Erickson Funeral Home

04/06/2026

Great Is Thy Faithfulness ~

O LORD, Thou Art Faithful,
Unchanging, Divine,
Thy Mercies Eternal ...
In Love Ever Shine!

Through seasons unending,
Thy hand dost provide,
In darkness and sorrow,
Thou art by our side.

Morning by morning,
new mercies we see,
Thy grace is sufficient,
unbounded and free.

Thou changest not,
Thy compassions endure,
Forever our refuge,
Steadfast and Sure!

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness,
Now and Always!" Amen
~ Love Denise Miller ヅ

Lamentations 3:22-23 kjv
"It is of the LORD'S mercies
that we are not consumed,
because HIS compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness!"

• Greetings, Sharing God's Love 🌹

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

Good Friday is a powerful reminder of sacrifice and love.🙏

As we reflect on Good Friday, we're reminded that even in the darkest moments, love can conquer pain. Grief is a natural response to loss, just as Jesus' followers felt when He was taken from them. Yet, His sacrifice gives us hope – a reminder that our own struggles and losses are not in vain. Just as the cross leads to resurrection, our grief can lead to healing and new life.

04/02/2026

One of my favourite poems:

Forget Me Not

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Think of me, forget me not."
She said this to her new boyfriend.
Hoping for good time till the end.
He laughed and he smiled,
Nodding his head all the while.

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Sing for me, forget me not."
She spoke this to her fiance.
Wishing for luck to come their way.
He nodded his head and kissed her lips,
Loving each and every moment like this.

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Laugh with me, forget me not."
She whispered this to the new father,
Watching him hold their new little daughter.
With tear of joy in his chocolate brown eyes,
He kissed her soundly, smiling bright.

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Dance for me, forget me not."
She said to him, both old in age,
Celebrating their grandson's birthday today.
He took her lovingly into his arms,
Humming whilst keeping her safe and warm.

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Always remember, forget me not."
She said to him, lying sick in bed,
A heavy fever upon her head.
He laid down beside her, holding her hand,
Praying for a healing touch to land.

But, on that Sunday, in late May,
She was there...lying as if in sleep.
He stood there, caressing her cheek in dismay,
Wanting her back in his arms, gentle and sweet.
And, knowing she wouldn't come back, he knelt down,
His head positioned in a bow...
"You may be dead and soon to be long gone,
But I'll see you there, I've forgotten you not."

Since those words, the years have flown by,
The sun and clouds still grace the sky.
In the field of lilacs, where they buried her,
Another stone sits beside the other.
Linked by a chain made of flowers,
Those that were picked by their daughter,
A single verse stands out as if on an alter...

"When I'm dead and long gone,
Think of me, forget me not."

To this day, the words shine in the sun.
Glittering rapidly as though the couple were having fun.
You'll notice something else if you look.
Pretty little flowers kept within the nook.
There are no lilies or roses in this spot...
No...

the chain that ties time are forget me nots. ❤

03/31/2026

Every morning presents a unique chance for a fresh start, inviting us to embrace the day ahead with renewed hope.
The challenges and lessons from yesterday become valuable tools that prepare us for the future.
Each dawn is not just another day; it’s brimming with possibilities waiting to be explored.
By being mindful and attentive, we can notice the subtle signs and cues that guide us toward our true path. These indicators often lead us to experiences that are not only enriching but also meaningful.
It's essential to let go of yesterday's troubles, viewing them as necessary lessons that enhance our understanding of life.
As we step into today, we carry with us the wisdom gained from our past, empowering us to navigate our journeys with confidence. In this way, every new day becomes a canvas on which we can paint the life we desire, filled with purpose and positivity ..
Credit:
🖋️C.E. Coombes
🎨Bina S.

03/30/2026

Doubt sees the obstacles.. Faith sees the way..
Doubt sees the darkest night.. Faith sees the day..
Doubt dreads to take a step.. Faith soars on high..
Doubt questions.. "Who Believes?"..
Faith answers.. "I"..

03/26/2026

LETTING GO OF A CHILD’S BELONGINGS

There is nothing “simple” about letting go of a child’s belongings.

Please be aware: What you’re asking a bereaved parent to give away matters more than you know.

Because you see a room…they see their child.

You may think that if they remove the child’s belongings, they will move through grief more quickly.

But the truth is—these things often become their lifeline. They are proof their child existed. They can bring comfort through what researchers call continuing bonds—an ongoing connection of love.

This is not just stuff—this is connection.

⸻

There is a moment many people do not see.

It comes after the funeral.
After the casseroles stop.
After the world has quietly moved on.

It is the moment a bereaved parent is left standing in a bedroom… surrounded by everything their child touched, loved, wore, and left behind.

And then come the well-meaning, yet often unrealistic expectations—spoken or unspoken—through pressure:

“You should donate their clothes.”
“It’s time to move on.”

But what people often fail to understand is this:

Going through a child’s belongings is not simply a task… it is a profound secondary loss.

Every shirt still holds their scent.
Every notebook carries their handwriting.
Every object whispers, “I was here.”

These are not just items.

They are evidence of a life.
They are anchors to memory.
They are often the only physical connection a parent has left.

I know a mother who could not throw away her child’s medicine bottles—because her child’s name was still printed on the label.

Some may not understand that.

But research does.

Studies show that bereaved parents commonly keep their child’s belongings as a way to maintain connection. These objects are not signs of being “stuck.” They are part of how the heart and mind process deep loss.¹

In one study, nearly all bereaved mothers kept meaningful items connected to their child and returned to them regularly. Other research shows many parents keep bedrooms, clothing, school papers, and personal belongings because these items bring comfort and a sense of closeness.²³

This is not abnormal.

This is grief.

This is love trying to find somewhere to go.

And when others rush a parent to clear a room or give things away, they may unknowingly create regret—because once those items are gone, they are gone forever.⁴

The truth is, there is no reason to make a hasty decision to get rid of a child’s belongings. Let the bereaved parent follow their heart, if they keep them for a year or ten years, it is important they are not rushed.

So instead of asking,
“Why are you holding on?”

Maybe you should gently say,
“Take all the time you need.”

Because for a bereaved parent,
letting go of their child’s belongings
can feel like letting go of their child… all over again.

Credit:

Dr. Cali Anderson
Bereaved Mother
Bereaved Parents Advocate
Grief Educator
Founder, Grief Bridge