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Turner Funeral Home, Inc., 3913 Webb Road, Chattanooga, TN (2026)

01/26/2026

8 TIPS FOR COPING WITH APPETITE LOSS WHILE GRIEVING
While January is traditionally the month for setting our health goals, what happens when grief takes over and the desire to eat- much less eat healthy- is gone? We at Turner Funeral Home found this Funeral Basics article outlining coping strategies that might help…
Losing a loved one takes both a physical and emotional toll on those left behind. While everyone copes with grief differently, it’s normal for those who are grieving to struggle to return to “normal.” Many people face food-related struggles, like overeating, loss of appetite, or eating disorders. If you’re struggling with loss of appetite, you’re not alone! Whether you can’t find the motivation to cook or simply don’t feel hungry, know that this is a normal part of grief. While it may take time to get your appetite back, there are a few steps you can take to make things easier for yourself. But first, let’s talk about the connection between grief and appetite loss.
WHY DOES GRIEF AFFECT APPETITE?
There are many reasons grief can affect someone’s appetite, but one of the biggest is that grief adds extra stress to our lives. While some people overeat for comfort when they’re stressed, others lose interest in eating or struggle with physical issues that make eating difficult, like nausea or digestive issues. Those who are grieving might simply forget to eat or not feel motivated to cook or eat. Additionally, many of the struggles that people who are grieving experience, like anxiety, loneliness, and depression, can cause a lack of appetite. If the person who died was a very close loved one, the grieving person may also feel overwhelmed as they adjust to their new normal without that special person by their side. Whether the thought of food makes you feel nauseous or you simply don’t have the energy to cook, here are a few tips that may help you find ways to nourish yourself while you’re grieving.
1. STICK WITH EASILY DIGESTIBLE FOODS: If you’re struggling with nausea or digestive issues, look for simple, easily digestible foods that your stomach can handle better. Avoid foods with lots of oil, spices, or sugar, and look for foods that don’t have a strong smell. Toast, bananas, rice, and other simple foods can help you get the nutrients you need and may help you regain your appetite.
2. OPT FOR EASY TO FIX MEALS: For many people who are grieving, taking time to prepare a meal is a big hurdle, especially if they’ve lost a spouse who was the primary cook. One way to navigate this struggle is by finding easy-to-prepare options with foods you like. Some grocery stores have pre-prepared food like salads, sandwiches, or full meals you can heat and eat. You can also keep a variety of snacks you know you like to eat, like cheese, fruit, nuts, crackers, or chips and dip. Anything easy to grab and snack on when you feel like it can help. Or you could opt for protein shakes, smoothies, or meal replacement shakes that give you nutrients while potentially being easier to stomach.
3. TRY NEW FOODS OR RESTAURANTS: If you find yourself avoiding food because it reminds you of your loved one, you’re not alone. It’s easy for the enjoyment of food to be overshadowed by grief. If you’re struggling with this, one option is to try new foods or restaurants that don’t hold memories of your loved one. Is there a type of cuisine you’ve never tried? A new restaurant that opened up down the street? By making eating an adventure, you can create new positive associations with food that may increase your appetite.
4. EAT YOUR LOVED ONE’S FAVORITES: While some people may want to avoid foods that remind them of their loved one, others may feel the opposite. At first, it may be painful to fix your loved one’s favorite meal or to order food from the restaurant you always dined at together. But enjoying food that reminds you of your loved one can be a beautiful way to honor their memory and find a little bit of comfort.
5. CREATE A ROUTINE: After losing someone you care about, getting back into a routine can be difficult. But having a routine, especially with regular mealtimes, can help motivate you to eat and encourage your appetite to return. Plus, you won’t have to think about when to eat or rely on how hungry you feel. While you shouldn’t force yourself to eat full meals if you don’t feel like it, you can use set mealtimes to give yourself some consistency.
6. SET REMINDERS TO EAT: When you’re grieving and trying to re-establish your routine, it’s easy to lose track of time and miss meals. If you find yourself forgetting to eat, set reminders. Whether it’s an alarm on your phone or a space blocked off on your calendar, having a specific reminder that lets you know when it’s mealtime can help you remember to eat. Even if you don’t feel hungry then, you can grab a small bite or set a new alarm for a little later.
7. ASK FOR SUPPORT: While it can be hard to ask for help, remember that you’re not in this alone. If you’re struggling with finding motivation to cook, friends and family could bring you meals, or your coworkers or church members could organize a meal train. Friends could help keep you accountable if you forget to eat, or they can help you find foods that won’t make you nauseated. And if your lack of appetite continues over a long period of time or results in excessive weight loss, you can consult with your doctor and consider exploring grief therapy options.
8. GIVE IT TIME: For many people who are grieving, lack of appetite only lasts a few months, but for others, it can last a year or more. While you may feel frustrated if you don’t make progress immediately, be patient with yourself and celebrate the small wins. And if you have concerns about your appetite, digestive issues, or excessive weight loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult, and what works for one person may not work for you. As you continue on your grief journey, look for food-related strategies that work for you, and give yourself grace as you grieve your loved one and work to take care of your physical needs.
The Turner Funeral Home website (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com) offers additional resources and articles on a variety of grief related topics. Please call us directly with any funeral related questions or requirements. (423)622-3171 Thank you for following us on Facebook.

