Category: Our Blog

If you’re a bride who’s tired of your wedding dress gathering dust in your closet, consider giving it a second life as a charitable donation. The benefits are twofold – you’re helping others who may not be able afford a new gown and you’ll free up some storage space in your closet! Many bridal boutiques and charities accept dress donations. But it’s important to research a specific organization before dropping off your dress. Some require a certain level of cleanliness and some have different guidelines for the condition and age of dresses they accept. One of the most well-known dress donation charities is the Goodwill, a household name that’s familiar to most Americans. Goodwill is a nationwide organization that accepts nearly any clothing item, including wedding dresses, and sells it in its thrift stores for a reduced price. It then uses the proceeds to fund its various charitable programs and initiatives. Another dress donation organization is the Brides for a Cause, a small business based in Florida that accepts dresses year-round from brides across the country. After a dress is donated, the company makes any needed alterations, cleans it, and places it back on the rack for other brides to buy. The organization also offers a unique service called Shared Dream Dresses where it matches brides who are looking for their dream dress with donors that have available dresses. A third option for donating a wedding dress is The Brides Project, a nonprofit bridal boutique that helps support families who have a loved one with cancer. The boutique’s eco- and budget-friendly wedding dresses are sold to help pay for services like counseling, support groups, and other resources. The Emma and Evan Foundation is a nonprofit that helps grieving families of infants who’ve died. The organization repurposes wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and prom or formal gowns into infant burial gowns, bonnets, and other keepsake items. They then make these items available for free to families who’ve lost an infant. When it comes to donating your old wedding dress, don’t be afraid to get creative! A simple hem can turn your dress into a stunning cocktail dress that you’ll be proud to wear at your next special occasion. When deciding on whether to donate your old dress or resell it, consider the amount of time and energy you want to invest (listing on multiple websites, interacting with potential buyers, etc.). If you choose to donate your dress, it’s a good idea to dry clean it before packing it up so that it arrives at the charity pristine. And don’t forget to include a value on your donation! Whether you’re including the dress’s original cost or the estimated retail value, it’s worth the extra step to protect your donation.

When a baby is born prematurely or is stillborn, the heartbroken parents often find their babies are dressed in tiny white gowns. The outfits, a gift from an organization in Texas, help honor the lives of the little ones who will never leave the hospital. But not everyone has a seamstress in their life to make the gowns. That’s where volunteer seamstresses like Diane Wright come in. The Grandview United Methodist Church member has gathered a group of 44 seamstresses from across South Jersey to create angel gowns that are donated to hospitals, infant loss organizations and funeral homes. As a labor and delivery nurse for 37 years, Wright has seen the pain that comes with losing an infant. A grandmother of five, she knows the loss a family suffers and hopes the angel gowns will bring some comfort. The idea of sewing the gowns started when Wright’s granddaughter, a nurse practitioner in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University of Pennsylvania, shared an article with her. The Huffington Post article told of a nonprofit called NICU Helping Hands that uses repurposed wedding dresses to sew angel gowns for infants who won’t leave the hospital, including those who are born prematurely or die due to complications from prematurity or other causes. Wright’s granddaughter, who also is an accomplished seamstress, suggested she start a similar group in her community. Wright contacted the NICU at her hospital and other local groups to get the word out. She started by posting on Facebook, and the idea caught on. Almost immediately, Wright’s group had members offering to take wedding dresses and other materials to turn them into the little angel gowns that are donated to area families. Each dress can produce up to 20 angel gowns. “That’s amazing,” Wright said. “One bride’s dress can give a family of four so many.” After seeing how popular the angel gowns have become, Wright decided to expand the group’s reach by creating kits that include the fabric needed to make one gown. She hopes more people will want to join her. “People think this is too much work,” she said. “But the time investment is not as big as you think.” Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is dedicated to providing quality healthcare in Long Beach and the surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide compassionate care and healing for every patient, visitor and family member. To learn more about our services and to see how we can help you, visit our website.

