Music, Headstones, Grave Markers and Monuments
December 24, 2008
Healing through Music
Music can have a huge impact on your emotional and physical health, your general outlook, and your ability to experience life. Whether you’re a musical virtuoso, or have a “tin” ear; and whether you love opera or Alice Cooper, involving music in your life can significantly impact your overall health. Music has been integral to life almost since the beginning of time. However, few of us really understand the important role music can play in our health. The healing attributes of music were recognized as early as the times of Plato and Aristotle. But it wasn’t until the 1940’s, that the first ever music therapy degree program was initiated at Michigan State University. “Music therapy takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We help people work towards their own specific goals, using music as the tool,” said Ruth Eliason, Music Therapist with Palliative Care Services.
Cleaning of Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
December 15, 2008
I often observe Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments neglected and are dirty, soiled by birds and grass, and damaged by ants. It is important that a family preserves a loved one’s Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments look best when they are sparkling and dirt free.
Ants
A family needs to take care of unwanted ants that often build mounds around graveyards. To avoid discoloration of the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments; be careful to keep the spray off them. Destroy those pesky ants before they damage the foundation or stain the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Visiting loved ones is not pleasant with the hurt of ant bites. Cemetery maintenance is the responsibility of everyone, especially the family.
Warnings with Cleaning Instructions
The cleaning instructions for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments have warnings for your annual cleaning. Beware of chemicals; usually the use of chemicals is best left to the pros.
Cleaning Procedures for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Do not apply cleaning solutions to hot surfaces on Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments on a hot day. Best time for cleaning is a cool, early morning.
- Before cleaning, check the condition of the memorial for stains that may require special attention before cleaning.
- Check the joints of the upright and base, as they should be repaired before starting the cleaning process. Cleaning solutions will seep through the breaks, under the die, creating streaks in the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
Cleaning Process for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Wet the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments thoroughly. Clean only on a cool, cloudy day.
- If the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument are small, clean the entire base first, and then the upright monument. Clean the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument in sections, just like waxing a car. Rinse as each section is completed. 15 gallons of water is needed for a 3-foot monument and base.
- Keep the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments wet with clean water during the cleaning process. Start from the bottom and work up to the top.
- Be sure to clean only one section at a time, rinsing when clean.
- Never let the cleaning solution dry on the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
- Never allow any portion of the monument to dry out during the cleaning process.
- Always work with a mild chemical, (I believe hot soapy water is best) progressing to a stronger concentration only when needed. After the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments has been cleaned, rinse thoroughly with a hose or, if possible, with a pressure washer. High pressure water will help reduce the hard scrubbing required on many older monuments.
- After cleaning, and rinsing, use a solution of soda and water solution to neutralize and remove any remaining chemical with a baking soda solution. Use this same solution to clean other Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments that may have been exposed to your cleaning solution.
Buckets of clean water and a soft brush can do wonders on most newly designed monuments. Care should be taken to use clean water, as water lines in cemeteries may be rusty. If cemetery water is used, it is important to run the water long enough to allow rusted water to be discharged from the lines.
Also, chemicals used in city water may react unfavorably with some cleaning materials. Where possible, use spring or rain water. Soda is an effective powder for negating the acid deposit in cleaning compounds.
Headstones, Monuments and Grave Markers can bring a Different Kind of Holiday
December 4, 2008
Headstones, Grave Markers, and Monuments can bring closure during Holidays
Finally finding a reputable headstone dealer, then picking the design is a very stressful process for a family. The cemetery places the headstone in May. Now what; families feel some closure after the headstone has been set. What about the upcoming holidays? All families, whether religious, ethnic or civic, celebrate holidays a little different when someone is missing. Don’t despair. There’s so much you can do to keep the day special.
Holidays are a time for traditions and gatherings with family and friends. Special memories are linked to these special days. Togetherness with family and friends is almost always part of the celebration. If you’re living with the recent loss of a loved one, it’s no wonder if you find holidays suddenly difficult. One holiday that’s challenging for many bereaved Americans is xmas. Rather than being a joyful time, the xmas season can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. Traditional activities and symbols become reminders of someone who is precious to us, but no longer here to share the festivities. There are many things you can do to help yourself through the xmas season – good ideas that can apply to other holidays as well.
1. Talk openly with caring friends and family about your grief during the holidays.
They will help you feel understood. Spend time with people who will encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings – both happy and sad.
2. Discuss honestly with family members what each wants to do on the holiday.
It may be more comfortable to follow traditions or make some changes, perhaps for this year only. Give yourself permission to not do things. Once you have your plans in place, let others know your wishes.
3. Carry on with xmas preparations that you enjoy. Feel free to eliminate or
change the ones you don’t enjoy.
4. Get help with decorations.
Decorating together can preserve the warmth of the season. And you should also let yourself be free to save the decorations for another year if that’s what feels right. You can save xmas cards for another year, too, if that activity is a difficult task.
5. Consider shopping early, and in new ways.
Buying gifts may be upsetting. It may be easier to shop by phone, catalog or on-line. You may want to take an understanding friend with you or perhaps a family member will shop for you.
6. xmas dinner doesn’t have to be the same as always.
You can change the menu, the time of day or the room in which you dine. If you don’t feel like cooking xmas dinner, make alternate plans. You could enjoy a meal prepared by family or friends.
7. Take it easy and get lots of rest.
Holidays are tiring – both physically and psychologically. Lower your expectations and give yourself plenty of time to just relax.
Remember, after the headstone, monument or grave marker has been placed the grieving process isn’t always over. Time can; and will heal. xmas gives a family time to reflect on the past and current blessings they have. Families will often reflect on these times being thankful their loved one has a headstone to reflect on. Headstones will “tell your story in stone” and during the holidays, especially xmas, make sure your loved one has a headstone “granite memory” to reflect.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all in 2009!!!