Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday, or a quiet Sunday morning coffee – some moments feel heavier when someone you love is missing. The “empty chair” becomes more than just a piece of furniture. It becomes a symbol of who used to be there, and all the things you still wish you could say or hear. Maybe you’ve lost someone to death, or maybe it’s distance, divorce, estrangement, or a deployment. Whatever the reason, these moments – when the absence becomes especially loud – can stir up waves of emotion. Here’s how to gently prepare for those times when the chair is empty, but your heart is full. Acknowledge What’s Coming – the first step is simple, but powerful: name it. Say to yourself: “this is going to be hard.” Pretending you’re fine or pushing away emotion can create more distress in the long run. But when you acknowledge a particular day or event may bring up grief, anger, sadness, you begin to take back some control. You’re aware and you are preparing instead of being blindsided. Allow Grief Its Place at the Table – Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It might show up months or even years after a loss – especially during meaningful events. Rather than resisting it, make space for it. Don’t think of grief as a guest you didn’t invite, but rather as a reflection of how deeply you loved someone. It’s okay to cry, feel numb, or even to laugh and then feel guilty for it. Plan Support in Advance – When a hard day is on the horizon, don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help. Reach out to a friend ahead of time, letting them know that you’re facing a challenging day. Be Kind to Your Timeline – Some years the empty chair will bring a deep ache. Other years it might feel lighter – healing does not mean forgetting.  Empty chair moments are tender, powerful reminders of love, loss, and everything in between. As you face them, know this: you are not alone. Across tables and across time, many hearts are carrying the weight of absence — and holding on to the memories that still bring light. So be gentle with yourself. Prepare if you can. Breathe when it hurts. And remember - even in their absence, love can still fill the room.

A Guide On What to Bring When Making Arrangements

\Whether people like to admit it or not, everyone has their fears. For many, it is a fear of funeral homes. Death and grief can be scary and full of emotion so it is understandable that walking through the doors of the funeral home can seem daunting. Dealing with anxiety at funeral homes can be challenging, but there are strategies you can use to cope with your feelings: Acknowledge Your Feelings : It's natural to feel anxious or uncomfortable in a funeral home setting. Recognize and accept your emotions without judgment. Take Deep Breaths : Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times. Focus on the Present : Instead of letting your mind wander to negative thoughts or worries, focus on the present moment. Pay attention to your surroundings, the people around you, or a specific object in the room. Seek Support : If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek support from a friend or family member who can accompany you. Having someone by your side can provide comfort and reassurance. Use Relaxation Techniques : Utilize relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or visualization to ease tension and promote a sense of calmness. Take Breaks if Needed : If you start to feel too overwhelmed, don't hesitate to step outside for some fresh air or take a short walk to gather your thoughts. Practice Self-Compassion : Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's okay to feel anxious. Treat yourself with compassion and understanding. Focus on the Purpose : Remind yourself of the purpose of being at the funeral home , whether it's to pay respects, support loved ones, or say goodbye. Keeping this in mind can help shift your focus away from anxiety. Consider Professional Help : If your anxiety persists or significantly impacts your ability to cope, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and coping strategies tailored to your needs. Remember that it's normal to feel anxious in such emotionally charged environments, and it's okay to take steps to manage your anxiety in a way that works best for you.

Discussing end-of-life plans with your parents can be a sensitive topic, but it’s an important conversation to have. Although the conversation may be uncomfortable or awkward, it can provide peace of mind and many families feel closer afterwards. Here are some helpful tips on how to discuss preplanning : Approach the subject with sensitivity and care. It’s important to ease into the conversation by letting your parents know you care about them and their wishes and you are there to provide support. Its okay to acknowledge that the topic is uncomfortable, but make it known you are listening with empathy and understanding. It would be helpful to remind them that you don’t want to be putting any of their plans in place for a long time, but want to be prepared for when the time does come. Explain the benefits of preplanning Let your parents know the advantages of preplanning early on in the conversation to emphasize the positive side of the conversation. When a death occurs, there are many decisions to be made, papers to sign, and details to arrange. By getting information down ahead of time, loved ones can focus more on their grief and healing and not the stress of funeral details. It may be helpful to mention that planning ahead can also spare the surviving spouse of making difficult decisions during a time of profound grief. Things to consider You could start with something broad by asking whether they even want a funeral or not. One important question would be if they would want burial with a casket or cremation . Another approach that could be helpful is to ask what they don’t want, that way you know things to avoid. You could discuss burial items like cemetery plots and headstones, or even get into service details like musical selections and special readings. Many people find comfort in knowing they fulfilled just one of their loved ones final wishes no matter how small the detail may seem. Make sure your parents know they don’t have to figure out every aspect of their plan. Offer to go with them to the funeral home to discuss their wishes with a funeral director if they are comfortable. Remind yourself and your parents that this conversation doesn’t mean you are saying goodbye. It’s about making sure you all are comfortable and that you want to take out the guesswork when it comes time to fulfill their wishes. Even if they don’t have the answers right away, it shows them that this is something important to think about and you can always circle back to the conversation another time. Our staff at Wing-Bain Funeral Home is here to help you and your family. We can be a third party that helps facilitate the conversation by prompting some questions and keeping the information on file. If you have more questions on preplanning or would like to come in and meet with one of our directors, please give us a call.