For many parents, the death of their child has been a difficult time for them and their families. Making decisions about a funeral, burial or cremation can be a very emotional and confusing time for everyone. However, a child funeral is an opportunity to remember the life of your loved one and celebrate their journey through life. Children are wise, resilient and often more creative than adults might think. Including them in funeral arrangements can be a very positive experience and will help you and your child come to terms with their loss. It will also allow others to see the beauty, hope and light that life, even in its smallest form, brings. Depending on their age and temperament, your child might choose to attend the funeral service or not. If you decide to take them, be sure to prepare them for the experience. Explain that it will be a sad event and they might see people crying. If they do not want to go, that is completely fine and okay too. If you are going to take your child to the funeral, consider asking them to be a part of the ceremony by helping with readings, singing or giving a speech. This is an excellent way to make them feel important and validate their thoughts and feelings. It can also help them to connect with their family members and siblings who might not have been present at the time of the death. It is a good idea to take your child to visit the crematorium or cemetery ahead of time so they know what to expect. You might also ask them if they would like to release butterflies or balloons at the funeral or memorial service. Some families choose to include a teddy bear or favourite toy in their baby’s coffin. Others choose to include a special picture, poem or letter. Other options might be to include some of your baby’s favourite music or songs at the ceremony, a poem or story, a piece from their birth certificate, a photograph of them as a newborn or infant and their footprints. Funerals can be very long and boring for children and a hush bag of activities and snacks might help them to stay calm and quiet. It is also a good idea to protect them from fawning sentimentality. Aunt Bertha’s tears and hugs can be very upsetting for a young child. If your child is overwhelmed at any time, it is a good idea to ask someone to take them out for a short period of time. This will give you the chance to sit with them and talk. They might have more questions than you were expecting so it is a good idea to prepare answers ahead of time. You might also like to consider asking a trusted friend or relative to be their funeral buddy. This can free you up to attend to your own needs while knowing that they are in safe hands with a familiar face.

A newborn needs a lot of clothing. It may seem overwhelming, but by choosing versatile basics in neutral colors and adding in special occasion outfits, you can build a baby wardrobe that will make your little one the most stylish on the block. When shopping for baby clothes, choose ones that are made of soft, natural fabrics that will feel comfortable against your infant’s skin and get softer with every wash. Avoid any fabric that is scratchy or irritating, as it can cause rashes. Look for stretchy or elasticized waistlines and necklines that will fit comfortably without slipping or shifting. Bodysuits and onesies are essential for babies, as they offer a good amount of coverage to help protect baby from germs and sun exposure, and they have snaps on the bottom that allow you to quickly undress baby for diaper changes without needing to fully remove their shirt. For extra warmth, you may also want to consider getting long-sleeve kimono-style tops that can be worn over their diaper and have the added benefit of keeping baby’s back and tummy covered. For wintertime, you’ll want to stock up on sweaters, ponchos, windbreakers, or parkas to keep your baby warm. You may also want to add in a few pairs of footie PJs and gowns for bedtime. For outings, you’ll want to have some warm jackets and a toasty blanket for baby to wrap up in. Babies have a difficult time self-regulating their temperature, and too many layers can cause them to overheat or become fussy. Stick with lightweight materials that can be layered, such as cotton muslin. This material is not only soft, but it allows your baby to move easily and provides ventilation when they are overheated. In addition to layering, you’ll also need a few dresses or shirts that can be worn alone or over a romper. For summertime, a light dress or short-sleeved romper in a fun print is an ideal outfit for sunny days. You may also want to pick up a couple of matching sun hats for your little bundle of joy. While it’s helpful to have a variety of clothing options, you can also save time and money by buying a few pre-matched two and three-piece sets from brands like Target’s Cat & Jack line. You’ll find a large selection of colors and styles at wallet-friendly prices that will help you get all the essentials for your newborn’s first year.