01/19/2026

Harley Ray Hickman, 87, passed away at his home on January 17, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1938 in the White Oak Mountain area of Cleveland, TN to Charlie June and Nellie Grace Lawson Hickman. He was raised in the Avondale area of Chattanooga and was a 1957 graduate of Kirkman Vocational High School.
Mr. Hickman was married to the love of his life, the former Novis L. Hale, on February 12, 1966 in Chattanooga, TN. They spent 60 wonderful years together. He was a member, door greeter, and Deacon of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Harrison, TN. He and his wife enjoyed working in their yards, going to church, attending Gospel singing together, and of course ALL the grandchildren. He was definitely a family man.
SMSGT Hickman held several jobs in Chattanooga, including Dupont where he and Novis met. He joined the United States Air Force and served 26 and one half years. SMSGT Hickman served proudly as an Electrician in Germany and Vietnam and was stationed with his family at Eglin AFB (FL) and Wurtsmith AFB (MI). He then shifted his career to USAF Recruiting where he added numerous awards to his outstanding military record. His recruiting career began at Lackland AFB (TX) in 1973 and was assigned to Cleveland, TN. Shortly thereafter, he continued on to Warner Robins AFB (GA) and Little Rock AFB (AR). He retired in 1985 and moved back to Eglin AFB in Valparaiso, FL where he worked for civil service as base housing inspector until he returned to his beloved Tennessee in 2003.
Mr. Hickman was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charlie and Nellie Hickman; siblings, Robert (Evelyn) Hickman, Gladys Poe, Lavada (Clyde) Vanore, Glen (Betty) Hickman, Alice (Kenneth) Carswell, Dossie Hickman, Dale (Geri) Hickman, and Charlie Hickman, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Novis H. Hickman; children, Thomas Lee (Cindy) Hickman, Sherry (Elvan) Brooks, and Nancy (Ken Broyles) Elphingstone; grandchildren, Melissa (Kevin) Green, Kristy (Jeff) Robb, Jeff Hickman, Travesse Richardson, Rachel Richardson, Brook (Mitchell) Barker, Beth (Josh) Petree, and Ryan (Hannah) Elphingstone; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren, as well as many well-loved nephews and nieces. Last but not least, beloved pets, Brownie, Thumper, Chester, Samantha, Prissy, and Ginger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ronnie Dotson and Pastor Gary Higgins officiating.

SMSGT Hickman will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook located on the Turner Funeral Home website.
www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

