Move on, Move Forward?
By Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC How often after death, does a well-intentioned friend or family and even counselor say to us, “Haven’t you moved on yet, it’s time...
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Five Reasons To Plan Your Funeral Before You Die
Death is a reality that all of us will eventually face. However, for many people, the thought of planning their own funeral is often a difficult and uncomfortable subject. Yet...
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How Long Does It “Last?”
by Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC A question frequently expressed by the bereaved is, “How long does it [grief] last? Facing a death can feel overwhelming and may seem...
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Support Can Be Beautiful
by Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC Years ago there was a tv commercial for a product that spoke to the importance of support, which is where I borrowed my title...
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The Missing Piece Of The Puzzle
By Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together only to find that there is one missing piece? You might go in search of...
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January – June 2023 Grief Calendar of Events
Grief Support Calendar January – June 2023 Virtual & In Person Grief Support Groups Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services sponsors a six-week grief support group for adults who are...
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8 Reasons to Take Advantage of Preplanning a Funeral
Preplanning a funeral is something that is possible for anyone. Whether you are young and healthy or advanced in age, you can take advantage of preplanning a funeral for yourself...
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Grow with Your Grief
by Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC In a grief group, a bereaved woman frequently asked, “How long does grief last?” As the group facilitator, I felt my anxiety increase, as...
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Sorrow and Hope – a Map for the New Year
by Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC As much as I wanted the world to stand still while I was grieving, I discovered that it did not. Like time, people kept...
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Children and Funeral Rituals: Attending and Participating
by Chaplain Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC During the pandemic, the gathering ritual of a funeral, celebration of life, or service of remembrance was suspended for the safety and well-being...
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Holidays, Family Gatherings, Solitude and Grief
by Julia Rajtar, MAPS, BCC It’s that time of the year again when we begin wondering who will make the turkey, or who will host the holiday, how will...
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Talking to Kids about Death
by Julia Rajtar, M.A.P.S., BCC A 4-year-old boy kept asking his parents when grandpa was returning to play with him. Every day, the boy was playing outside the house...
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