Author Archives: Michael Bernardo

cremation service in Dublin, CA

Cremations in Pop Culture

While the cremations, urns, memorials and services we see in movies and TV are dramatized and not always accurate, there are many that can serve as great inspiration for you when it comes time for you to celebrate the life of a lost loved one. You can use iconic movie and TV cremations as inspiration for when you’re planning for your recently lost loved one’s cremation service in Dublin, CA:

    1. “This is Us” – After a beloved character on this TV show passed, his family continued on his tradition of watching football as a family by cheering on their favorite team with his ashes in an urn right next to them. Take inspiration from this show and bring your loved one’s ashes on adventures or to do beloved activities.

Read also: Different Ways of Spreading Ashes After Cremation Services

  1. “Harry Potter” – In the sixth movie, Dumbledore passes away. The teachers and students of Hogwarts gather for a large memorial service to honor him, with all lessons and exams suspended to ensure everyone could attend. Do your best to choose a time and date for your loved one’s memorial that allows as many people as possible to attend and pay their respects.
  2. “Elizabeth Town” – The character Drew decided to take one final trip with his father, though his father is already passed, and his ashes are in a cremation urn. Drew spreads his father’s ashes at special spots along the trip, commemorating memories and traditions while honoring his father. Use this film as inspiration to scatter your lost loved one’s ashes at unique, special or meaningful places.
  3. “The Big Lebowski” – In this movie, John Goodman’s character scatters the ashes of one of his friends out of a coffee can. While you can always spend money on an urn or another container, this scene is good inspiration to use every day or meaningful items to hold the deceased’s ashes.
  4. “Star Wars” – In the “Star Wars” universe, Jedi knights are cremated in dramatic funeral pyres. While you don’t need to immortalize your lost loved one with a Jedi funeral pyre, you can perform a cremation service that will honor him or her in a similar way

These five pop culture references are excellent inspiration for your lost loved one’s cremation service. Or, if the deceased was a big fan of a particular movie or TV show, you can choose to incorporate it into the service through music, décor, or even a themed urn. For example, you could choose a cremation urn decorated with stars and galaxies for a lost loved one that loved “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”

Read also: Cremation Services and Cremation Container Laws

You can make your lost loved one’s cremation service as unique as you want or as traditional as you want. You can choose to honor the deceased in any way, whether inspired by movies and TV shows or not. No matter what you decide for your Dublin, CA cremation service Deer Creek Funeral Service. Pay us a visit or give us a call today to learn more.

cremation service in Dublin, CA

Getting Through Planning a Child’s Cremation Service

The death of a child is traumatic and life changing. How are you supposed to get through your daily activities, much less plan a cremation service in Dublin, CA after losing a child? These tips are practical suggestions that can help you through your time of loss after the passing of your child.

Read also: How Will You Customize a Cremation Service?

  1. Plan Rituals – Rituals like cremations, memorials and funerals go a long way toward helping you say goodbye in a healthy way. They also help you express your grief in a healthy way. Don’t shy away from planning and hosting a service for your lost child, but also don’t feel rushed into planning one right away. You can always hold a memorial after some time has passed and you’re more settled.
  2. Gather Keepsakes for Memories – Physical keepsakes are some of the best ways to remember a child after he or she passes. Gather keepsakes like blankets, toys, clothing, footprint or handprint sets, and hospital bracelets. You don’t have to hold them or display them if it’s too painful right away but do put them away in a box so you can have them later on when the pain of loss isn’t as fresh.
  3. Take Your Time with Big Decisions – Take your time making any big decisions or choices as your grief might lead to you make choices you normally wouldn’t or might cause additional confusion and stress. If you have to make some big choices, like planning a cremation or dealing with something at work, try and talk over your options and decision with a trusted friend, family member or your spouse.
  4. Seeing and Holding Your Child – Many parents that lose a child via miscarriage or stillbirth are given the option to see and hold their baby before he or she is prepared for burial or cremation. This is completely up to you. Many people find it a good way to say goodbye and have a bit of closure, while others find it simply too painful. If you decide to see and hold your baby, spend as much time as you need with your baby. If you decide not to see your child, that’s perfectly OK.
  5. Allow Mourning – No matter what the circumstances of your child’s death, you will need to share in your grief with someone else. Whether you share with a spouse, family member or friend, you need to take time to mourn and grieve in your own way with the help of a loved one.
  6. Expect the Unexpected – Any loss can have a large effect on your mind and body alike, so be prepared for a wide range of physical and emotional responses after the loss of a child. You might feel confused, afraid, guilty, disorganized, and angry, even all at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly experience surges of grief, even at the most unexpected times. This is all normal and healthy after a loss.

