Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens
SE corner of Church St. & Taunton Rd. L1T 4T2 Ajax, ON, Canada

Pre-planning alleviates the need for family to make uncertain decisions at a time of confusion and grief. Read more here. http://ow.ly/eVLT50CqMb1

Grief is a process, not an event. Here is a beautiful story from Humans of New York about how being supportive at the time of grief can truly impact someone's rest of the life. http://ow.ly/54J250Col9K

A family that we recently served sent us a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a lovely thank-you note. It definitely brightened our day. Thank you for the kind gesture.

Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Bill Webster on Self Care for Caregivers: Set aside some quality time every day to look after your own needs. Try to eat regularly, even if you don’t feel hungry. Healthy foods, rather than fast food or snacks, will help to keep your system going.... Drink lots of fluids like water or juice to help prevent dehydration. Limit your caffeine intake, especially coffee, tea, chocolate or soft drinks, which may only make you feel more stressed. Try to get periods of rest and sleep. There are many strategies which can assist relaxation, but if sleep is still difficult, speak to your family doctor. Try to slow down. Take periods of time to stop, think and process your feelings in order to calm the confusion within. Try to do something for yourself everyday. Take time out to go out for a meal, see a movie, play golf, or even go for a walk or visit friends. Try not to feel guilty about taking a break from the responsibility of caring for your loved one. Let someone else take over from you for an evening or even a weekend. Work through your feelings. You may feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, up one day and down the next. Your feelings are an expression of your inner turmoil, so let yourself feel them and try to figure out what they are teaching you. Ask for and accept other people’s offers to help. Let your employer and your co-workers know what is going on in your life. Speak to your doctor if you need to arrange for time off, or a leave of absence, or a lighter workload. Above all, give yourself constant encouragement and positive feedback. Just because you are unable to fix the problem does not mean that what you are doing is not significant and successful. You are doing your very best in an impossible situation.

By pre-planning your final arrangements, you can determine your own budget and reduce the risk of your grieving loved ones spending more than necessary. Read more here. http://ow.ly/nCG250Ci0Ib

It's time to order your Winter Wreaths. Please reach out to place your order for your loved one.

Just like you plan for retirement or revisit your Will, pre-planning final arrangements is an important, yet often overlooked way to ensure you’ve taken care of family. This week, we will be sharing some WHYs to preplan.

Whether you are celebrating virtually or in person, we wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving .. . Gobble, Gobble!

Social Media can play an important part in the healing process in many individuals who are dealing with grief; especially during the pandemic. Annie Horton has created emerging.grief, an Instagram account aimed at providing bereavement support in an online community setting. She's shared her own stories of loss, including the death of her brother-in-law Nick Cordero. http://ow.ly/qqxj50CbwrF

October 1 is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the achievements and contributions of older adults across the country. From all of us at Arbor, we thank Canada’s seniors for all they have done and continue to do for their families and communities. Resources for Canadian Seniors : http://ow.ly/t3RN50By0jH... #NationalSeniorsDay #NationalSeniorsDay2020

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians remember.

Today is World Mental Health Day. It comes at a time when our lives were interrupted by COVID-19 and the challenges that it has brought to all of us. It has been an especially stressful time for anyone who has struggled with the grief of losing a loved lone during the pandemic. Although, there are restrictions in place to keep us all safe, please know that we are still here. All families that have been served by Arbor in the past or present are encouraged to take advantage... of our ArborCare Bereavement Assistance Program. Please reach out to your nearest Arbor funeral home location to request access as well as learn about additional resources that may be available to help you and your loved ones. We are in this together.

Should you choose cremation or burial for your loved one or yourself? To make the right decision, the first step is to fully understand each option. Cremation is the process of incinerating a deceased body, ultimately reducing it to a granular substance referred to as cremated remains or "ashes." A casket or suitable container is still required when cremation is chosen. Burial is the act of placing the deceased into a casket which is lowered into a grave and covered with eart...h, or entombed in a crypt above ground. Factors to consider include: Personal choice: Are there positive or negative feelings about each process? Range of options: The style of permanent memorial may influence your choice. There are a wide variety of creative solutions for both burial and cremation memorials. Comparing cost: While cremation is often considered the less expensive choice, the final costs can vary depending on the options chosen. Religion or tradition: Some cultures or religions specify how the deceased is to be interred. Spouse’s wishes: When preferences differ, there are options for couples who want to be together forever. For more information, please reach out.