01/19/2026

Funerals and Family Discord: What Can You Do?
Family. Funerals. Our emotions are often exaggerated during stressful events- whether the event is celebratory (like a wedding) or mournful (like a funeral). When a family relationship is strained during such a time, it is an excellent idea to have the tools needed to peacefully honor our departed loved ones. We at Turner Funeral Home found this article from Funeral Basics that might offer help in moving through the added stress of dealing with disagreements with those that we love, but temporarily may not like.
Funerals can be difficult. Emotions tend to live closer to the surface. Then, add the struggles and intricacies associated with relationships to the emotional pot. Dealing with family discord or difficult people at an already challenging time is taxing. If you’ve lost someone you love, you are already feeling a wide range of emotions, and you may not feel you have energy left to deal with difficult people or situations. Family discord or interactions with difficult people can happen at any stage of the funeral process. It may be that you and a sibling disagree on the best way to honor your parent’s life. Or perhaps someone you have intentionally avoided will be coming to the funeral service. No matter the details of your particular situation, you may feel your stress levels rising when you think about the funeral. If this resonates with you, take a moment to review some thoughts on how to navigate these tricky moments.
1. BE AWARE OF YOUR EMOTIONS: Our emotions are a gift, but they are also our responsibility. They tell us how we feel, but they do not always reflect the truth about a situation. We need to examine whether our feelings are based on faulty assumptions or real facts. As you deal with family discord or difficult people, try to be mindful of your emotions and what they are telling you. But more importantly, ask yourself, “Are my emotions a reflection of reality or a result of my potentially faulty conclusions?” In other words, are you thinking clearly or through an emotionally blurred lens? It’s important to answer these questions before taking the offensive against family members during a very emotional time.
Remember – you control your emotions; they do not control you.
2. FIND WAYS TO COMPROMISE: Compromise is a highly successful way to navigate discord, so be on the lookout for areas where you can give and take. In some cases, family members may disagree about funeral arrangements for a lost loved one. Some may prefer cremation while others may prefer burial. And if cremation is chosen, what happens to the ashes? Who decides? These types of family disagreements are one reason why it’s so important to plan ahead for funeral arrangements. If a loved one provides an outline of their wishes, survivors don’t have to stress over what to do. They can have confidence in what their lost loved one wanted. But in the absence of a plan, find ways to compromise so that everyone gets a little of what they want. And if you’re attending a funeral where you will see a certain family member you’ve been avoiding, remember what the service is all about. It’s about honoring and saying goodbye to the person who has died. Whether or not there is a possibility to repair the strained relationship with the living person, try to set aside your differences until after services are complete.
3. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS THOUGHTFULLY: It’s always good practice to weigh your words in every situation, especially during a time of loss. Those who speak out of anger or pain are usually in a reactive state and may say something hurtful that they later regret. If tension is rising with family members, words spoken in anger will only make things worse. Instead, work to stand up for yourself and express your opinion without attacking the position of others. Try to really listen to what others are saying and see things from their perspective before responding. Start your statements with “I feel” or “I think” rather than “You always do this” or “You make me so mad!” Using “I” instead of “You” statements will help you take responsibility for your emotions without accusing others and putting them on the defensive, which could escalate an already tense situation.

4. DISCOVER WHAT HELPS YOU COPE WITH STRESS: Next, take time to understand your own needs. We should always try to learn more about our own motivations and those of other people, seeking to understand why we and others act or react in certain ways. What calms you down? What is your outlet or release? For some, it’s painting or writing, working out, being alone for a while, or spending time with specific people who bring life and comfort. As you approach a situation that may be difficult, do what you need to do beforehand to bring your stress levels down. Think about appropriate ways to express your grief, your anger, your frustration, or whatever feeling is rising up in you. Don’t bottle it up; channel it appropriately. If you do feel the need to express your emotions vocally, go to a room by yourself (or with a safe person) and scream or cry if you need to.
5. TRY TO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD: When dealing with a difficult person, the last thing you may want is to be “nice.” If you and a sibling are arguing over a parent’s final wishes for the funeral service, you are likely more irritated than kindhearted at the moment. But that’s why it’s so important to look for a way to be kind. As you seek ways to be gracious to those who are difficult, rude, or discourteous, you may even change the direction of the conversation. Even if they don’t respond to you in kindness, you can look back at the funeral and say, “I did my best in a difficult situation.” In life, conflict is unavoidable. How we respond and deal with it is what truly matters. If you are looking for a way to avoid future family discord or an uncomfortable situation at a funeral, one option is to talk with your elderly, living relatives about making advance funeral arrangements. Putting a plan in place provides a valuable opportunity for families to get on the same page regarding future events and prevent as much disagreement as possible.
We at Turner Funeral Home sincerely hope that you find this article helpful. Additional articles and resources are available on the Turner Funeral Home website (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com). Please call us directly with any funeral related questions or requirements. (423)622-3171 Thank you for following us on Facebook!

01/15/2026

Christopher “Chris” Niles Swartout, 24, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Chris was born on Feb. 16, 2001.