Everyone needs to deal with their grief in ways that are helpful to them. Whether you want to express your grief through artwork, or you want to use it as a therapeutic escape, art provides a creative outlet to channel your emotions and can be a healing process. Here are some ways you can use art to handle grief: Visual Art: Painting and Drawing: Create paintings or drawings that reflect your emotions. Use colors, shapes, and brushstrokes to convey the intensity of your grief. Collage: Collect images, words, and objects that resonate with your feelings and arrange them in a collage that tells your grief story. Sculpture: Sculpting with clay or other materials can help you shape your emotions into a physical form. Writing and Poetry: Journaling: Write in a journal to explore your thoughts and feelings about your loss. You can write letters to your loved one or simply document your daily experiences. Poetry: Create poems that capture the essence of your grief. Poetry allows you to play with words and metaphors to express complex emotions. Music and Songwriting: Play an Instrument: If you play a musical instrument, use it to express your grief through melodies and chords. Songwriting: Write songs that reflect your experiences, memories, and emotions. Music can be a powerful way to connect with your feelings and share them with others. Photography: Photography: Capture moments, objects, or scenes that remind you of your loved one or symbolize your grief journey. Photography can help you preserve memories and emotions visually. Crafts and DIY Projects: Crafting: Engage in crafting projects that allow you to create tangible representations of your grief. This could include creating memorial candles, jewelry, or other keepsakes. Art as a Tribute: Create a Tribute: Use art to create a tribute or memorial in honor of your loved one. This could be a mural, a garden, or any other artistic project that celebrates their life. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to express grief through art. The process is personal and unique to you. Art can be a powerful tool for processing your emotions, finding solace, and connecting with others who may have experienced similar losses.

Scripture readings can offer comfort and hope to those who are grieving , reminding them of God's presence, love, and the promise of eternal life. Here are some popular examples : Psalm 23:1-4 : "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." John 14:1-3 : "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 : "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Revelation 21:4 : "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 : "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'" Romans 8:38-39 : "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." These are just a few of the many passages that can be included in a funeral service. Some families choose to pick out certain readings that were special to the deceased, others may leave it up to the discretion of the clergy. Either way, this is another way to personalize a funeral service and have lasting meaning to those left behind.

The holiday season, often associated with joy and togetherness, can be particularly challenging for those grieving the loss of a loved one. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Granite Falls, MN , we understand the complexities of navigating grief during this time and are committed to supporting families before, during, and after funeral services. Understanding Grief During the Holidays Grief is a personal and multifaceted journey, and the holidays can amplify emotions of loss. It's common to experience a range of feelings, from sadness to numbness, as cherished traditions serve as reminders of those who are no longer with us. Recognizing and accepting these emotions is a vital step toward healing. Strategies for Coping · Set Boundaries: Acknowledge your limits and decide which traditions you can comfortably continue. Communicate your needs to family and friends to set realistic expectations. · Seek Support: Engaging with support groups or counseling can provide a safe space to express your feelings. Connecting with others who understand your experience can offer comfort and reduce feelings of isolation. · Create New Traditions: Consider establishing new rituals that honor your loved one's memory, such as lighting a candle in their honor or preparing their favorite dish. These acts can integrate their memory into your holiday observances. Our Commitment to Supporting Families At Wing-Bain Funeral Home, we are dedicated to assisting families through every stage of the funeral process: · Before the Funeral: We offer pre-planning services to alleviate future stress, allowing families to make informed decisions that reflect their loved one's wishes. · During the Funeral: Our compassionate staff provides comprehensive support, coordinating all aspects of the service to ensure a respectful and personalized tribute. · After the Funeral: Understanding that grief continues beyond the service, we offer online resources and referrals to local grief counselors and support groups to aid in the healing journey. We also co-sponsor Healing Connections Support Group with Granite Falls-LAH/BNP. To register, contact Shelly @ Healing Connections Aftercare. Additional Resources For further guidance on coping with grief during the holidays, consider exploring the following resources: · Holiday Grief: How to Cope With Loss During a Joyous Time · Coping with Grief During the Holidays: Strategies for Finding Comfort · Are you grieving this holiday season? Here are ways to cope with loss Remember, it's okay to seek help and take the time you need to heal. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home, we are here to support you through this challenging season with compassion and care.