Publishing an online obituary allows a family more opportunities to share about their loved one. Photos, special moments and a life story can all be centralized in the guestbook, as well as allowing for digital condolences. It can also act as a permanent memorial that the family can revisit on occasion to re-read some of the messages left by other family members and friends. Many online guestbooks also offer the opportunity for guests to share a photo along with the condolence. Below are some tips to help you craft your message of sympathy and support.

The following article shares 5 changes that you might go through in the ongoing cycle of grief and loss. http://ow.ly/5RT050BDymq

It is not always easy to find the right words to express how you feel when writing a condolence to a loved one. Our latest blog post offers some helpful suggestions on how to write a message of sympathy and support on an online obituary. http://ow.ly/xuiP50BxVZa

The New Normal? Written by: Laura Van Sprang, Manager at Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria This is a statement we are hearing more & more each day as time passes while trying to navigate our lives during this pandemic. Are we doing everything we can to stay safe? Are we becoming too relaxed? When will we be able to travel & visit people farther away? Families are faced with so many new ways of doing things & figuring out how to cope & find joy in this new world. How stressful of... a time for us all. During such a complicated & ever changing time there are still some things that are out of our control. Things we are unable to put off until a less already trying time, or postpone until we can have the community support we will need. I am speaking about death & losing someone you love during this time. The funeral profession has also been impacted extremely hard because of COVID and have worked around the clock to figure out ways to assist our bereaved community members who have had a significant loss during this time. Our trained funeral professionals take time with each family to ensure all their wishes are expressed & they are guided through the very difficult first days of their grief. We are still able to gather safely in smaller numbers for an intimate service and livestream to those who cannot attend. We too, are not used to masks & the distance we must keep between each other and those we want to comfort, but we are still here to support you, listen & assist. No matter what happens in the uncertain future, we want you to know that we will do everything we can to ensure you & your family are cared for when someone you love passes away. We will continue to work hard to adhere to the health guidelines and keep our buildings, teams & communities safe. We will keep finding new ways to bring the support to those in need & promise there will always be someone to answer your call if and when the time comes, no matter what the new normal looks like.

The following article gives some helpful suggestions on how help children with the death of a loved one during the pandemic. http://ow.ly/ElLZ50BtLvr

The New Normal? Written by: Laura Van Sprang, Manager at Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria This is a statement we are hearing more & more each day as time passes while trying to navigate our lives during this pandemic. Are we doing everything we can to stay safe? Are we becoming too relaxed? When will we be able to travel & visit people farther away? Families are faced with so many new ways of doing things & figuring out how to cope & find joy in this new world. How stressful of... a time for us all. During such a complicated & ever changing time there are still some things that are out of our control. Things we are unable to put off until a less already trying time, or postpone until we can have the community support we will need. I am speaking about death & losing someone you love during this time. The funeral profession has also been impacted extremely hard because of COVID and have worked around the clock to figure out ways to assist our bereaved community members who have had a significant loss during this time. Our trained funeral professionals take time with each family to ensure all their wishes are expressed & they are guided through the very difficult first days of their grief. We are still able to gather safely in smaller numbers for an intimate service and livestream to those who cannot attend. We too, are not used to masks & the distance we must keep between each other and those we want to comfort, but we are still here to support you, listen & assist. No matter what happens in the uncertain future, we want you to know that we will do everything we can to ensure you & your family are cared for when someone you love passes away. We will continue to work hard to adhere to the health guidelines and keep our buildings, teams & communities safe. We will keep finding new ways to bring the support to those in need & promise there will always be someone to answer your call if and when the time comes, no matter what the new normal looks like.

