Our Blogs

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Our loved ones are a big part of our lives and influence every aspect of it. We form deep and personal connections with each other and experience a considerable amount of pain if that connection gets lost. This pain is especially evident during the holiday season because this is the time for celebration with friends and family. It’s hard to feel the absence of a deceased loved one during family gatherings and parties, and that can make grieving difficult. Here are some ways in which you can deal with this grief during the holiday season:

1. Don’t rush through your grief

There’s no standard timeline or pace when it comes to grief. Some people adjust to the loss in a couple of months while others take several years to truly come to terms with it. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve as long as long as there’s no harm caused to you or others. Take your time and if you don’t feel like celebrating the holidays, don’t. Just step away for a while and most of your family and friends will give you some space.

2. Make new positive memories

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with holiday celebrations is the memories of spending time with the deceased loved one. The memories of experiencing the same traditions and social events with your loved one can cause a lot of pain. A great way to move past that is to create new memories. You can take a trip away from your home and explore other places during the holidays. If that’s not possible, go out with friends who are not connected to the loss. That will help you create great memories as well.

3. Create new holiday traditions

Replace traditions that you carried out with your loved ones with new traditions. For example, you can tick things off their bucket list, donate to charity in their name, watch movies or plays that you enjoyed with your deceased loved one, etc. New traditions can help you heal and remember, which can take the sting of their absence away for a while.

If you want some additional help and assistance with dealing the grief of losing a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call ​(888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Monday, January 8, 2018

When people hear about the concept of preplanning a funeral, it sometimes upsets them or makes them uncomfortable. But a larger number of people are now opening up to the idea of preplanning and pre paying for their own funeral. There are some distinct benefits to this such as:

• This process allows you to plan all aspects of your funeral. For instance, you can decide and state whether you want a burial or cremation, the type of casket you want or how the arrangements should be.
• Since you prepay for the funeral service and all the related expenses, it takes the burden off of your family. Depending on the type of service being held a funeral can become an expensive affair especially for families with modest means. This is why prepaying for your funeral is a good idea.
• There are times when different family members have different ideas about how the funeral service for their loved one should be; and in some cases, this can lead to unpleasantness and dissent between the family members as well. When you preplan your funeral, all the decisions are yours and that leaves no room for disagreements and unpleasantness. In many ways, it also takes away the stress or organizing for everything and making all the funeral service arrangements.

As you can see, there are a number of advantages to preplanning your funeral. If you feel that you want the service to be handled in a specific way or feel that your family may not see eye-to-eye when it comes to making all the arrangements, the time is now to preplan your funeral.

If you want some help and assistance for making funeral arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call ​(888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Funerals are difficult for everyone. The decedent’s family and friends are in deep mourning and can react negatively or feel pain at any perceived slight. It’s important to keep their feelings in mind and make sure you don’t do anything to offend them. At Franklin H. Rainear, we recommend the etiquette tips mentioned below:

1. Don’t be late

Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the funeral is due to start because you don’t want to disrupt the ceremony. Arriving early gives you time to find your seat, settle in, and even converse with the grieving relatives for a while. If you’re late despite your best efforts to avoid it, don’t draw attention to yourself. Slip in quietly and find a seat in the back row.\

2. Dress carefully

Don’t wear casual jeans, t-shirts, short-skirts, and bright clothing. It’s generally acceptable to wear black and dress in formal clothes. Men should wear suits with white or black shirts and women should wear black dresses or suits.

3. Consider words carefully

Most people stumble over their words and don’t know how to offer condolences. It’s not uncommon for people to say something unintentionally hurtful. The best way to avoid this to keep it simple with an “I’m sorry for your loss and is there anything I can do to help.”

4. Switch off your mobile phone

Switch your mobile phone off or keep it on silent mode before you enter the funeral home. Don’t attend to any calls, reply to messages, or even excuse yourself to take a call unless there’s a real emergency.