Read also: Funeral Homes For Pets

Hopefully these six tips can provide some relief in the face of your tremendous loss. Deer Creek Funeral Service is here for you if you want to learn more about Dublin, CA cremation services.

funeral home in Castro Valley, CA

Funeral Homes and Losing a Spouse

From dealing with the emotional fallout to planning a service at a funeral home in Castro Valley, CA, the stress of losing your spouse can have a severe impact on your emotional and physical health.

When you get married, you’re signing on for a partner for life. But, sadly, death often gets in the way of this plan making the death of a spouse traumatic and stressful. That’s where these tips come in. They can help you deal with the loss of a spouse in a healthy and healing-driving manner:

  • Take Care of Yourself – Grief can have both physical and psychological symptoms. You may feel exhausted or in pain after losing a spouse or may find it difficult to think clearly or process your emotions. Many people try to numb themselves to deal with the pain of loss by turning to drugs or alcohol. This is unhealthy in the long run. Instead, take care of yourself by eating right, exercising, sleeping, and talking to a therapist if you so choose.
  • Avoid Major Decisions – Grief can cloud judgement or lead you to rash decisions. Try to avoid making major decisions after losing a spouse as you might not be thinking clearly after the loss. Put off decisions regarding moving or quitting a job till later, as any decision you make will be clouded by the loss of your spouse and might not be the best choice in the long run.
  • Acknowledge the Loss – It’s easy to allow yourself to get lost in the planning and details of a death, like planning a cremation service, and not allow yourself to feel your emotions. However, it’s important to take time to acknowledge the loss and let yourself begin to process it. Letting yourself mourn and deal with the fact that your life has changed is the healthiest way to proceed.
  • Memorialize – Remembering and memorializing a lost loved one, and especially a spouse, can go a long way towards healing as it allows you to reflect on the good memories, love and happiness in a healthy way. You can make a memorial with a cremation urn, photographs, or custom art.
  • Make a Plan for Personal Belongings – Take as much time as you need before taking this step but do make a plan for your spouse’s personal belongings at some point in your grieving process. It’s important to move on in the way that’s right for you, so do whatever feels right to you, whether it’s putting the items into storage, donating them to a charity, selling them, or leaving them where they are.

Dealing with the death of a spouse will never be easy, but these tips may help ease your process in small ways. Deer Creek Funeral Service offers a range of services. We are here to help if you would like to learn more about dealing with a loss or your options for Castro Valley, CA funeral homes. We are here to help you however we can in your time of loss.

funeral homes in Castro Valley, CA

Caskets Vs. Coffins

If you’ve watched a movie or a TV show, you’ve probably heard the term “coffin.” But what about “caskets”? Many people researching funeral homes in Castro Valley, CA want to know the differences, if any, between caskets and coffins.

What is a coffin? What is a casket? Are there any differences between the two? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. The main differences begin in the details. Both coffins and caskets are burial containers used to hold remains of a deceased person for a funeral, wake, visitation and final disposition. In the United States most people use the more modern casket, but the choice between the two is ultimately the family’s or the deceased’s depending on final wishes and plans.

Coffins also do not have hinged lids. Instead, they have removable lids that must be fully lifted. Unlike caskets, coffins have six sides and are wider on the top than on the bottom. This tapered design was chosen to match the shape of the body as shoulders are wider than feet. The vast majority of coffins are made out of wood and are also finished with cloth interior linings, but they do not have exterior handles for carrying. In fact, any additional decoration or handles are not considered part of the coffin but are instead called “coffin furniture.”

Traditionally coffin furniture is used to display the deceased’s wealth or status. The other big difference between caskets and coffins is price. Caskets are generally more expensive as they have more decoration and use more elaborate materials. Coffins, on the other hand, require less material as the tapered shape uses less wood and thus lowers the overall price.