As most pet owners share an intense love for their pets, it’s important that they’re considered in one’s end-of-life planning. Our Arbor Memorial blog post offers some helpful suggestions to help you prepare for your pet's future after your death. http://ow.ly/p4nM50BuULf

Have you ever wondered why we grieve the death of someone we didn't know? The following article explains the reasons and shares ways to honor the loss. http://ow.ly/bnz950BgfM4

Today we are sharing the final article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handing your own grief. The final recommendation - Be good to yourself - spiritually Bereavement can shake and challenge your entire belief system. For those who have a faith in God, loss can bring a critical turning point in that faith. You may feel angry that God has not answered your prayers, and question why He has allowed this to happen.... You may wonder what is the purpose in all this. Many do not have a faith in God, yet their beliefs about life itself may be affected by the death. Life is not always fair. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This death may have meant not only the end of the relationship but also the death of many of your hopes and dreams. The death of someone you care about can challenge some long held beliefs about the way life should be. In the days ahead you will need to work through some of these issues. Hopefully you have a spiritual advisor who understands the grieving process, accepts you as a hurting person, listens non-judgmentally to your grief questions, and assists you to find meaning. Remember, there are no easy answers. Faith enables us to accept what we may not understand. - Dr. Bill Webster

Our latest Arbor Memorial blog offers some helpful suggestions on writing an Eulogy for a loved one. http://ow.ly/6Wjo50Bmlpn

Today we are sharing the sixth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The sixth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Socially After being out of your social circle for a time, it may not be easy for you to return. You may find it surprisingly difficult to go back to work, to face friends, or to attend your place of worship. You may think that people are regarding you differently, perhaps feeling sorry for you. If you were married and are now sin...gle, others may find it difficult to relate to you now you are on your own. Such adjustments are not easy, either for you or for them. During this transition, attending a support group can help bridge the time between the loss and your return to full social involvement again. However, it is important not to shut yourself away. Social relationships are healthy, and especially so after a loss. Thus, if you are invited to a party, a wedding, or indeed any social function, go if you want. To ease the pressure, however, leave a way of escape by saying: I’d love to attend, but I’ve been going through a grieving time. If I decide not to come at the last minute, would you understand? Even after you arrive you can say: I’m happy to have been invited, but if I find I’m becoming too emotional, I know you’ll understand if I excuse myself." Friends will understand. - Dr. Bill Webster

Today we are sharing the final article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handing your own grief. The final recommendation - Be good to yourself - spiritually Bereavement can shake and challenge your entire belief system. For those who have a faith in God, loss can bring a critical turning point in that faith. You may feel angry that God has not answered your prayers, and question why He has allowed this to happen.... You may wonder what is the purpose in all this. Many do not have a faith in God, yet their beliefs about life itself may be affected by the death. Life is not always fair. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This death may have meant not only the end of the relationship but also the death of many of your hopes and dreams. The death of someone you care about can challenge some long held beliefs about the way life should be. In the days ahead you will need to work through some of these issues. Hopefully you have a spiritual advisor who understands the grieving process, accepts you as a hurting person, listens non-judgmentally to your grief questions, and assists you to find meaning. Remember, there are no easy answers. Faith enables us to accept what we may not understand. - Dr. Bill Webster

Wishing you a happy and safe Labour Day from all of us at Arbor!

Have you lost someone during this pandemic? Not being able to grieve in the traditional ways has been a challenge for many people who have lost a loved one. Corrie Sirota, psychotherapist specializing in grief & loss shares some advice to CTV news on how families can grieve during our unusual times. http://ow.ly/gxZ750BbL2k

Today we are sharing the fifth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The fifth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Emotionally Do not beat yourself up emotionally. Don’t torture yourself with regrets and if only’s. Reading some books on grief will help you understand what you are going through. Keeping a journal or a diary is a good way to express what you are feeling and thinking. Rereading what you have written may help you understand what... your emotions are. A year from now, when you read your journal again, you will be pleasantly surprised to see how far you have come in your recovery. - Dr. Bill Webster

