This article will inform you of the initiatives that your Executive Members are actively pursuing based on the following observed trends:
- a move away from funerals and end of life rituals.
- distorted societal views of loss and grief.
- the long-term and sometimes catastrophic effects (personal and societal) of unresolved grief.
We believe that we can make a difference, drawing attention to grief related concerns by
supporting a range of educational seminars. To be effective, we believe in the importance of expanding circulation of our Newsletter by sending it to the members of several organizations with which SALGES members are affiliated. For those of you wishing to join as members, use the simple application tear-off that is included in the Newsletter. Or you can also download the SALGES brochure.
I had opportunity this summer to consult with several local funeral home directors. They are often the first contact for grieving individuals who are typically in a state of numbness after the death of a loved one. In each discussion, funeral directors expressed care and concern for those who facing acute grief. Some of their observations and my questions are as follows:
- Unlike times past, people infrequently call on clergy for spiritual support and guidance following the death of a loved one. The funeral director is often the individual who is the first person, apart from health care providers, to share the death experience with family members. What are the implications of this trend?
- There has gradually been more grief related work being provided by funeral home staff…churches are more appropriate agents for this work. How would you comment on this?
- Social isolation is seen as resulting in greater numbers of people requesting that no funeral or celebration of life be held following their death. What are the factors giving rise to this phenomenon? What is the significance of this trend?
- Perhaps there is a false sense of martyrdom on the part of parents (let my money go to my heirs) or a feeling that, even within the church, rituals are not truly significant. Do we need to counter the tendency to no longer ‘mark the death?’ How can this be done?
- It seems that few counselors show particular interest in learning more about grief and in developing skills related to grief work. How do we respond to this observation?
- Instances have occurred wherein police attitudes and behavior have been traumatizing for survivors of sudden or accidental deaths. How can we accomplish change through providing loss/grief education that can be helpful to first responders?
The funeral directors voices call us to provide leadership through carrying out the goals and objectives of SALGES.
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