He is survived by his son, Bo Swartout; brothers, Tayor Swartout, Nathan Dotson, Dylan Barger, Jarron Jones, and Brandon Stuntz; parents, Niles Swartout and Amika (Timmy) Smith; aunts, Amanda (Jason) Smith and April McClure; grandmothers, Shelly (Tom) Howington and Soundra (Dennis) Chastain; great-grandmother, Ruthie Shipley; grandfathers, Jerry Green and Steve Shipley; and leaves behind many friends and family members.

He was preceded in death by great-grandfathers, Robert Swartout and Lee Shipley; uncle, RJ McClure, and great-grandmother, Carol Swartout.

Chris proudly served in the United States Marine Corps prior to starting his career as a UPS truck driver. He had a deep love for his family, friends, and going fast. Chris was Christlike, someone you could always count on, and above all a devoted father, his son Bo was his greatest pride and joy. He carried a presence that filled every room he entered. Whether it was his infectious smile, laugh, or he was greeting you with a “what do you say?” Chris was one of a kind and there will never be another like him. He will be remembered for the way he worked hard and loved harder.

The family will receive visitors at Maple Grove Baptist Church, 9525 Birchwood Pike, Harrison, Tn. 37341, on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 3–7 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2–5 p.m. The funeral service will follow the Sunday visitation and will begin at 5 p.m., officiated by Pastors Ronnie Dotson and Kenny Waldrop.

Chris will be laid to rest at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, Jan. 19, at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Til Valhalla Project https://tilvalhallaproject.com/.

Share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com.