Cremation has become an increasingly popular option for Canadians. Naturally, many people have questions about how or if this changes the experience of visiting a cemetery to honour the life of a loved one. Read our latest blog post for more information on cremation gardens at Arbor Memorial. http://ow.ly/Hudn50BbJSa

The following article shares three things you should know to help you grieve and heal after a loss. Remember, there is no incorrect way to respond to loss and that everyone has their own unique process. http://ow.ly/pL9N50B1COn

Today we are sharing the fourth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The fourth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Physically Try to get adequate rest. Go to bed a little earlier and avoid late nights in front of the TV, which may simply be a coping strategy for loneliness. Try not to drink caffeine or eat heavy meals or snacks which could interrupt sleep. Even if you cannot sleep, at least rest.... Learn to relax. There are good relaxation techniques available to help you. Good nutrition is important. Sometimes it can be a discipline to make balanced, nutritious meals,especially if the loss has left us on our own. It is difficult to cook for one. Resist the temptation to skip meals or eat junk food. Forcing your body to work hard on a relatively few nutrients denies the body needed resources. Also, recognize that sometimes we may eat to compensate for loneliness or anxiety. Instead, substitute a brisk walk or a warm bath to feel better. -Dr. Bill Webster

We are excited to announce that our Arbor Memorial Foundation has its own dedicated Facebook page. Stay up to date with the various non-profit organizations that the foundation is honoured to help. http://ow.ly/QEsI50AVx2D

Today we are sharing the third article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The third recommendation - Ask for and accept help Remember all those people who said, If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know? Most of them meant it, so do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Because we don’t want to bother anyone else with our problems, much of our pain goes unheeded. But you need not suffer alone.... Admittedly, we shouldn’t have to ask. But this is the real world. Our friends, family and even professionals cannot read minds. Sometimes help is not offered because people do not know what we need. And often even we aren’t sure what we need. I never say, I know how you feel. I don‘t. All I know is how I felt when grief impacted my life. Maybe what we need most is someone to listen. Not everyone will be willing. Some people may not be able to handle your tears. Some will want to give you all the answers, rather than just listening. Find someone who cares, someone with whom you feel comfortable talking, and to whom you can trust your vulnerability. With these three attributes, you will undoubtedly have someone who can offer encouragement and help. There are self-help groups to offer support and friendship. You may also want to talk to a competent grief counsellor, and perhaps someone from the funeral home, your place of worship or a social agency can direct you to such resources. -Dr. Bill Webster

Three Ontario women have started working on a COVID-19 memorial blanket that is intended to honour the lives of all people who have died from the virus in Canada. They are calling on Knitters across Canada to join the effort. http://ow.ly/1lLN50AVu1e Follow their journey on Instagram: http://ow.ly/Y9Gg50AVu0J

Loss and grief can be difficult to understand and process for children and even harder for parents and/or guardians to explain. A well-chosen picture book can be an invaluable resource to explain these challenging and emotional concepts in an age-appropriate, thoughtful way. The following article shares 13 books for various ages to help. http://ow.ly/i8cb50ANFLn

We are excited to share our new careers website where you'll learn that a career at Arbor is about life. Learn more about what we do and how we all help families in Funeral Services, Sales & Administration, Property Operations and at Head Office. http://ow.ly/YHJj50AYIVH

Today we are sharing the second article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The second recommendation - Accept Your Feelings You cannot choose your feelings. They choose you. ... So feel what you are feeling. Your emotions may be very raw. You have been wounded and you need to mend. Crying is healthy and can make you feel better. You will experience anger, panic, depression, and many of the responses we have talked about. You may feel other emotions that have not been mentioned. You may think you are falling to pieces at the very time people are telling you to get it together -Dr. Bill Webster

Thousands of Canadians have lost their lives to COVID-19 and the number keeps growing each and every day. Sadly, most of us get lost in the statistics and lose sight of who these people were that had their lives cut short by the global pandemic. CBC has put together a website called "Lives Remembered" where they have gathered tributes from family, friends and colleagues to honour them. It's a beautiful way to share who they were and that we won't forget them. http://ow.ly/1F5j50ANETI