Dalam dunia permainan online, slot demo telah menjadi salah satu cara terbaik bagi para pemain untuk merasakan keseruan tanpa harus mengeluarkan uang sungguhan. Khususnya bagi penggemar permainan dari Pragmatic Play, akses ke akun demo slot memungkinkan Anda untuk menjelajahi berbagai jenis permainan slot yang menarik dengan kesempatan untuk menang hingga x500. Ini bukan hanya sekadar hiburan, tetapi juga peluang luar biasa untuk memahami mekanisme permainan sebelum bertaruh dengan uang. Pragmatic Play dikenal dengan inovasi dan kualitas permainannya yang tinggi, menawarkan berbagai tema dan fitur yang membuat setiap permainan slot demo menjadi pengalaman unik. Dengan adanya slot demo gratis, Anda dapat mencoba berbagai strategi dan menemukan slot mana yang paling cocok untuk Anda, tanpa tekanan finansial. Mari kita eksplorasi lebih dalam tentang dunia slot demo ini dan bagaimana Anda bisa mendapatkan keuntungan maksimal dari pengalaman bermain ini. Mengapa Memilih Slot Demo? Memilih slot demo menjadi pilihan yang menarik bagi banyak pemain, terutama bagi mereka yang ingin mengenal lebih jauh tentang permainan tanpa harus mempertaruhkan uang nyata. Dengan slot demo, pemain dapat mencoba berbagai jenis permainan, termasuk yang ditawarkan oleh Pragmatic Play, tanpa risiko finansial. Ini memberikan kesempatan untuk memahami mekanisme permainan, fitur, dan potensi kemenangan yang dapat diperoleh. Selain itu, akun demo slot memberikan akses ke game yang biasanya hanya tersedia untuk pemain yang melakukan deposit. Pemain dapat menikmati pengalaman bermain yang sama seperti di versi real, tetapi dengan uang virtual. Ini adalah cara yang sangat baik untuk mengevaluasi apakah suatu permainan cocok untuk Anda sebelum memutuskan untuk bermain dengan uang sungguhan. Tidak hanya itu, kehadiran demo slot yang gacor juga menjadi daya tarik tersendiri. Banyak pemain yang melaporkan kesenangan saat memainkan game demo yang menunjukkan peluang jackpot besar. Dengan potensi menang yang mencapai x500, slot demo menawarkan pengalaman yang seru dan mengasyikkan, membuat setiap sesi permainan penuh antisipasi tanpa tekanan kehilangan uang asli. Kelebihan Pragmatic Play Pragmatic Play dikenal sebagai salah satu pengembang permainan slot terkemuka di industri perjudian online. Salah satu kelebihan utama dari Pragmatic Play adalah variasi tema dan desain yang menarik. Mereka menawarkan beragam pilihan slot demo yang memukau, mulai dari tema klasik hingga tema yang lebih modern. Hal ini memberikan pengalaman bermain yang tidak monoton dan memungkinkan pemain untuk menemukan permainan yang sesuai dengan selera mereka. Selain itu, Pragmatic Play juga sangat memperhatikan inovasi dalam fitur-fitur permainan. Banyak slot demo dari mereka dilengkapi dengan mekanisme bonus yang menambah keseruan saat bermain. Fitur-fitur seperti free spins, simbol liar, dan pilihan taruhan yang fleksibel memungkinkan pemain untuk meraih peluang menang yang lebih tinggi, termasuk kesempatan untuk mendapatkan jackpot hingga x500 kali lipat dari taruhan awal mereka. Kelebihan lainnya adalah kemudahan akses pada akun demo slot. Pragmatic Play menyediakan akun demo yang memungkinkan pemain untuk mencoba berbagai slot demo secara gratis tanpa perlu melakukan deposit. Ini memberi kesempatan bagi pemain untuk memahami mekanisme permainan dan strategi yang dapat diterapkan tanpa risiko kehilangan uang. Dengan slot demo yang anti rungkad, pemain dapat menikmati pengalaman bermain yang lancar dan menyenangkan. Tips Memaksimalkan Peluang Menang Untuk meningkatkan peluang menang saat bermain demo slot, penting untuk memahami mekanisme permainan dengan baik. Luangkan waktu untuk menjelajahi berbagai jenis slot yang ditawarkan oleh Pragmatic Play. Dengan memainkan akun demo slot, Anda dapat menguji berbagai strategi dan mengenali simbol-simbol kunci yang sering muncul, sehingga Anda bisa lebih siap saat bermain dengan taruhan nyata. Selain itu, manfaatkan fitur-fitur bonus yang ada dalam slot demo. Banyak permainan dari Pragmatic Play menawarkan putaran gratis atau bonus lain yang dapat meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang. Cobalah untuk bermain slot demo gacor, yang biasanya memiliki tingkat pengembalian pemain yang lebih tinggi. Ini akan membantu Anda dalam memahami kapan waktu terbaik untuk memicu bonus dan memaksimalkan hasil dari setiap putaran. Terakhir, jangan ragu untuk mencoba berbagai pengaturan taruhan dalam akun demo pragmatic. Dengan banyaknya pilihan taruhan, Anda bisa menemukan kombinasi yang paling sesuai dengan gaya bermain Anda. Berlatih dalam demo slot gratis memungkinkan Anda untuk mengatur strategi tanpa tekanan dari risiko kehilangan uang, sehingga Anda dapat lebih fokus dan menikmati permainan sambil terus berlatih untuk meningkatkan kemampuan Anda. slot demo gacor

