memorial service – End of Life University

About my guest:

Today’s guest is Nell Aburto, a portrait photographer based in Minneapolis MN who offers funeral and memorial photography, which is largely unheard of in this industry. She discusses why people might want to consider hiring a photographer for a funeral service, the benefits of having a photographic record of such a celebration, and what it’s like to work in this profession. Learn more at her website:

In this episode:

How Nell was inspired to specialize in funeral photography

Why it’s nearly impossible for family members to take photographs of a funeral or memorial service

How it is still considered taboo by some people to take photos at funerals

The benefits she experiences from this work

How photographs are an important part of family history

How funeral photography can help us normalize death as part of life

Why funerals can be a time of transformation and healing

Learn about an innovative cruise that focuses on grief support and memorialization of loved ones.

My guest Linda Findlay is an Aftercare Coordinator for funeral homes and a hospice bereavement support group facilitator. She is also the founder of The Grief Cruises™ and has escorted four groups on special cruises for the purpose of healing grief and honoring loved ones. She discusses her inspiration for this work and what to expect on a “grief cruise.” Learn more about her work at her websites:

www.thegriefcruises.com

www.mourningdiscoveries.com

Watch on YouTube

Listen here:

This episode includes:

Linda’s own grief journey that inspired her current work
What is a grief cruise and who is it for
The benefits of getting away from ordinary life when dealing with grief
Activities included on the cruises: workshops, memory wall, candlelit memorial walk, night of remembrance
These experiences help people go home with a coping “toolbox”
How families can benefit from taking a grief cruise together
How burial at sea for cremated remains is possible during a cruise
Feedback from attendees on past cruises
How participants learn that grief and joy can coexist
How COVID impacted Linda’s work as a bereavement coordinator

Links mentioned in this episode:

Learn more and sign up for Grief Coach ($10 discount for 1 year)
Previous episode: How Travel Helped My Grief
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