With the end of 2017 drawing near, we wanted to take a moment to look back on some of the most-read stories from the past year. These articles from our blog range from inspirational content for funeral directors to meaningful memorialization ideas for families, and much more!

Let’s start the countdown.

10. Losing a Child: From Heartbreak To Healing

The loss of a child is like no other loss. Funeral Director Tytus Cornejo understands that all too well. That’s why he sought out a local artist to help create unique portraits for parents who’ve suffered the loss of a child. See how these hand-drawn portraits capture the personality of those taken from us too soon.

9. Personalization: 6 Unique Coffins and Caskets

Personalization continues to impact the profession. And these unique coffins show how families can inject some personality into the traditional funeral experience. See the list of truly unique caskets, ranging from a corn-shaped coffin to a Lego brick burial.

8. How Different Personality Types Affect the Way We Grieve

It’s no surprise that everyone grieves in their own unique way. But just how much does personality affect the way we grieve? Find out by taking the Myers-Briggs Personality Quiz and see for yourself the ways personality ultimately impacts our grieving process.

7. Thanksgiving Poems, Prayers, and Quotes

As we all know, the holidays are a tough time for those missing a loved one. So we compiled a collection of inspiring poems, prayers, and quotes to help honor the memory of those who can’t be there with us during the holidays.

6. 10 Obituaries for Those Who Love to Laugh

Obituaries serve many purposes. They inform the community of a loss, and they help tell someone’s life story. Some obituaries are sentimental, and others might be sad. Then there are obituaries that have us laughing until we cry. These 10 obituaries show that even though someone might be gone, they can still have us smiling.

5. Humanist Funerals Are on The Rise

The NFDA reported in their 2017 Consumer Survey that the importance of religious components in funeral services are at an all-time low. The lack of religious services has given rise to a new funeral trend known as “humanist” or secular funerals. And while they might differ from traditional religious services, they do open the door for more personal and unique funeral rituals.

4. The Best Funeral Songs for Any Kind of Funeral

From classical hymns to modern and alternative hits, find the perfect song for any type of funeral. Music has long been touted as a healing force, and funeral songs are a perfect way to personalize a funeral to reflect on the unique life of a loved one.

3. Inspirational Quotes About Coping with Grief and Loss

Get inspired and personalize a memorial service with these powerful quotes. The list covers quotes for all types of loss, including the loss of a parent, grandparent, child, and more.

2. Inside Look at the Embalming Process

Families often don’t understand the embalming process and the value it can provide. Explore embalming’s rich history as well as a general overview of what exactly embalming means.

1. 5 Reasons Everyone Should Have a Funeral

Our number one most-read article of 2017 touches on a truly important topic — five reasons why everyone should have a funeral service. A funeral can be whatever the family — or their loved one — chooses. For example, it can be a full-on traditional service. Or a small ash scattering on a well-loved beach. It could be a backyard BBQ or an open reception at one’s most frequented restaurant. The funeral should be whatever is most meaningful to the family, the only important thing is that they have one. And this article explains exactly why.

What stories would you like to see from us in 2018? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!