01/12/2026

5 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER
It is January, and we often fall into the habit of “getting organized” as we begin a new year. In this Funeral Basics article, five steps are offered in order to organize your estate. We at Turner Funeral Home sincerely hope that this information is helpful and timely.
While getting your affairs in order may feel like a daunting task, it makes the grieving process and closing out an estate much easier for surviving children and heirs. They won’t have to untangle any accounts or wonder how you wanted your property or assets distributed. Instead, they can focus on grieving, supporting each other, and remembering the relationship you shared.
And yes, the process of putting your affairs in order will take time, but there’s good news! Below, you will find a checklist of important documents to gather as well as guidance regarding other estate planning topics you should consider. Let’s get started.
Step 1: GATHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The information and documents listed below will apply to most families. However, there may be additional documents that are important to your specific family. The list below is an excellent starting place and covers the vast majority of what you will need. However, take time to sit down and think through your situation. You may find more documents to include.
Checklist
• Full legal name
• Social Security number/card
• Address of legal residence
• Date and place of birth
• Names and addresses of spouse and children
• Birth and death certificates and certificates of marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption (whichever are applicable)
• Employers and dates of employment
• Education and military records
• Names and phone numbers of religious contacts (if applicable)
• Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors
• Medications taken regularly (keep this updated!)
• Location of living will and other legal documents
• Sources of income and assets (pension from your employer, IRAs, 401(k)s, interest, royalties, etc.)
• Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid information
• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, etc.) with policy numbers and agents’ names and phone numbers
• Copy of your most recent income tax return
• Location of your most up-to-date legal will with an original signature
• Liabilities, including property tax
• Mortgages and debts
• Location of original deed of trust for home
• Car title and registration
• Credit and debit card names and numbers
• Location of safe deposit box and key
Special note: It’s important to keep your documents safe, especially in the face of natural disasters. One way to keep your documents safe is to purchase a fire and water secure case. But whatever you choose, find a way to keep your documents secure and accessible in case of emergency.
Step 2: CONSIDER ESTATE PLANNING: Estate planning is about ensuring that your wishes regarding your estate are carried out. While most of us don’t have a literal estate with a grand manor and a stable full of horses, we do all have an “estate.” In legal terms, an estate consists of everything you own – car, home, other real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, 401(k)s, insurance policies, furniture, personal possessions, and even pets.
By determining what your wishes are, who will receive what and when, and who is responsible for executing your legal will, you participate in estate planning. If you are interested in estate planning, please review the questions below and determine if you have taken care of them fully.
1. Do you have a legal will? Writing a legal will is one of the best things you can do for your family. To reduce the risk of misunderstandings, heartache, and the possible headache of taking your estate through probate court, it’s best if you clearly outline who gets what and when. If there is no legal will, the state may determine the distribution of your property and assets. So, if you don’t have a legal will, your assets may not go to your heirs, depending on your state’s current regulations. If you would like to write a legal will, first talk with an attorney or try out a web service that specializes in legal documents.
2. If you do have a legal will, have you appointed an executor? And does your chosen executor have access to and know where to find all of your important documents? Above all, the executor of your will should be someone you trust. They will carry out the wishes outlined in your legal will to the letter.
3. Have you named your beneficiaries? Beneficiaries are the people or organizations that will receive your assets and/or property after your death. In general, it is good practice to double-check your beneficiaries every few years. This includes beneficiaries on your legal will and on any life insurance policies you may have with the purpose of ensuring everything still reflects your wishes. Double-checking beneficiaries is especially important with blended families as divorce or remarriage could change your chosen beneficiaries. To learn more, read “Estate Planning for the Blended Family.”
4. Do you want or need a trust? If you are unfamiliar with trusts, they are similar to a will. Both a will and a trust are meant to spell out your wishes regarding assets and property. The main difference between the two is that a will is effective only after you die and then must be probated (carried out) by the court system and your chosen executor. On the other hand, in the case of a trust, there is no need to go through the court system – your successor trustee (aka the executor) will carry out your wishes after your death as they are written in the trust. Additionally, with a trust, your successor trustee can manage your financial, healthcare, or legal affairs if you become incapacitated while you’re living. Talk with an estate planner to see if this option is right for you. Typically, a trust is helpful for those with a large number of assets and property.
5. Have you considered your digital estate? If you have used an email account, a networking website, or bought items online, you have a digital estate. It’s just as important to determine the future of your digital estate as your physical estate
6. Do you have any dependents (including pets)? Have you made your wishes clear regarding their well-being? Most people know that they should indicate who will care for their dependents once they are gone. However, pets are also an important part of the family, and while we love them dearly, sometimes we overlook them in the estate planning process. To that end, make sure to include any veterinary documentation in your important paperwork and outline who should take over the care of your beloved animals.
Step 3: LOOK INTO ADVANCE FUNERAL PLANNING: No matter your level of interest, funeral planning needs to be on your list of things to do as you get your affairs in order. By writing down your funeral preferences ahead of time, you give your family a roadmap to honoring your life. Having this roadmap will take a burden off their shoulders and allow them to focus on loving and supporting each other.
Step 4: WRITE OUT YOUR ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVES (ACD): In short, an advance care directive (ACD) ensures that, if you become incapacitated, your medical wishes are known and fulfilled. Two documents, the living will and the healthcare power of attorney, make up an ACD. Sit down with your doctor and those closest to you and discuss what your wishes are regarding medical care.
Step 5: KEEP IT CURRENT: Once you have your affairs in order, keep them up-to-date and current, especially your legal documents, beneficiary information, and most recent tax return. Make sure to appoint a new executor if the one you have currently chosen moves away or is unable to fulfill his or her duties. If you move, update your current address on all your documents, policies, accounts, and assets. At the beginning, it’s quite an undertaking to gather all the information. But, once it’s together, updating is simple.
Also, you might consider holding a family meeting to go over your wishes and your estate. For some families, this may not be pleasant or even possible. But if you can schedule it, a family meeting is an excellent time to let everyone know how your assets are going to be distributed. By being proactive, you can answer questions, set expectations, and hopefully, prevent any family disagreements over your final wishes.
DISCLAIMER: Individual circumstances and state laws vary, so only undertake estate planning with the help and assistance of an attorney licensed in your state.
Additional resources are available on the Turner Funeral Home website (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com). Please call us directly with any funeral-related questions or requirements that you might have. (423)622-3171. Thank you so much for following us on Facebook.