If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for your departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to contact us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

A eulogy is an expression of gratefulness and grief and a final goodbye in honor of a deceased person’s memory. It isn’t very easy to speak before all the people attending the service, especially since you haven’t had the time to come to terms with your loss. But eulogies offer comfort to family and friends, which is why they are so important. At Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC, we encourage families to consider saying eulogies for their dear departed. Some pointers you can keep in view include:

1. Don’t rush through it

Writing a eulogy can’t be rushed. You need to take some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle associated with a death in the family, to think about what you want to say. Focus on the interactions you have had with the person when he/she was alive and think about the things you want to share. It's important to get into the right mindset while writing a eulogy.

2. Keep the personal and memorable aspects in view

Rather than stating the successes and achievements of the decedent, shine the spotlight on the more personal aspects. The thoughts you share should have a more personal touch and you can talk about some special traits or habits that the person had.

Talk about their favorite music, quotes, movies, etc. These types of personal stories and anecdotes give the eulogy more meaning and depth.

3. Talk briefly about their achievements and career

You can talk briefly about the person’s career, education, and achievements. List things the person was especially proud of. For instance, if they worked very hard to achieve something, make a point to mention it. You can also speak of milestones such as professional successes, marriage, kids, and more

For information on our services, feel free to call Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, and LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Many people wonder whether they should attend a funeral or not. Funerals allow family and friends to say their final goodbyes to the deceased person. Everyone associated with the decedent has some responsibility & right to be present there. Here are certain tips that can help you decide whether you should go or should not go to a funeral:

You should the attend the funeral if:

• You are a family member or close friend
• You are a very good friend of any of the grieving family members but weren’t acquainted with the person that has passed away
• You don’t personally know the family but had a special relationship with the deceased person
• The family has informed you about the death and have asked you to be present

You shouldn’t attend the funeral if:

• Your presence there can cause family members & friends of the decedent any pain/discomfort.
• You weren’t acquainted with either the deceased person or his/her family members
• You live very far away from where the funeral is to be held and do not have the financial means to travel all the way there to attend the funeral. In this case, you can call the family members and offer your condolences.

If you are still in a quandary about whether you should or shouldn’t attend the funeral, just give a thought to how you would feel a couple of years down the line. Some people that skip the service end up regretting their decision at some point in the future. This is why it’s far better to attend the funeral, rather than regret it at a later date.

If you want some help and assistance for making funeral arrangements don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

When a loved one breathes their last breath, one of the very first things you need to do is contact a funeral director. This professional may run their own funeral home or could be part of an organization that provides different types of funeral services. A funeral director may handle a number of different things for a grieving family such as:

• Arrange for transportation of the mortal remains
• Prepare the decedent’s remains
• Provide embalming services
• Some funeral directors assist with applications for a veteran’s funeral benefits
• They may also provide assistance for resolving insurance claims on behalf of the deceased person’s family.
• Submit the required paperwork and legal documents such as submitting papers to state officials to acquire a formal death certificate.
• They might also notify federal insurance agencies of the individual’s death.
• Discussing details related to the funeral services with the decedent’s family.
• The funeral director will have discussions with the grieving family and establish the locations, timing and dates for the memorial service, burial and the wake.
• Help plan the funeral, making all the arrangements and handling the logistics for the funeral.
• Offer assistance with repatriation when needed.

Other Funeral Director Services

In addition, the funeral director will also handle other aspects such as determining whether the body should be buried, entombed or cremated. Since different cultures and religions follow varying funeral practices, this becomes a crucial aspect of the job. While some of these aspects may be managed by the family members, the funeral director will help them prepare the obituary notices and arrange for the pallbearers,

If you want some help and assistance for making funeral arrangements don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Monday, April 23, 2018

Death is intimidating, mysterious, and frightening. Most are hesitant to think about their own demise and what will happen after it. That can lead to a lot of problems later, especially if there are some conflicts in the family left behind. At Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, we encourage people to have an end-of-life conversation with their loved ones and here’s why:

1.Helps with healing

Discussing death, especially if it is imminent or likely to happen can help with recovery, reducing pain to some extent. The demise isn’t abrupt, unexpected, and people are prepared to handle it without becoming overwhelmed.