A casket is a special box made to hold the remains of a deceased person. These boxes are made in rectangular shapes with four sides and hinged lids. Caskets also usually have handles that make them easier to life and move and can be used for both cremations and burials depending on the material. Caskets can be made from a variety of materials, but the two most common are wood and metal. The average metal casket is made from stainless steel and the average wood from mahogany or oak. Most caskets are finished with soft interior linings to give the deceased a comfortable place to rest.

It is important to note that it may be hard to find a coffin manufacturer as they are not in style and not as popular.  At the end of the day, the differences between caskets and coffins don’t matter even though they are very similar.

Deer Creek Funeral Service is a Castro Valley, CA funeral home. We can offer you additional information on caskets, coffins and other funeral services to help you plan a service that will honor and remember your lost loved one. Call today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss. We are proud to be able to help you in any way we can.

cremation service in Walnut Creek, CA

Talking to Children About Death

Losing a loved one is never easy, and everyone handles these losses in different ways including children. Its particularly difficult to know how a child will handle a death and a cremation service in Walnut Creek, CA. Many parents and guardians struggle with what to say and how to speak to children about death.

For starters, you have to keep in mind that every child is different and will deal with grief in a different way. Be prepared that just because one kid was more open to communicate another kid may not be the same, and keep these tips in mind:

  • Be Honest – Kids are smarter than they seem, especially when it comes to emotions. Be honest with the child about how you’re feeling and let him know that he can express his feelings honesty, too.
  • Be Prepared for a Variety of Reactions – Every kid reacts differently to loss and death, so be prepared for a variety of reactions. This is especially true if this is the first time the child will have lost someone close to him. Let the child deal with the loss in his own way and be prepared to support him however he needs.
  • Talk About the Future – The child will most likely have questions about how this loss will affect the future. Be reassuring but honest about changes, like how holidays will be a bit different but still fun.
  • Focus on Understanding – Focus the conversation on what death and loss means to make sure the child understands what has happened. Let him know what death is so that he is not left confused or with questions.
  • Grieve Together – Don’t be afraid to express your emotions in front of the child. Crying together is a good way to move forward and heal.
  • Prepare for the Funeral or Service – Be sure to spend time discussing what the funeral or service will be like. Your child might have questions about the burial or cremation, so be prepared to answer them. You should also discuss funeral etiquette and the exact plan for the day of the service.

You can also help your child manage and understand his grief through various activities. There are lots of activities to try, from one to get him talking about his feelings or one to have him create something to keep memories of the deceased. For example, you can try creating a memory box. Help the child make a special box in which he can keep keepsakes that remind him of the deceased. For younger children you can build the box and help them decorate it, while older children might be able to build the box themselves. You can also try a feeling matching game in which the child connects his feelings with positive actions in order to help him work through what he’s feeling.

To learn more about dealing with loss or Walnut Creek, CA cremation services please reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service by visiting 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or calling (510) 317-7890.

funeral home services in Walnut Creek, CA

Who Will Arrange Your Funeral Home Service?

According to tradition it is the next of kin that makes arrangements for funeral home services in Walnut Creek, CA. However, sometimes people wish to designate other people besides their next of kin to be in charge of their funeral planning after they’re gone, and that’s OK.

Everyone has a right to choose their final wishes for once they’re gone, and these choices include who gets to plan and make important decisions. But how do you designate other people besides the next of kin? According to state law, all instructions for last wishes must meet certain requirements in order for them to considered legal and binding. These requirements include:

  • Signature of the decedent
  • Acknowledgement of the decedent signature, meaning getting the document notarized
  • Signature of the agent or successor agreeing to act as the decedent’s agent after death

Whether you want to designate a close friend, an estate executor, or even one of your children, it is possible to choose who arranges your funeral service. Any modifications to a document must be in writing and also notarized in to make them valid. While these requirements seem like a lot, its actually easier than you think to meet them as many states have specific forms for people to leave final instructions and to designate someone other than their next of kind to make final arrangements.