When a person dies, their family members choose clothing to dress them in for their funeral. The choice of attire is often influenced by a number of factors including cultural norms, religious beliefs, and personal style. While the choice may seem daunting, with careful consideration and thoughtful planning, families can select attire that honors their loved one’s memory. Traditionally, burial clothes lean towards formal attire. For men, this often means suits and ties and for women dresses and skirts. However, many people have more casual style preferences, and choosing burial clothing that reflects these preferences can be meaningful. While the task of selecting burial clothing can be difficult, it’s important to remember that funeral attire should reflect the deceased’s personality and personal taste. It should also honor their final journey and respect any religious or cultural guidelines you may wish to follow. When selecting burial clothing, it’s important to choose items that will be easy to put on. This will make the process for those who are grieving emotionally and physically as stress-free as possible. For this reason, it is often helpful to choose clothing that is lightweight. In addition, the fabric should be soft against the skin and comfortable to wear. Burial gowns are designed to be easy for funeral directors and loved ones to dress the deceased in. They are similar to hospital gowns and may have a design that resembles a dressing gown or smart night gown. They have high necklines and long sleeves, which ensure that body blemishes caused by illness are not visible. They can be purchased for both men and women and are available in a variety of attractive fabrics and colors. In addition to a burial gown, a shroud is another type of cloth that is used to wrap the deceased before cremation or burial. Shrouds are usually woven with linen and cotton, and can be filled, draped, or folded around the body. They can be customized with embroidery, lace, or beads to create an elegant appearance that is appropriate for a service. An antebellum burial costume might have looked a bit like a bride. In 1868, Helen Edwards wrote in her diary that a 20-year-old woman who died at a Springfield, Illinois, church was dressed “in a bridal gown of the finest white merino and with a rouche of tulle about her neck.” Historically, families have dressed their loved ones for the funeral service out of love and respect. In the past, this could have included a tailored suit or a favorite dress. For some cultures, however, a shroud was considered to be more respectful. Whether you decide to choose a burial gown or a shroud, it’s important to consult with your spiritual leader or other knowledgeable individuals to ensure that you are choosing the best clothing for your loved one. Then, you can feel confident that your decisions are honoring their wishes and celebrating their life.

Many wedding gowns are worn just once, and end up in a closet or in storage after the big day. But donating them isn’t only a great way to give them new life, it’s also environmentally friendly. According to GreenDrop, when clothing is thrown away it takes years to break down in a landfill and releases toxins into the air. By donating your dress you’ll help reduce your carbon footprint and make room for more clothes that you actually wear. It’s not just bridal dresses that can be donated, other types of formal wear such as prom and evening gowns are also welcome donations at some charities and thrift shops. While some may have different rules on the minimum age of a dress, most places will accept used items that are still in good condition. It’s recommended that you clean your gown before donating it, but some charities and thrift stores will offer this service for a fee. In addition to bridal gowns, some charities also accept used bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, as well as accessories like veils, hats, shoes, and jewelry. Some of these charities have specific requirements on the age and condition of a gown, so it’s important to check their website ahead of time. For example, NICU Helping Hands, which accepts donated wedding dresses in the form of infant burial gowns for grieving families, will only accept gowns that are less than two years old. Another organization that accepts used wedding dresses is Brides Across America. It’s a national nonprofit that outfits military and first responder brides with the wedding dresses of their dreams through its Operation Wedding Gown program. Fill out this online form with details about your dress to find out if it meets the charity’s acceptance criteria. If you don’t want to donate your gown, you can also repurpose it into home decor items or a cherished keepsake. You could cut the fabric into a fun throw pillow, a baptism or confirmation dress for your child, or even make a DIY wedding bouquet out of it. Some of these charities will also let you take your gown with you when it’s ready to be picked up, which is helpful for those living in a COVID-19 quarantine zone. However, most will ask that you bring a donation box, and it’s a good idea to label the box with helpful information about your dress so that it doesn’t get confused with other donations. Donating your wedding gown to a local charity will give it a second life, but if you’re looking for something more unique, consider taking your dress a step further and traveling to an “Angel Gown” group. These groups are comprised of volunteer sewers who create infant burial gowns, or “Angel Gowns,” out of wedding dress donations for grieving families who have lost a baby. There are a few of these groups in New York, including Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, an hour north of Albany.