2.Plan for emergencies

Sometimes people lose their ability to make decisions before their demise. This can be because they’re not conscious, mentally unfit, or just too weak. In such circumstances, it’s important to appoint a trustworthy person to speak for you. This preparation can be made during end-of-live conversations as well.

3.Make funeral preparations in advance

Most modern funeral homes provide pre-planning services, so people can carry out funeral preparations in advance. You can choose between a cremation or burial, pick a location, choose a funeral home, and makes sure the end journey is according to your personal preferences. As most pre-planned funerals are paid in advance, the family left behind doesn’t have to bear this burden.

4.Assets and financial property

End-of-life discussions should also include dividing assets, funeral properties, and related responsibilities. This ensures there are no conflicts between family members later. Clear instructions drafted with a lawyer’s assistance can reduce the burden on families.

If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for yourself or departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Everyone experiences grief differently and take their time processing it. Some recover within months while others take years. There’s no right or wrong way to experience this, no set patterns or processes to go through for recovery. People have their coping methods so it’s important to give them space. While different individuals have different experiences, most go through common stages of grief. These stages were first established by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 30 years ago and they are:

1. Denial

When a loved one passes away, those left behind experience disbelief. It takes some time for reality to set in and denial to pass. People will first reject death, especially if it happens without warning.

2. Anger

Anger is an instinctive and healthy response to grief as it is an outlet for all pain locked inside. Bereaved individuals often experience bouts of frustration, rage, and helplessness, which shouldn’t be suppressed. 

3. Bargaining

At this stage, people attempt to determine how they could’ve avoided death. Questions like “did he receive the right treatment” or “should I have taken her to the doctor sooner” or “if they didn’t leave the house”, etc., will plague the mind.

4. Depression

This is where reality and acceptance start to come in. People experience intense pain along with a crushing sense of helplessness. This can last for months, if not years, as people will take their time to recover from it.

5. Acceptance

This is the final step where individuals accept their loss and look towards their future. They have made peace with a loved one’s demise, which allows them to reflect on the decedent with a positive mindset.

If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for yourself or departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Hospices offer essential care during end of life, helping patients on their final journey so they don’t experience too much discomfort. This essential care can reduce a patient’s stress, help them accept death and experience peace, and also help families deal with the situation with dignity. At Franklin H. Rainear Jr. Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, we recommend hospice care to all families because of the core philosophy of these establishments. Here’s what you need to know:

Focus On Minimizing Pain

Terminally ill patients experience a lot of pain and discomfort during their final days. This is no way to live, especially if you don’t have much time left. Hospices reduce pain through medication, messages, exercises, and other such proven methods. They make sure patients experience as little physical pain as possible.

Reducing Emotional and Mental Impact

Most people don’t realize terminally ill patients also experience five stages of grief. They go through denial, anger, helplessness, pain, and acceptance, which can take a significant toll on their mind and emotions. Hospice workers offer unconditional support during this emotional process. They make sure all terminally ill patients have someone to lean on while they struggle with the mental toll of approaching death. Hospice care providers will offer distraction, counseling, and even a friendly ear to help patients.

No Regrets

No one wants to spend their final days regretting or contemplating missed opportunities. Hospice care providers help patients tick off as many bucket list items as they can. This doesn’t just have to be traveling, reading a book, attending a concert, etc. It can also involve mending fences, healing relationships, or reconnecting with loved ones.

A hospice provides peace, comfort, and consistent care to ensure patients live their last few days in dignity. If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for yourself or your departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Not many people feel that they need to pre-plan their funeral and most aren’t comfortable with the process. This is especially true if they are hale and hearty and death is one of the things that’s farthest from their minds. However, there are a number of benefits to pre-planning your funeral.

