SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
Prepared by the GuideStone Director of Pastoral Wellness, Mark Dance
Take Time to Mourn
- As Jesus wept for Lazarus, take time to mourn your loved one and comfort others as they mourn as well. (Romans 12:15, Matthew 5:4)
- Know There is Hope in Christ
- If your loved one turned to Christ before they passed, you can be reunited again with them for eternity. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
- Remember to Reflect
- As you think back on your loved one’s life and passing, take the opportunity to reflect on your own relationship with God and where you’ll spend eternity. Reflect on how your loved one fulfilled their purpose and think about how you can fulfill God’s purpose for your own life. (Psalm 143:10)
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Prepared by the GuideStone Team**
Honor Their Wishes
- If your loved one had a will, follow the wishes they recorded for the disposition of their assets.
Steward Resources Wisely
- Make a plan on how to manage any inheritance or life insurance proceeds you receive, whether it’s to be placed in your bank account or an investment account.
Give a Symbolic Gift
- Consider giving time, money or items in honor of your passed loved one. For example, you could donate to their favorite charity in their name or hold fundraising events on their behalf for causes they were passionate about.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*
Follow Your Loved One’s Wishes for Disposition
- Help a loved one’s legacy be marked in the ways they wished after their final days.
Be Aware of the Physical Effects of Memories
- Be aware that you may experience physical manifestations of memories throughout the grieving process. For example, a memory can arise that causes your stomach to clench or a chill to run down your spine.
Give Yourself Time to Rest
- Create space and margin in your life to process. As you grieve, your body may have difficulty regularly sleeping and getting the rest it needs. Some nights your mind races, and your heart races along with it, leaving your body so electrified with energy that you can barely sleep, while other nights you are so tired you fall asleep right away.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*
Let Yourself Feel and Process
- Allow yourself to cry and feel sadness.
Get Support
- Reach out to a grief counselor or specialist.
Take Time to Remember
- Always make time to remember the person that’s passed.
RELATIONAL WELLNESS
Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*
Maintain Relationships During the Disposition of Assets
- Honor your relationship with your passed loved one by following their wishes for the disposition of their assets and work to keep peace in your family through this sometimes difficult process.
Take Time to Reflect and Remember
- Consider a special memorialization that friends and family can participate in to help your loved one’s memory live on, such as holding a tribute event or creating a memorial Facebook page so friends and family can share photos.
Continue Traditions and Make New Ones
- Continue doing and share something they loved with the next generation. For example, make your passed loved one’s favorite recipe for family reunions or holidays.
VOCATIONAL WELLNESS
Prepared by the GuideStone Team**
Save Their Story
- Document and save their life story in a way that is special to you and lasting, such as a professionally bound book with photos or a video.
Use Their Wisdom
- Remember your loved one as you live your daily life and incorporate their wisdom when applicable.
Add to your Goals
- Consider if there is a meaningful effort or a dream you could accomplish, such as traveling to their favorite places on earth in their honor or being an extension of their ministry.
*Maegen Tabor, RN (Lockton) and Darla Mack, RN (Highmark), supported by Dr. Hale (Lockton) and Dr. Jacobson (Highmark)
**Sharita Bent, Edith Dorsey, Eddy Huskey, David Kieffer, Katie Orgunov, Jordan Puskos, Taylor Rogers, Holly Taylor
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