The loss of a child is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences parents can endure. Across the country and around the world, people are coming together to support grieving families by sewing wedding gowns into beautiful infant burial dresses – known as angel gowns. When a woman in Garden City, Michigan, lost her baby at 34 weeks, she turned to the community for help. She began a small but profoundly meaningful initiative that turns used wedding gowns into burial clothing for babies who don’t make it home from the hospital. Now, more than 7,000 angel gowns, blankets and headbands have been made, thanks to volunteers who have donated their time. In the US alone, more than 626,000 babies die during stillbirth or miscarriage each year – that’s one every minute. The grieving process can be so long and so traumatic, and many families struggle to find comfort when their arms are left empty. The gowns are meant to provide a moment of peace and beauty, making the family feel like their baby is still present. NICU Helping Hands, a non-profit in Akron, Ohio, is the first organization to offer this kind of service nationally. After a Facebook post last year asking for bridal dresses, NICU Helping Hands received about 40 that seamstresses repurposed into angel gowns and other burial attire for babies too early to come home. Now, the nonprofit has gowns from all over the world and is connecting with hospitals to distribute them. Lisa Grubbs is the organization’s placement coordinator, helping grateful hospital staff connect with these wonderful seamstresses to place gowns in the hands of bereaved families. She’s also an advocate for the program, spreading the word about the impact of this beautiful work. Grubbs, who has a master’s in nonprofit management and worked in program evaluation for Goodwill EasterSeals, says that her experience with the dress donation inspired her to start a similar effort back home in Utah. She reached out to a seamstress in a developing country, followed her on social media and learned about her life. She was able to make a connection and send the dress along with other angel gowns to the little girl, now in her late teens. The seamstress took photos of the girls in their gowns and sent them to the mother, who posted a touching video of the moment. The video went viral, and the mother is now a regular contributor to the nonprofit. In addition to her volunteer work, she’s a real estate agent and homeschools her three kids in Cradock, Utah.

Dunia slot online kini semakin menarik perhatian banyak pemain, terutama bagi mereka yang mencari peluang untuk menang besar. Dengan hadirnya situs-situs slot gacor, setiap pemain memiliki kesempatan emas untuk meraih jackpot yang menggiurkan. Dalam artikel ini, kita akan membahas secara lengkap mengenai demo slot dan situs slot gacor yang bisa kamu jadikan pilihan. Mengetahui cara bermain dan memilih link slot yang tepat adalah kunci untuk meraih kemenangan dalam permainan slot online. Dengan memanfaatkan demo slot, kamu bisa berlatih dan menguji berbagai jenis permainan tanpa harus mengalami risiko finansial. slot gacor Mari kita jelajahi lebih dalam mengenai dunia slot online, mulai dari akun slot gacor hingga rekomendasi situs kawanslot yang dapat mendukung perjalanan bermain kamu. Mengapa Memilih Slot Gacor? Slot gacor menjadi pilihan utama bagi banyak pemain karena menjanjikan peluang menang yang lebih tinggi. Dengan RTP yang lebih baik, slot gacor menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang lebih menguntungkan. Banyak pemain yang melaporkan bahwa mereka mendapatkan kemenangan lebih sering saat bermain di mesin slot yang tergolong gacor. Hal ini tentu saja menarik minat bagi mereka yang mencari kesenangan dan keuntungan dalam bermain slot online. Selain itu, slot gacor sering kali menyediakan berbagai fitur bonus dan promosi menarik. Fitur-fitur ini tidak hanya menambah keseruan permainan, tetapi juga meningkatkan potensi keuntungan yang bisa didapatkan. Dengan adanya bonus putaran gratis atau multiplier, pemain dapat meraih kemenangan besar tanpa harus mengeluarkan banyak modal. Ini adalah salah satu alasan mengapa pemain semakin tertarik untuk mencari situs slot gacor. Keberadaan komunitas yang aktif juga menjadi faktor penting dalam pemilihan slot gacor. Banyak forum dan grup diskusi yang membahas pengalaman serta rekomendasi slot gacor. Dengan saling berbagi informasi, pemain dapat lebih mudah menemukan link slot online yang terpercaya dan tepat. Komunitas ini menciptakan rasa aman dan nyaman bagi pemain untuk menjelajahi dunia slot online, termasuk mencoba demo slot gacor sebelum bermain dengan uang asli. Panduan Demo Slot Demo slot merupakan cara yang sangat efektif untuk mengenal permainan slot online tanpa harus mempertaruhkan uang asli. Dengan mencoba demo slot, pemain dapat memahami mekanisme permainan, simbol-simbol yang ada, serta fitur-fitur bonus yang ditawarkan tanpa risiko finansial. Ini