We at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr. have helped many clients understand what is involved in the process and have assisted with planning their funeral in advance. Take a look at why it is a good idea to pre-plan your funeral:

1. Less Stress For Your Loved One

When someone passes the family goes through stages of shock and grief. Those that are closest to the person undergo a significant amount of stress. If they have to plan the funeral and organize the service, that can only add to this stress. In comparison, if you have preplanned your funeral, your family members only need to contact the respective funeral home. The funeral director there will manage all the nitty-grittys, so your family can focus on the other things they need to.

2. Your Funeral, Your Way

A pre-planned funeral will be conducted as for your wishes. For instance, if you choose to be cremated rather than buried, the funeral home will ensure that this instruction is followed without any question. There are times when family members have different ideas about how the funeral needs to be conducted. However, your beliefs and opinions will have to be honored when you have pre-planned your funeral.

3. No financial Burden On Your Family

It isn’t uncommon for funeral expenses to rise over time. When you pre-plan your funeral and pay for in advance, it helps save your family some money. The amount you pay would be based on the agreement that you have with the funeral home, and your family doesn’t have to pay anything at that point in time.

If you want some help and assistance with pre-planning a funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our online form or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

When a loved one passes away, it could be an extremely overwhelming and difficult time for the family and close friends. Aside from this, when it comes to planning the funeral service, there can be a disconnect between what certain family members want and what others don’t.

Things to Keep in View:

Some people have very specific ideas when it comes to how they want their funeral service to be handled, after their demise. This is why it becomes important to look for a good way to honor your loved one after their demise.

• If the decedent has made mention of exactly how they want their funeral to be, via a will, it’s important that you honor that wish and organize the service in that manner.
• Some people also preplan and pre-pay for their funeral. In this case, the family needs to ensure that the person’s wishes are taken into account and the funeral service is handled in that way.
• If the decedent wasn’t very traditional or conventional in their outlook and didn’t want a standard funeral, the family can consider the landing a celebration of life. This is a great way to honor the person’s memory and respect them.
• Aside from this, you can honor your loved one by doing something beneficial in their name. For example, you can donate something to their favorite charity, plant trees in their favorite garden or even dedicate a bench at a park they visit often.

Sometimes, the details that have been outlined by the person in their will, may be entirely different from what you had wanted for the service. Regardless of what you think, it’s important to focus on what the decedent wanted, and make sure the funeral and the service is in line with their wishes

If you want some help and assistance making funeral arrangements or would like to know more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our online form or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Funeral Innovations

Friday, August 31, 2018

There’s a crisis in our community caused by opioids and it’s time to stop ignoring the issue. It’s time to raise awareness of this tragedy!

An overdose is having too much of a drug (or combination of drugs) for a body to be able to cope with. All drugs can cause an overdose, including prescription medication prescribed by a doctor. Thousands of people die each year from drug overdoses, from all walks of life.

It is important to know your correct dosage, what drugs should not be mixed, and know to seek help if you feel you are not in control of your drug use.

It’s also critical to be there for your loved ones, neighbors, and community members - provide them the support they need and get them help when necessary.

Things to remember surrounding overdose and addiction:

• Drug overdose can be accidental or intentional.
• Overdose can happen to any person.
• The only way to address an overdose is with expert medical care.
• You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you can get help.
• It can sometimes be hard to see the signs of addiction.
• Individual treatment plans prove better results.
• You are not alone.

Each Year on August 31st:

“We talk about them, not because we’re stuck or because we haven’t moved on, but we talk about them because we are theirs, and they are ours, and no passage of time will ever change that.” – Scribbles & Crumbs

On August 31st, support those dealing with overdose, those who have lost someone due to overdose and to raise awareness for continued funding and research by wearing purple or silver.

Learn more about overdose prevention and addiction, visit:

• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Recovery.org

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

The way we eat, drink, love, and cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and sadness all play a big role in the state our mental health is in. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing the right thing for you, and not the easiest thing. And when you start to make unhealthy choices, it’s important to learn how to be strong enough to make changes.

