For Immediate Release: August 26, 2019

Brookfield, Wis. – To help those who are grieving the death of a loved one reflect, remember and find relaxation, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has introduced the Remembering A Life Self-care Box. The box, which makes a meaningful gift for families served by a funeral home, are part of NFDA’s Remembering A Life consumer outreach and education initiative. Consumers are also able to purchase a box through the Remembering A Life website in the new Remembering A Life online store.

The death of a loved one is a stressful life event, and the resulting grief can trigger many uncomfortable feelings, thoughts and physical sensations. These are normal and necessary responses to the loss of a loved one, however, and might include:

• Feelings/emotions: Anger, anxiety, blame, confusion, denial, relief, depression, fear, guilt, irritability, loneliness, numbness, sadness, shock, or yearning
• Thoughts: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, increased mental "noise," disbelief, or preoccupation with a loss
• Physical sensations: Dizziness; fast heartbeat; fatigue; headaches; hyperventilating; nausea or upset stomach; shortness of breath; tightness or heaviness in the throat or chest; or weight gain or loss

“Self-care is perhaps never more important than while grieving,” said Gail Marquardt, NFDA vice president of Communications. “The Remembering A Life Self-care Box provides a thoughtful way to thank a family for trusting you to serve them, while helping them as they begin to process the death of a loved one. It’s the perfect way to leave a lasting impression on the families you serve.”

The items in the Remembering A Life Self-care Box were carefully selected to help grieving individuals grieve and heal in a healthy way. How and when they are used is up to the individual – there is no "right" or "wrong" way or time. The important thing is to use them when ready to do so, whether that's immediately or in the weeks – even months – after the death of a loved one.

The Remembering A Life Self-care Box, which itself can be used to hold mementos and other cherished items, retails for $50, and includes:

• Remembering A Life Grief Journal – Keeping a journal can help a grieving individual reflect on the life of a loved one, the relationship they shared and the impact he or she had on family and friends. (Also sold separately for $15.)
• Memory Jar – Life is full of many special times and experiences. Those memories can be jotted down on small pieces of paper and placed in the Remembering A Life Memory Jar. (Also sold separately for $10.)
• Candle – This pear-and-redwood-scented candle can be lit and enjoyed when an individual misses a loved one most, or to mark a special day, such as a birthday, holiday or other significant moment. (Also sold separately for $10.)
• Essential Oil Roller – Aromatherapy can heighten feelings of healing, relaxation and mindfulness. This roller features the calming scents of lavender, orange and sweet marjoram. (Also sold separately $10.)
• Dragonfly Keychain and Story – The story of the dragonfly and its rebirth is one of hope and comfort. This keychain can be used as a reminder that a loved one is still present in spirit.
• Rose Quartz Stone – Called the "Crystal of Unconditional Love," rose quartz carries a soft feminine energy of compassion and peace; tenderness and healing; nourishment and comfort. It can be kept in a pocket or purse as a reminder of an individual’s unconditional love for their loved one.
• Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is always important. Using the Remembering A Life water bottle at home or on the go helps ensure a person is drinking enough water throughout the day. (Also sold separately for $5.)

Funeral professionals can find more information about the Remembering A Life Self-care Boxes, suggestions on how to use them with the families they serve, and purchase a box or select items by visiting www.nfda.org/box.

Funeral professionals can find other Remembering a Life tools and resources to help them connect with families and the communities they serve at www.nfda.org/rememberingalife. 

Consumers are able to purchase the Remembering A Life Self-care Box and select items by visiting www.rememberingalife.com/store.  

About NFDA

NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact 800-228-6332 or visit https://www.nfda.org/.

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Note: Photos of the box and its contents are available for use in your publications. Contact Jessica Koth (jkoth@nfda.org or 800-228-6332) for more information.