adalah langkah awal yang penting bagi pemula yang ingin mengeksplorasi berbagai jenis slot gacor sebelum bermain dengan uang nyata. Salah satu keuntungan dari demo slot adalah memberikan kesempatan kepada pemain untuk menemukan slot yang sesuai dengan preferensi mereka. Terdapat banyak jenis tema dan gaya permainan yang bisa dijumpai, mulai dari slot klasik hingga video slot modern dengan grafik yang menarik. Dengan mencoba beberapa demo slot, pemain dapat mengidentifikasi slot online mana yang memiliki RTP tinggi dan peluang menang yang lebih baik. Saat memilih situs untuk bermain demo slot, pastikan untuk memilih situs slot resmi dan terpercaya. Situs seperti Kawanslot menyediakan berbagai pilihan demo slot gacor yang dapat diakses dengan mudah. Dengan menggunakan link slot online yang aman, pemain dapat menjelajahi berbagai permainan dan mencari tahu slot mana yang paling menguntungkan sebelum memutuskan untuk melakukan deposit. Rekomendasi Situs Slot Terbaik Saat mencari situs slot terbaik, penting untuk memilih yang memiliki reputasi baik dan menawarkan berbagai jenis permainan. Salah satu situs yang patut diperhatikan adalah Kawanslot. Selain menyediakan beragam opsi slot online, Kawanslot juga dikenal dengan sistem keamanan yang ketat dan pelayanan pelanggan yang responsif. Pengguna dapat menikmati pengalaman bermain yang nyaman dan aman dengan berbagai demo slot yang menarik untuk dicoba. Situs lainnya yang sering direkomendasikan adalah situs slot gacor hari ini. Situs ini menyediakan berbagai slot gacor yang dikenal memberikan peluang menang yang tinggi. Dengan RTP yang transparan dan slot yang mudah dimenangkan, pemain bisa merasakan sensasi bermain yang menegangkan sekaligus menguntungkan. Pastikan untuk memeriksa promosi dan bonus yang ditawarkan untuk meningkatkan pengalaman bermain Anda. Terakhir, jangan lupa untuk mengunjungi link slot online yang populer. Beberapa link slot gacor menawarkan akses ke permainan terbaru dan terpopuler dari penyedia perangkat lunak terkemuka. Ini memungkinkan pemain untuk menemukan slot demo gacor dan mendapatkan kesempatan untuk mencoba permainan sebelum bertaruh dengan uang sungguhan. Pilihlah situs yang memberikan respons cepat dan kualitas layanan untuk memastikan kepuasan bermain.

A child funeral is a ceremony that honors an infant who has died. This type of service can be more informal than a traditional funeral, but can still include the most important elements such as a memorial service and a graveside service. Families often choose to hold a child funeral for their baby at the place that is most meaningful to them, such as home, church, or their favorite park. Planning a child funeral can feel overwhelming. Below are a few tips to help families navigate this difficult time and make decisions that feel right for them. 1. Explain What Will Happen Be honest with your children about what will happen during the visitation, ceremony, and after-ceremony activities. Let their natural curiosity guide the discussion and provide them with as much information as they want to hear, such as what the room will look like (including an open or closed casket) and how long each part of the day will last. 2. Help Them Understand Grief It can be difficult to imagine how your child will react to seeing their sibling in a casket, but it is important to prepare them for this reality. Reassure them that their sibling will not be in pain and that it is ok to cry. Explain that their sibling’s body may look different than it did when they were alive and point out any visible marks, scars, or swelling. It can also be helpful to remind them that it is ok to touch their sibling but to be gentle. 3. Offer Options Many infant loss support groups suggest that parents should give their child choices when planning a funeral or memorial service. This allows them to decide how they would like to celebrate their life and can be very comforting to them. Options could include a thematic color, an honorary pallbearer, a video tribute, and so on. Some hospitals offer a memorial service for infants that is tailored to this special occasion, and there are also many funeral homes that can assist you in planning a service. 4. Ask for Help When planning a child funeral, it is important to reach out to friends and family for support. Ask for help from a trusted friend or family member to attend the services with you, as well as to help your child throughout the day if they need it. This person can also help you remember your child and celebrate their life by pointing out things that are meaningful to them, such as their favorite food, music, photos, or ways they want to be remembered. It is also a good idea to record or photograph the service as this can be helpful in the coming years when your child has questions or wants to view it again. Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish have excellent resources on explaining funerals, burials, and cremation to children.