01/05/2026

GRIEVING THE “FIRSTS” AFTER A LOSS
As we step into this new year, we often consider new beginnings and new starts. However, suffering the loss of a loved one puts us in the position of grieving the old ways- the comfortable ones. The loss of a loved one puts us in the position of new habits and new ways no matter the time of year. We at Turner Funeral Home found this Funeral Basics article that might be of some help for that brutal “year of firsts”.
The first year without a loved one can be very difficult, especially as precious milestones approach. The first Valentine’s Day without them. First birthday. Christmas. The anniversary of their passing. Each of these “firsts” will be difficult in its own way.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a noted grief counselor, author, and educator, affirms that our grief journeys are as unique as we are. “In life, everyone grieves. But their grief journeys are never the same. Despite what you may hear, you will do the work of mourning in your own special way. Be careful about comparing your experience with that of other people. Also, do not adopt assumptions about how long your grief should last. Just consider taking a ‘one-day-at-a-time’ approach. Doing so allows you to mourn at your own pace.”
If you are facing the “firsts” after the loss of a loved one, here are a few ideas to help you navigate through the emotional days ahead.
1. PLAN AHEAD IF YOU CAN: As a special day or milestone approaches, consider what you will need to get through the day. Plan ahead and decide if you need to take the day off to rest and reflect. You may also wish to do something special or meaningful to honor your loved one’s memory. Or you may want to go to a special place or gather with certain people on that day. A little advance planning can make the day more peaceful and contemplative.
2. FIND A WAY TO CELEBRATE AND REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE: The hardest part about a day that is special to you is if no one else seems to remember. No matter what the particular day may be, if it’s significant to you and your lost loved one, do something to remember, to celebrate, to commemorate, to honor.
Take flowers to the gravesite, look through old photos and videos, light a candle, or write a letter. You can serve their favorite dish and start calling it by their name – Nana’s mashed potatoes or Joe’s green bean casserole. All of these are simple ways to express your grief outwardly. The outward expression of grief will help bring peace and healing on a difficult day.
3. REINVENT THE DAY & BRING HOPE TO A DAY OF SADNESS: Another option is to reinvent the days that bring you pain. For example, on the anniversary of your loved one’s death, do something that would have delighted them. If they loved to fish, maybe you and your family could spend a day at the lake, taking time to share cherished stories. On your first Valentine’s Day without your loved one, you might treat yourself to a dinner out or eat a meal with others who have lost a significant other. This same principle can be applied to any special day. Look for ways to reinvent the day and make it something new, something meaningful and healing, something intentional and beautiful. Changing routines and focusing on what brings you joy and peace, even temporarily, can help you get through a difficult day or season.
4. GIVE BACK TO MEANINGFUL CAUSES: As part of their grief journey, some people choose to run a fundraiser via social media supporting a cause that helped their loved one, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, nonprofit hospitals, or other significant causes. If your loved one adored animals, you may decide to give a donation in their name to a local rescue. Another idea would be to volunteer your time at a non-profit that cares for animals. If they valued children, give back to local or international programs that focus on assisting kids. You may even sign up for a race or a walk that raises funds for a special cause. Some people become so passionate about a cause after losing a loved one that they establish their own non-profit organizations in memory of the person who died. Whatever you decide to do, giving back is one way you can pay it forward to others and carry on your loved one’s legacy. Though your loved one is gone, their legacy lives on through you.
HEALING TRADITIONS BRING HOPE AND RECONCILLIATON
The possibilities for honoring a loved one on a special day are virtually endless. It all depends on what speaks to you. What makes you feel close to the one you have lost? What were their favorite things? Once you discover what comforts your heart, do it year after year, until it’s either a beloved tradition or you feel that you can stop. As Dr. Wolfelt assures us, each grief journey is different. No two are the same. Do what works for you and brings you peace. In truth, we never really get over our grief; we become reconciled to it. We find a new way to live because the old way is gone forever. As Dr. Wolfelt puts it, “You will find that as you achieve reconciliation, the sharp, ever-present pain of grief will give rise to a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. Your feelings of loss will not completely disappear, yet they will soften, and the intense pangs of grief will become less frequent. Hope for a continued life will emerge as you are able to make commitments to the future, realizing that the person you have given love to and received love from will never be forgotten. The unfolding of this journey is not intended to create a return to an ‘old normal’ but the discovery of a ‘new normal.’” In time, you will find your “new normal.” But for now, grieve. Cry. Remember. And eventually, if you allow it, reconciliation will come. May you find the peace and reconciliation you are seeking.
We at Turner Funeral Home sincerely hope that you have found this article helpful. Please visit the Turner Funeral Home website for additional resources. (www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com) Feel free to call us directly with any funeral-related questions or requirements. (423)622-3171 And Thank You for following us on Facebook

Turner Funeral Home, Inc.

01/26/2026

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