Irvine Memorial

February is Hearth and Stroke Month Virtual Canvassing Each year in February, thousands of volunteers across Canada canvass door to door as part of an annual campaign. This in-person activity has been suspended this year to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid.... As we are all aware, Heart and Stoke has supported many significant breakthroughs in research and helps to promote a healthy heart lifestyle through a number of initiatives. Not having door to door canvassing will have a negative impact on the donations Heart and Stoke receives. Consider making an online donation, easily done through their website. Donations have never been more important. For more information please visit the following link. https://secure-support.heartandstroke.ca/site/SPageServer/ Irvine Memorial/CFHC Online

We are always honoured to be called upon to care for the needs of a family and their loved one during such a difficult and trying time, and here is a testament to why we do so with pride and dignity. "In early January we lost our precious Julie. She was a loving, caring, gentle Mother, Grandmother, sister and friend. The compassion and guidance from Brent and his team helped us maneuver the necessary steps when Julie passed. We are devastated by our loss yet this wonderful organization helped us honour Julie and to get through this very difficult period. I am so grateful for all those who helped me and my family." ~ Lorna Willey

They Live on in Our Memories The love we shared with them, the warm feelings we have for them and the times we’ve spent together are part of us. Yes they are remembered fondly! Having them in our lives made living so much better. Yes they are gone, but they will never be forgotten. We each wear a badge, one that defines us for who we are. They had an impact on our lives which truly made us a better person. Our badge is filled with goodness and wanting to care for others. ... Their kind ways and compassion for us remains a source of inspiration. We must now share this. Perhaps one day, we too, shall live on in the memories of others. We do not remember days; we remember moments." Cesare Pavese Irvine Memorial/CFHC Online

Overcoming Grief Triggers When we are grieving even something as simple as a trip to the grocery store can bring on an unexpected trigger which leads to an emotional outburst. The song on the radio, witnessing couples holding hands, a child laughing, or the smell of freshly baked bread can create an emotional grief reaction that makes us feel very out of control. Thoughts generated in our brains send messages to our bodies and these create a physical reaction. When grieving, ...we are more sensitive and vulnerable to our thoughts. The rational side of our brain often is replaced by the emotional side. Heightened senses can lead to a sensory overload. Often an unexpected sight, sound, smell, or taste can trigger us. Painful memories surface, sometimes we remember a traumatic event or we experience a surreal feeling of the loss of our loved one. When in the midst of an episode firstly make sure you are safe. If you’re driving find a suitable place to pull over. If you are in a grocery store, leave your cart and find a place where you can begin to feel comfortable within yourself. Remember the following: 1. Give yourself permission to experience these feelings. This is a natural response, and your outburst is not a bad thing and shouldn’t be feared. 2. Trust that this emotional outburst will pass. Time is needed to process feelings. 3. If panic has set in, remember to slow down your breathing. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. 4. It may be helpful to share the episode with someone close. Discussing these feelings helps you to better process them and can be cathartic. 5. Over time, these episodes will occur less frequently and be less intense. Lastly, these memories which are bittersweet in the beginning of the grieving journey will often bring comfort later. Events such as these help us to recognize our loss which is part of the healing process. It may be awkward and perhaps even embarrassing for some, but it is a sign of the love we shared with a special person in our live. Don’t avoid, but rather acknowledge and embrace moments such as these. Margaret Lorrie Beaton, MA, C. Hyp Bereavement Counsellor Irvine Memorial/CFHC Online

Why Discussing Funeral Plans with Family Members is Important Family members need to be brought into this process for two primary reasons. Firstly, they will need to know what your wishes are and who will be responsible to fulfill these wishes. To not talk with those who will tend to your funeral plans reduces the chance that they can properly act on them. Some wishes may go unfulfilled as information isn’t relayed. Also, clashes may arise if some family members have differe...nces in how the service will unfold. Sharing a plan will hopefully alleviate any potential conflicts. Remember, emotions often run high at times such as these. Secondly including family members in funeral planning, provides them with an opportunity to share their feelings. They may have special requests. Perhaps they want to share some words at the service. This is an ideal time to receive their input. Sometimes better decisions are arrived at when including the needs of the family, as a whole, at this stage. Carefully consider all of the opinions that are given. Find a solution that includes the needs of everyone. Having a simple chat clarifies sentiments for all involved. We’re here to help. If you have questions about funeral planning, please contact us. Irvine Memorial/CFHC Online