 
If you’ve recently experienced a loss in your life, you may be tempted to distract yourself by turning to alcohol, drugs, or some other means to dull the pain. But using unhealthy coping mechanisms will not help you. They will only make your pain and stress more acute and will cause damage to other areas of your life in the process. Instead try taking it one day at a time and taking the following steps to process your guilt while remembering your loss.

 
Let Go of the Past

 
Death has a funny way of making you focus on the past. When you experience loss, you may immediately start to think of the times you had with your loved one and this is completely normal. If you find those memories are overwhelmed by regret, it may be time to re-evaluate your thinking. You can’t change the past, so it’s more important to think of how you can change your future. Instead of thinking about how you could have been better to the one you loved, think about how you can be better to the people who are still here. Put your heart into improving those relationships to turn your guilt into a positive in your life.

 
Make Memories, Not Decisions

 
It’s important to stick to a normal routine as much as possible but this should not apply to decision-making. You may have moments of clarity where you feel up to making big changes in your life. You may even think these alterations will help relieve your pain. Know that grief and drastic choices do not mix well together. Whether you feel it or not, your mind is not working efficiently when processing grief, so try and put off any big decisions, like moving or finding a new job, until you are further along in the grieving process.

 
Take the time you would spend on these decisions and find ways to honor your loved one. Maybe put together a scrapbook of your best times together or visit with their family and share some funny stories. This way you are spending energy on small choices that can relieve your grief and possibly help others as well.

 
Know When to Ask for Help

 
Grief takes time, and everyone experiences the grieving process differently. While grief doesn’t look the same for everyone, there are some common stages you should know. Be aware of how you work through your feelings and know when you are feeling stuck. If you feel like you just can’t move past your grief, after a length of time, it may be time to reach out for help. Share your feelings with someone you love and trust. You can also find a grief support group where you can open up about your feelings and find some resolution. When people grieve they can quickly fall into a depression, so don’t be ashamed to seek professional advice if you start to feel like you just can’t deal with the pain.

 
Grief can be overwhelming and can take over your life, if you let it. It may be awhile before you feel normal but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least feel like you have control. By being aware of your grief and staying in the present, you can help your heart heal and truly honor your loved one by living your life to the fullest.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Some Unconventional Ideas

Most are moving away from traditional concepts and are opting for more unconventional ideas such as:

• Cremation rather than burial
• Memorial services where no body is present
• Green burial services
• Home gathering and burial
• Scattering ashes at sea after the cremation
• A celebration of life
• A Themed Party

The Concept of Pre-Planning Your Funeral

If you have very strong ideas about wanting an unconventional funeral service for yourself, you should consider pre-planning your final wishes with a funeral home.

In this service, you would need to have a detailed discussion with the funeral director to plan your own arrangements in the way you want them. If you want an unconventional service, this is one of the best ways to ensure it happens. The decision is entirely yours, and if you don't want to leave the planning up to your loved ones but you still want them involved, you can always bring them along to a meeting with the funeral director to share your ideas and plans. Some family members may be uncomfortable with this, so don't force it too much. Rather extend the invitation and let them know you're ready to discuss your arrangements when they are. 

If you want some help and assistance with pre-planning your funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our online form or call us at (888) 213-4090. 

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

When a loved one passes away, the memories of this person linger for years to come. During festivities, these memories bring back the feeling of the presence of a person around. This also leads to a strong desire to do something in his or her memory.

Thanksgiving is an occasion to express our memories about the departed loved one. There are many ways in which we can allow our memories to pour out and feel a sense of peace during this time.

Memorializing At Home

You can display items like pillows, quilts, blankets, tablecloths, toys, stitched from the clothing of the deceased person. Seeing these around you can help create a comfort zone. These things remind us of our loved one even though we know they are not physically present. It's also a good way to use your creativity to preserve things that the departed person held dear to them. These DIY projects can help create mementos and heirlooms for the next generation.

Use Lamps And Photographs

Thanksgiving festivities offer opportunities to light special candles or decorative electric lamps in your home highlighting favorite photographs of the departed. It is evocative of precious memories as well as a way of honoring the memory of the loved one in a quiet way.

