Until Death Do Us Part: Losing a Spouse Three to Six months After Loss

By now most of the big stuff is probably done. The thank you notes have been written and mailed. The marker or head stone has been placed or you’ve found a place for the urn. You’ve probably filed for the life insurance, and perhaps you’ve even begun to clean out his closet.   

 

You may be wondering, what have I missed? 

 

·      Have you changed the titles to the car? 

·      Put the deed to the home in your name? 

·      Have you changed the utilities and cable service into your name? 

·      Is your medical power of attorney up to date? 

·      Have you updated your estate plan or will? 

·      Have you spoken to an accountant or tax expert about any tax consequences associated with gifts you have made or increased allocations from IRA or investments? 

 

How about you? What are you doing to take care of you? 

 

·      Are you up-to-date with your health and dental care? 

·      Are you eating well? 

·      Are you learning to cook or have you gotten someone to mow the lawn? 

·      Have you had lunch or dinner with a friend? 

·      Have you done something fun? A movie? Golf? A ballgame? 

 

Scientists tell us there is a hand/mind connection. Doing things with our hands actually increases our sense of well-being. Even simple chores such as washing the dishes, preparing your meal, or even making your bed help to provide purpose and a natural routine. Why not step outside of your box and try something creative that you used to enjoy doing or have thought about trying? Don’t discount the value of a craft, woodworking or art project. 

 

Finally, see people. Human contact is vital to your new normal. If your friends and family aren’t calling you, then call them. Look for a movie you would like to see, a museum you would like to visit, or a restaurant you would like to try and ask someone to join you.   




www.simpletraditions.com

How Much Does Cremation Cost in St. Paul, MN?

February 6, 2026
Families in St. Paul, Minnesota, often ask what cremation costs and how national averages relate to local options. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, accurate as of 2025.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in St. Paul, Minnesota?

January 9, 2026
Families in St. Paul, Minnesota, often wonder what to expect when planning a funeral. While costs vary across the country, national data offers a helpful starting point for understanding typical expenses. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and buria

The Gift of a Note to Your Family

By Simple T Admin • March 13, 2025
Nothing means more to a grieving child, spouse, sister, brother or friend than a personal note from the deceased. It’s something that will be cherished. The note will make its way out of it’s safe keeping spot whenever the mourner needs to feel close to the person who died.

Veterans Day - Thank You for Your Service

By Simple T Admin • March 13, 2025
Because you are there we all sleep better at night. You serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Some of you serve for two years, some for twenty or more. Some enter into service at a tender age looking for opportunity. Some are following a longstanding family tradition. You are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We, thank you for your service.

Writing the Thank You Notes

By Simple T Admin • March 13, 2025
For some, these are written the day after the funeral. Everyone sits around the kitchen table to write the thank you notes and everyone laughs as more than a few notes are torn and tossed in the trash. This may be the first laughter heard in several days.

Dad Died. What Do I Do with the Pills?

By Simple T Admin • March 13, 2025
“Aren’t you on blood pressure medicine? You take this heart pill don’t you? What do you take for depression?” Her plan, no waste. My mom will also save four string beans when dinner is over. The beans I can live with, the pills I think we are treading on thin ice. It’s just best to follow the FDA recommendations.
VIEW MORE POSTS