Did you know?!

• The celebration of Mother's Day in the US dates back to 1905 when Ana Jarvis began a national campaign to recognize mothers after her mother died that year.
• Five years later a handful of states officially declared it a holiday.
• In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson formally established the 2nd Sunday in May as a day to celebrate and honor Moms!

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Ana's desire to remember and memorialize her own mother led to the creation of a day to celebrate motherhood and maternal bonds.

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Memorializing special people in our lives is what we are all about.

We are so grateful for the privilege to serve for the past 25 years.

Remember to Remember at Christmastime

Christmas is a time when relationships become priority. 

We send and receive Christmas cards, share meals with family and friends, and simply enjoy the love that comes with the season.  Expressions of kindness and thoughtfulness are important.  And for those closest to us - Christmas can be a time to be intimate.  We take note of the desires of our children (young and old), search for thoughtful gifts, and connect with those whom we may not have had contact with in a while. 

Christmas brings us together. 

We relive memories, and make new ones throughout the season. 

But what happens when we lose someone?  How do we cope when this Christmas is the first, second, tenth, or twentieth with someone special missing?

A grieving friend or family member can leave us feeling helpless - lost.  As Christmas approaches, you may wonder what the appropriate course of action might be; one that would express care and acknowledge their loss. 

“Do I send flowers, a card, perhaps a memorial gift?”

We know that grief is something that God and time can heal.  But it is so important to let those grieving know you are thinking of them - a thoughtful gesture may make such a difference not only in their holidays, but perhaps in their life! 

Remembering and memorializing a loved one can be a great blessing for the grieving.

At Dulaya Memories–TheSympathy Store it is our mission to help you send that expression of support, hope, and comfort through beautiful and lasting memorials gifts.   

Our newest gift, “This Christmas I Have You In My Heart” Music Box, is a gift for those who are missing a loved one.  This beautiful, original poem speaks healing words that one just might need to experience, especially at Christmas.  The familiar melody of “Amazing Grace” plays each time the music box is opened and can be so comforting, consoling, and strengthening. 

At our core, most of us have a desire for ourselves and our loved ones to be remembered when we are gone - hoping that our lives somehow made a difference.  A memorial gift for families and/or friends can express that sentiment.

A Butterfly As A Wedding Guest

She was a beautiful bride and I had a wonderful seat to watch her as she approached her groom.  Her smile was radiant, replacing all of the tears and grief she had experienced just a few short years ago.  She had lost two extremely special people in her life.  All present on that day knew of the incredible pain and loss that she had endured.  But today was a happy day - a beautiful July day - lovely for an outdoor wedding.  

As she walked down the aisle, holding her bouquet of flowers, a butterfly landed on her finger.  

Not just a quick little stop - the butterfly seemed to want to hang out for a while.  The bride raised her finger as if she was looking eye to eye with this beautiful creature.  Tears streamed down her face.  

It was as if those that loved her and were gone, were somehow there that day and making their presence known in the form of this butterfly.

Eventually, (Seriously, it felt like a long, long time!) the butterfly did fly away, she wiped away those tears, and continued down the aisle to meet her loving groom with an even more radiant smile.  

Butterflies can symbolize resurrection, hope, joy, and new beginnings.   

A butterfly can be a symbol of rebirth, transformation, or change.  

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See our newest wind chime "Beautiful Butterfly" from Dulaya Memories.

Just Be Still

Funerals are hard. 

So much sadness.  So many words from well meaning friends and family.  Many of us have been on the receiving end and unfortunately, the giving side as well.  

Have you ever spoken and immediately wished that you could hit a rewind and delete button?  I know I have.  That's why this new art is a great reminder to us all.  The scripture - "Be still and know that I am God" - is one of our favorites. 

Many times I repeat this scripture in my thoughts to remind me that, especially when trying to be there for the grieving, just... Be Still.  

                                          Click Here to See On Our Website

How to C.A.R.E. - Dealing With Loss

Christmas!?  Yes, once again it will be upon us. For many, the holidays can bring about a flood of emotion, especially if we have said good-bye to someone that we love recently.  

We would like to suggest this acronym for the "CARE" of those (and ourselves) who are missing someone dear to us:

C is for CELEBRATE.  Celebrate the life of that person by sharing stories, photos, and memories of time spent together - don't be afraid to cry - tears are a tribute!

A is for ANTICIPATION & AWARENESS.  Anticipate and be aware that there may (and most likely will) be a wide range of emotions during the Christmas season.

R is for REST & RELAX.  Be kind to yourself. 

E is for EXPRESS.  Don't be afraid to express your feelings.  Grief is tough and no two people do it the same.  It is as individual and unique as our own fingerprint.

What is Your Life Philosophy?

"Work as if you are going to live forever and pray as if you are going to die tomorrow."

Dad spoke those words many, many times in my formative years.  I love those words.  It is a life philosophy that I have always tried to incorporate into my life.  Short and sweet.  I also love the words in a piece that we carry called "Living Life."  We added it to our line 4 years ago and it continues to be a highly requested gift.  Take a few moments and let us know if you love these words as well!

"Living Life"

Click here to read this simple, yet profound message.

Faith Sharing At The Time Of Loss

"Faith Sharing Through Sympathy Expressions" - I like that.  This is what we do through our service Dulaya Memories.   When someone loses a loved one, it is such a perfect time to share your faith. Isn't it true that we are much more inclined to draw from and cling to our faith during a time of great loss?

I remember when my sister Susie died, a dear friend of mine said to me - "In your grief, you are right at the feet of Jesus, and because of that, it is so special to be with you now."

So:
Be with the grieving.  
Acknowledge their loss.  
Share your faith.  

Not only will it be a blessing to them, but a blessing to you as well.

One of many "faithful" gifts at DulayaMemories.com