Gifting In Memory Of Your Loved One

You can make memorial gifts to give to family members and friends that valued their association with the departed one. Not only does it give you some peace but keeps your loved one’s memory alive in the heart of the receiver. It’s a very unique way to keep the memory of the decedent alive.

Do you have ideas for remembering your loved one during the holidays? We'd love to hear them. Tell us in the comments below. 

If you want some help and assistance with pre-planning a funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr. Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website. You can also call (888) 213-4090 for more information.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Friday, June 28, 2019

Attending a funeral can be difficult for many people. While it’s a way to show support to the family of the deceased and to say goodbye to the departed soul, some aren’t sure how they should offer their condolences. Here are four funeral etiquette tips you need to know:

• It’s important that you be dressed appropriately. The standard funeral dress code is formal wear, and that is something you should try to stick to. It isn’t appropriate to attend a funeral dressed in something casual like jeans and a T-shirt as that would be disrespectful. Even if you do not dress in formal attire, make it a point to wear something somber and in subtle colors.
   
• It’s also a good idea to arrive a little early to the funeral service. Arriving late can disrupt the ceremony, and it reflects poorly in you as well. Factor in aspects like traffic conditions etc. and make sure you reach the location at least 10-15 minutes before the mentioned time.
   
• Make sure that you do not keep any of your mobile devices switched on, or keep them on silent mode. Refrain from reading or sending messages while you are at the funeral. If you need to attend to an urgent call, step out of that place very quietly and receive the call outside.
   
• When you are offering your condolences, give some thought to the words you use. While it is important to say a few words to console the grieving family, it’s important that you show your support in the right way and do not blurt out anything inappropriate, insulting, or embarrassing.

If you want some help and assistance with planning a funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our online contact us form, or you can also call (888) 213-4090 for more information.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

The digital world has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and we have a lot of online interactions such as a social media accounts, payments portals, online shopping accounts as well as social media accounts and more that we commonly use. While all of these are conveniences for us, they are digital assets that need to be dealt with correctly after our death.

Why Is This Important?

This is very important because most of these platforms and accounts hold a considerable amount of visual and personal information. If these assets are not dealt with correctly after our death, it can result in any misuse, fraud, identity theft, etc.

It's why digital experts always recommend that you should keep these assets in view at all times and determine precisely how they should be dealt with after your death. The different types of digital assets that exist can include your debit and credit card accounts, any information that you have saved in the cloud as well as your smartphone information.

Online Accounts That Matter

As mentioned earlier, bank accounts, email accounts, as well as any information that you have saved on payment portals also become your digital assets. A Google account, Apple account, online trading accounts are some of the other avenues where you may have information stored.

It is crucial that you document all of these assets and keep a written record of the account details in a safe location. Make sure that a reliable and trustworthy family member, a very close friend, or even a legal expert has information about where you have stored these details. This information can come in handy when your family members are dealing with assets after your death.

For information on our services, feel free to call us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, and LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Friday, August 16, 2019

When you are organizing a funeral service, the funeral director is the person who helps with all the arrangements. But they don't just plan and help with the modalities of the event. In addition to helping with these aspects, they also offer comfort to the family of the deceased person.

They provide compassionate services and guide you with planning the funeral. They understand that their clients are going through a challenging time, and do their best to ease the entire process. These are some of the tasks they handle:

• Their primary duty is to manage all the aspects of the funeral service. They will have detailed discussions with you to get an understanding of what your preferences and requirements are.
   
• They will provide information related to the burial or cremation, and the other services they offer.
   
• If the decedent had pre-planned their funeral, they would make sure that the entire service is carried out as per the contract. They will also ensure that the family is kept in the loop about all these arrangements.
   
• They manage everything ranging from the flowers and transportation, to media presentations, obituaries and more.
• If you need clergy or celebrant services, they will help organize those too.
   
