Neptune Society of Northern California

The coming winter could be especially difficult as infectious disease experts recommend that we "hunker down" to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Proper preparation can help ease this transition and help you feel mentally ready. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org//covid-19-during-wi

On Friday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m., you can join the New York Adventure Club and historian Don Rice on a virtual journey through historic burial grounds of northern Manhattan.

The main character of this is grief, in all of its colorfulness, awkwardness, humor, embarrassment, rage and loneliness. People from around the world reflect on those they’ve lost.

Good morning! A reminder of how grateful we are for you.

Yes. Let's keep going forward, together.

Wise words from What's Your Grief.

We're all finally starting to understand something important about grief: it isn't a straight line. It doesn't just disappear one day. The people we love are with us, in our hearts, forever, and at unexpected times, the loss can seem unbearable. What you're feeling is normal. https://blog.funeralone.com/grief-and-h/grief-myths-busted/

Did you know that Neptune Society of Northern California is a proud partner of Operation Gratitude? Throughout October and November, we’re working with them to raise funds for U.S. military veterans and deployed troops. If you would like to donate, please click the link below. Donations go directly to Operation Gratitude and are used to create and ship care packages across the country and around the world! https://giving.operationgratitude.com/team/321840 #OG2020Challenge #OperationGratitude #ActionsSpeakLouder #SupportOurTroops #SupportOurVeterans #DoGood #SupportOurFirstResponders #FrontlineHeroes #FirstResponders #ForgeStrongBonds #BridgeTheDivide #GiveBack #Military #Service

We understand so deeply this description of the sacred duty to mourners. "Since being ordained, I have discovered both the duty and dividend that come with being a minister. My collar magically transforms me into someone worthy of entry into the most vulnerable and heart-wrenching moments life dishes out. But with that trust comes responsibility. In those tender and unsteady times, those under your care need you to be steadfast, compassionate, and most importantly, above reproach. Which is precisely why funerals pull so much harder at my heartstrings. ...funerals mark a final goodbye, a transition rife with complexity and sorrow. People need a minister when poised at this kind of emotional precipice. Everyone is counting on you to do the heavy lifting. And rightly so."

I did not want to say the unthinkable words My mom is gone to even the most sympathetic listener. Because no matter how often the phone rang, it would never again be her. If you’re like me and have a hard time asking for help or naming what you need especially now, when everyone you know is struggling therapist Joy Lieberthal Rho suggests starting with just one person who has been consistently good about reaching out to you.

We’ll miss the big family gatherings at Thanksgiving but it’s more important to stay safe. I care for my 88-year-old mom and am not taking chances." Families are finding new ways to celebrate the holidays, honoring their love for each other, this year. https://www.nextavenue.org/celebrating-thanksgiving-in-the/

"None of us is immune to becoming infected, which is frightening. Still, the pandemic has helped my mental health because everything slowed to a crawl. I felt relief from all the triggers abetting my state of mind. Now, I need to become more mindful day-to-day and to take steps to hold on to this quiet space. I need to find a way to make this last, even after our routines resume."

Happy Monday, Happy Autumn. A reminder that we all have a few falls, and get a few cracks, in this life. Those imperfections are part of who we are, and we can love ourselves and each other not despite them, but because of them. Enjoy the season.