“The act of living is different all through. Her absence is like the sky, spread all over everything.” – C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed
Where families can go for answers.
Print and share this planning guide with family, friends and your funeral director as you finalize your plans.
Reference Links
Someone you loved has died. You are beginning a journey that is often frightening, painful and sometimes lonely. No words, written or spoken, can take away the pain you now feel.
The following organizations are additional sources of information, education and referral that may bring you some comfort and encouragement as you make a commitment to help yourself heal.
Funerals and Related Matters – National Organizations and Support Resources
- International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association – http://www.iccfa.com
- Cremation Association of North America – info@cremationsassociations.org
- International Order of the Golden Rule – info@ogr.org
- National Funeral Directors Association – http://www.nfda.org
- Selected Independent Funeral Homes – http://www.selectedfuneralhomes.org
- Funeral Service Association of Canada – http://www.fsac.ca
National Self-Help Organizations and Support Groups
- AARP, Widowed Person’s Services – http://www.aarp.org
Independent branches of this organization can be found by searching online for Widowed Person’s Services and the name of your town and state. - American Association of Suicidology – http://suicidology.org
Information and resources; referrals to suicide survivor groups - Center for Loss and Life Transition – http://centerforloss.com
Resources, education and training, and referral for bereaved families; provides certificate program in Death and Grief studies for bereavement professionals - The Compassionate Friends – http://www.compassionatefriends.org
Information and resources for bereaved families who have experienced the death of a child - The Doug Center – http:// www.dougy.org
Information, education, referral and support for children and families; publishes a national directory of support programs for bereaved children - Share – http://nationalshare.org
Pregnancy and infant loss support - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – http://www.MADD.org
Education, resources and advocacy for bereaved families - Parents of Murdered Children, Inc – http://wwwpomc.com
Information, resources and support for bereaved families - National Hospice and Palliative Care – http://www.nhpco.org
- National Institute of Mental Health Public Inquiries – http://www.nimh.nih.govEducation and publications for families and professionals
