These links will open in a new window, simply close window to return to this site.  Notice:  These links are for information only, Celebrant Stacy Willhoit is not responsible for any material outside of the Honor Your Voice website.  Some of these sites also link to materials which may be for sale, by inclusion of these links Stacy Willhoit does not make any recommendations of these products, express or implied.

Informational Links:

This Website Lists Many Local Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, and Florists

How to Help the Grieving

Tips on Coping with Sudden Loss, Change, and Death

Dealing with Loss

Grief Reactions in Children

Articles on Grief & Loss from BeliefNet

Help with Funeral Planning:

The Funeral Consumers Alliance

Tips on Eulogy Writing

The FTC Funeral Consumer Guide

The International Cemetary & Funeral Association Consumers Guide

American Veterans Burial and Memorial Benefits

Helpful Information from the AARP

Planning Checklists from Family Care America

Home Funeral and Green Burial Article

Remembering a Loved One: Funeral Planning Help

Caring Connections (options and information for end-of-life decisions)

Local and National Support & Education Networks:

Counseling and Support Groups in the Springfield area

The Compassionate Friends Network for dealing with the loss of a child

Community Alliance for Compassionate Care at End-of-Life

Finding Our Way

LETTING GO

I value the ephemeral living--
the flowers and fruit of summer,
the sunset, the sea, the passing storm.
I value the love of those who love me.
I value those I love, and
I value most the few
who take the time to see me.
I value the valor of the human spirit.
I value the process of
growth and evolution.
I value the moments of clarity and unity
I've experienced.
I value my teachers and helpers.
I value comfort, stability, change,
growth, possibility, the divine.
I value my power,
and the claiming of it.

Around me when I die
I would wish for a few well-loved souls
who will remember the best of me.
And fresh air and sunshine,
and the scent of flowers and fresh herbs.
The knowledge that my ashes
will be borne to sea--Atlantic and Pacific.
That no empty pontifications
haunt my departing soul,
only a little music and soft farewells;
that friends do something
worthwhile of themselves,
in my name.

To the extent that I can be with you,
I will be with you.
I will always be interested
in what happens next.

by Carol Kohli