However, it’s important to remember that these forms do not trump or replace a Power of Attorney or a legal will, as they are only there to provide end of life instructions. Again, any and all written instructions, from a Power of Attorney to an end of life form, must be signed by both parties before the death. There are a few other important next of kin topics. Start with these tips, and follow up with an attorney for more information and guidance:

  • Do Your Own Research – Understanding how your state handles end of life arrangements and associated legal matters is very important. Do some research of your own to make sure you understand.
  • Make and Distribute Copies – Don’t just fill out the forms and forget about them. Make and give out copies to important people like those named in the document or caregivers.
  • Be Specific – Be specific in your end of life instructions. Include information such as the type of disposition you want as clearly as possible.
  • Non-Traditional Relationships – Nontraditional relationships, like common law marriages, same sex relationships, or even families with lots of children often require additional steps and paperwork. Do research if you think this applies to your situation to make sure you’re covered.
  • Consult a Lawyer – It’s always a good idea to consult an attorney before making any official plans as they can best advise you on how to proceed.

You have every right to designate whomever you want to arrange your funeral service, but be sure to do it correctly to make sure your wishes are followed. If you want more information on Walnut Creek, CA funeral homes, just reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or call us at (510) 317-7890.

cremation services in Dublin, CA

Cremation Services and Cremation Container Laws

As required by law, during all cremation services in Dublin, CA, the body is placed inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. These fully combustible containers are large and sturdy enough to hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles.

Read also: Cremations in Pop Culture

The kind of container that is chose depends on a few key factors including the family’s wishes, the size of the person, whether or not there will be a viewing with the body present, local laws, the crematory’s standards and, of course, budget.

The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.

Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.

Read also: Cremation Services and Burials

There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals. Also, in some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.

With so many choices, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options, and then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. Remember, though, at the end of the day there is no wrong choice as it only matters that you choose what’s right for you and the deceased.

Deer Creek Funeral Service, located at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, can help you with any and all of your Dublin, CA cremation service needs or questions. Please give us a call at (510) 317-7890 today.

funeral homes in Dublin, CA

Do You Want Traditional Burial Services and Funeral Homes?

Though cremation services are becoming more and more popular all across the country, there are still many families that choose traditional burials over cremation. A large number of funeral homes in Dublin, CA offer both traditional burial and cremation services. Do you know which one you want? As other’s experiences may help you choose what’s right for you and your lost loved one, there are some common reasons why people choose traditional burial services.

Read also: Funeral Home Celebrations of Life

First, many families have been burying lost family members in the same cemetery for generations, so it’s important for them to continue this long-standing family tradition. For many people, holding onto this burial tradition is comforting in a time of loss and is an important part of their family history. There are also many religions that dictate burial over cremation even though other religions have come around to the idea of cremation over burial. Many branches of Christianity and Catholicism allow for cremation, but there are still many religions that hold firm in their beliefs that burial is the only way to go. For example, the Jewish faith does not condone cremation. If it’s important for you and your family to maintain religious traditions, then you should absolutely choose burial.

There are also a lot of myths surrounding cremation, from having ashes given to the wrong person to a lack of dignity. These myths might deter people from choosing cremation and have them choose burial instead. Even though these myths are mostly not based in fact, it’s perfectly OK for people to choose burial if they prefer or if it makes them more comfortable. If it’s your personal preference to choose burial, then that’s what you should do.

Sometimes the deceased leaves clear instructions for his or her final disposition. If the deceased wanted to be buried, then you should follow his or her wishes. However, at the end of the day, choosing a burial or a cremation all depends on what’s important to you and your family. There is nothing wrong with choosing a burial just as there is nothing wrong with choosing a cremation.

Read also: Do You Need An Estate Planning Attorney?

On average, cremations cost less than burials. This lowered cost is one of the main reasons why people are choosing cremation over burial. However, there are those that don’t mind the extra cost because burial is important to them and their family. Not everyone is concerned about cost when it comes to putting a loved one to rest. If you are ready to spend more money on a burial to honor your lost loved one or a family tradition than you should do so without any guilt.

Deer Creek Funeral Service is here to help if you want to learn more about burial, cremation or Dublin, CA funeral homes. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.

cremation services in Castro Valley, CA

Cremation Service Chambers

Many bereaved have questions about the cremation services in Castro Valley, CA which is understandable as its not common knowledge how it works and its done. It’s important to ask these questions sooner rather than later in order to make sure that you have all the necessary information to make an informed choice for after the loss of a loved one.