• In addition to all of these services, many funeral directors also have grief counseling experience. They are compassionate and empathetic and offer sound advice. All of these help the grieving family come to terms with their loss in a much better way.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, and a funeral director has a very comforting and stable presence in this stressful time. They provide some emotional support, practical advice, and all the assistance that families need while organizing a funeral service.

If you want some help and assistance with planning a funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our contact form or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Human beings experience grief in different forms and for various reasons. Grief caused by the death of a loved one is the easiest to understand. Death is final, and the grieving individuals eventually find a way to move on with their lives. However, sometimes, the end and resolution aren't so clear and final. At Franklin H. Rainear Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC, we understand the importance of dealing with ambiguous grief. Here are some tips that can help:

What is Ambiguous Grief?

Ambiguous grief happens when there’s no closure or resolution. There’s no dead body to bury or ashes to store. People experience this grief when their loved one is alive or when their status is unknown. This happens for many reasons, and here are some of them:

• The person is physically present, but their mind and spirit aren't, due to mental degeneration.
• The person is in a coma and shows no sign of waking up.
• The person is missing, and the loved ones have no clue regarding their whereabouts.
• The person has left voluntarily and decided not to maintain contact.

This form of loss has no closure, and people are unable to grieve properly. They are frozen in the denial stage and can't move on with their lives.

How Do You Deal With Ambiguous Grief?

The first step is to recognize and acknowledge what you’re feeling. You need to give it a name and think about how it affects you. The next step is to find a therapist or join a support group to help you move on. It is also a good idea to celebrate and cherish what you still have. The loved ones you still have will give you the strength needed to recover.

If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for yourself or departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear Jr.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Unfortunately, our lives will end at some point in time. However, very few people consider pre-planning their funeral. While some find the thought very uncomfortable, others don't give too much thought to it in the first place. However, pre-planning a funeral is an increasing trend, and many people are opting for this solution. There are many reasons to pre-plan your funeral well before you need it, such as:

• We never know when death will strike us, so pre-planning, when you can, is a good choice.
   
• When you pre-plan your funeral, you also prepare for all the services that you have chosen. It means your family does not have to worry about paying for your funeral service after your death. This can be quite a big relief for them because funeral services can sometimes be heavy on the pocket.
   
• When you pay for your funeral service in advance, you pay as per the service cost at that time. The prices are locked in once you sign the contract. It means you would never have to pay anything above that amount regardless of inflation and what the prices in the future will be. Pre-planning a service proves to be a cost-effective option for you.
   
• Once you plan everything, the funeral director will make all the arrangements after your death once a family member contacts them.
   
• Pre-planning a funeral is all about making sure that the service runs as you want it to be. Every person has specific ideas about how they want their funeral to be conducted. If you have firm opinions and beliefs on this matter, it is a good idea to consider this option.

If you want some help and assistance with pre-planning a funeral, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.

By: Franklin Rainear

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Death in the family and the way that people deal with it changes based on many aspects.  Regardless of the reason for the end, it can be very challenging for people to deal with their loss, especially during the holidays.  However, you should take this opportunity to create new holiday traditions that will honor your loved one. 

Indeed, many holiday traditions do not hold meaning once the person isn't with you any longer.  But you can always do different things that incorporate their memory, such as:

• Involve yourself in charitable activities and try to see how you can help someone in need.
   
• If your loved one had a specific charity that they donated to, take this opportunity to do the same.
   
• You can cook some unique dishes during the holiday season, such as the ones that your loved one particularly relished.
   
• You can also spend some time with all the family members that may be feeling lonely around the holiday season.
   
• Invite all your family members and organize a family reunion.  This gives you a certain amount of support as you are around people that care about you.
   
• The idea of doing these things is to create new traditions and not ponder upon your loss during this time.  All these traditions can include small aspects of the person you have lost, and this will bring you some solace from the extreme grief you are feeling.

If you want some help and assistance for arranging funerals for yourself or departed loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Franklin H. Rainear, Jr., Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation, LLC through our website or call (888) 213-4090.