needs to family and friends is also necessary and exhausting.

It is a testimony of love by the numbers of families attending yearly pregnancy and infant loss events each year to remember the babies who briefly stayed.

Bereaved parents are able to compose a quilt square in remembrance of their children.

Some bereaved families will plan the day and exchange ideas with a spouse beforehand. This process may alleviate tension on an emotional day where feelings are easily hurt. Even if living children are present, the family is incomplete and mourning the baby.

Please think about all Mothers on Mothers Day

Peace Love and Hugs

Diana

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