One of the most common areas that people have questions about is the mechanics of cremation, specifically how the cremation or chamber works. The cremation chamber, sometimes called an oven or a retort, operates between 1,400- and 1,800-degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is necessary to break down the body into small fragments of bone and ash and is generally produced by propane or natural gas.

Most cremation ovens are made out of fire-resistant bricks and special masonry. The fire-resistant bricks line the interior of the chamber on the ceiling and walls. Specially made masonry materials cover the bottom of the chamber as that is the area that is exposed to the highest temperatures. Cremation oven walls are usually about 6 inches think to keep the extreme heat contained. They can have manually or mechanically operated doors depending on the model and design.

Organic body materials like skin, tissue, organs and muscle are oxidized and then vaporized during the cremation process, as the human body is mostly made of water, bone and carbon. These vapors are filtered and released through the oven’s exhaust system. All that remains after a cremation is bone fragments and non-organic materials like artificial bones or joints, implants, or dental work. All jewelry and removable medical devices are taken off the body before the cremation. The bone fragments are separated from non-organic materials and then left to cool. After cooling, they are processed and broken down into what we call ashes, with a texture like coarse sand. These ashes are placed in sealed bag and returned to the bereaved so they can inurn, bury, scatter or spread them as they so choose.

In order to stay in compliance with health and safety codes and to maintain the dignity of the deceased before, during and after the cremation. All bodies are placed in a cremation container before the cremation takes places and for the duration of the process. There are certain container specifications that also must be met for health and safety laws, but the remainder of the container details can be chose by the bereaved. Many choose standard corrugated boxes, and others choose wooden containers or caskets. No matter what kind of container is chosen, its purpose is to hold the body before the cremation and break down entirely during the cremation, so no residue is left.

If you have more questions about the cremation process or would like to learn more about your options for Castro Valley, CA cremation services, Deer Creek Funeral Service is here for you. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.

funeral home in Castro Valley, CA

Questions Surrounding Death and Loss

From a service at a funeral home in Castro Valley, CA to non-traditional services, everyone that faces a loss will also deal with a long and difficult journey to healing. Many bereaved ask themselves questions about the loss. These questions usually fall into two categories: Why and How. “Why did this happen to us?” “Why did God let something like this happen?” “How will I start to feel better?” “How do I find the positive in this loss?”

Everyone can find themselves asking different questions, as everyone responds to grief differently. Have compassion and understanding with yourself as you grieve, and don’t try to overthink what you’re going through. Most importantly, talk about your feelings and experiences either with a loved one or a professional. After all, if you’re asking yourself these or similar questions, you are definitely not alone.

  1. Why Aren’t My Friends Supporting Me? Many people don’t know how to help someone that is grieving, as it’s such a personal thing to deal with. Your friends, coworkers, or even family simply might not know how to relate to what you’re going through, or they might be afraid of offending you. Tell them how you feel, and what they can do to better support you.
  2. Why Don’t I Feel Better Yet? Losing someone you love isn’t like breaking a leg or spraining your wrist. There is no set amount of time that it will take your loss to heal. Let yourself grieve as long as you need to. You will start to feel better over time as you slowly reach healing milestones. Celebrate your small victories as you heal.
  3. What Should I Do if I Feel Like I’ll Never Get Over the Loss? Death and loss aren’t something one should try to overcome, especially since death and loss aren’t things that anyone can fix. Instead of trying to fix the grief, learn to live with it. It will adapt as you grow, and you will slowly begin to move forward.
  4. What’s Wrong with Me? If you feel like your grief is different or weird, don’t worry. Nothing is wrong with you. We all grieve in different ways. You might be grieving differently that someone that is facing the exact same loss as you, and that’s OK. Even if it feels like no one can understand you, try talking about your feelings.
  5. How Can I Tell My Doctor That I Don’t Want Medication? Communication is key with your health professional, especially when it comes to mental health. It’s vital that you communicate with your doctor if you don’t want to take medication, as then he or she can come up with a different plan to help you.

If you want to learn more about dealing with grief or Castro Valley, CA funeral homes, Deer Creek Funeral Service is here to help. Please stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or give us a call at (510) 317-7890.