Thankfully, making funeral arrangements is not an everyday task for most people. Because of this unfamiliar territory, there may be terms that come up that you may not understand. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home, we have put together a list of terms that are used in the funeral industry in hopes to help educate everybody. Final Disposition – This is the legal term for referring to what happens to a body after death. The common methods of disposition are burial, entombment in a mausoleum, or cremation. Honorarium or Gratuity – A gratuity is gift from the family paid to those helping with the service like clergy and musicians. However, some organizations, churches, or individuals may have a set fee for their services. Arrangements – After death, the next of kin usually meet with the funeral director to make decisions and go over service details. During this meeting you will also sign documents, select merchandise and discuss payment for services. Final Dates – The final date, which refers to the date of death, gets etched into the stone or monument marker at a gravesite. Typically, the cost of this is not included in the sale of the stone. Memorial folder – Also referred to as the funeral bulletin or brochure, a memorial folder is usually handed out at the visitation and funeral service. It can contain the obituary, pictures, poem/scripture, and service details. Funeral Coach – The modern term for a hearse, a special vehicle that is specifically designed to transport caskets. Casket bearers or Pallbearers – These are the people who help with carrying the casket. For cremation, they may be called an urn bearer. Honorary casket bearers refer to those who do not physically assist, but are recognized by the family. Casket Spray – The flower arrangements that sits on top of the casket is referred to as the casket spray. These often have ribbons that can describe the family relations like wife, dad, or grandparent. For those who choose cremation, varieties of urn sprays can be purchased to surround the urn. Obituary vs. Eulogy – These two terms can sometimes confuse people. An obituary is a general outline of someone’s life that typically gets published in the newspaper. A eulogy is a bit more focused and personal speech or story about the deceased that is shared at the funeral service. Vault/Grave Liner – Grave liners and vaults are typically required by cemeteries for burial. They are made of concrete, surround the casket or urn and are designed to bear the weight of heavy machinery that is used for cemetery maintenance. The difference between the two is that a vault is reinforced with a hard plastic liner and has a seal so that water cannot move in and out. A grave liner does not seal. Military Honors – Military honors for deceased veterans can include a rifle detail, playing of taps, and presentation of the flag. These are performed by the local Honor Guard unit Each veteran qualifies for different benefits, so make sure to bring in a copy of the discharge papers ( DD214 ) and the funeral director can assist. It is our purpose to give our families the best service. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff at Wing-Bain Funeral Home.

When someone is grieving, you may not always know what to do or how to help them. Each person deals with their grief differently and may need different things from those who support them. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home, we want people to get the support they need whether it is from our staff or from people in their personal lives. This list may be helpful when you’re wondering how you can help your grieving friend. Respect their process: even if someone’s grief journey does not align with your expectations or experiences, it’s important to understand that their coping mechanisms are different. Offer specific help: it’s easy tell someone, “Let me know if you need anything” but those who are grieving usually don’t know what they need. It may be more helpful to offer something direct, for example “can I get you any groceries?” or “are there any errands I can run for you?” Listen and be patient: allow your grieving friends to express their feelings without giving any judgement. Grief can be a long process for some, so be understanding and provide support when you can. Don’t rush or pressure them: there is no fixed time for healing, so allow your friend to take the time that they need. Avoid pressuring them to talk if they’re not ready, and try to comfortable with silence. Don’t disappear: being supportive to your friend even after the initial shock is gone and the funeral is over is important. The weeks and months following a funeral are often the hardest, and this when your friend needs you the most. Don’t compare: every loss hurts and each grief is different. Comparing situations can minimize someone’s pain and complicate their grief. Instead, try working on being there for them and allowing them to process things as they need. People never get over their grief, they just learn to manage it. They often lean on the people around them for support, and to give them the best support you can patience and compassion are key.