I Don't Need A Counselor!

Sometimes it’s hard to admit we need a little extra help. Especially men; we don’t like asking for directions let alone give in to meeting with a therapeutic counselor “to talk about our feelings”. The Meacham staff includes Dr. Mary Hooten Bivens. She provides therapeutic counseling that goes further than just talking about feelings. A free consultation with Dr. Bivens is extended to any family member we serve; here are just a few ways families benefit:

She helps navigate thoughts & feelings. A death can bring about numerous complicated emotions. Dr. Bivens is trained in exploring and processing many different feelings. Bottling up heavy emotion usually doesn’t work which is why talking to a professional like Dr. Bivens is so helpful.

She provides a view from the outside. If your family has experienced a death it’s likely other family members and close friends are grieving too. Sometimes it’s hard to get the right support from someone who is also dealing with emotional pain. Meeting with Dr. Bivens allows open expression without fear of bringing more hurt upon someone who is already weighed down with grief.

She shares strategies to cope. It’s common that grief can interfere with everyday activities and impair the mind to that of a “foggy” state. Dr. Bivens is trained to provide guidance and identify a coping strategy specifically to individual needs. After all, what works for one person may not work for another.

She offers a new perspective. Grief can put us in a muddy rut where all we do is consume our minds on the same thoughts without ever getting anywhere. Dr. Bivens provides new insights and other ways to view the situation and leadership towards healing and peace of mind.

Therapeutic counseling is not mainstream in the world of funeral service; that is, not every funeral home offers this type of service. Having Dr. Bivens on staff is a huge asset. The Meacham staff is truly here to serve you. We would be honored to earn your value and esteem.

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Cash & carry....caskets?

January 1, 2025

As a genealogy buff, I was browsing through old newspapers one day and decided – just for fun – to take a break and look up the newspaper headline from exactly 100 years ago. The headline wasn’t that interesting so I began to look through the entire paper. That’s when something caught my eye. On page 5 was an article titled “Firemen Find Caskets, Aged Pair Are Saving”. Wow; one hundred years ago an elderly couple pre-purchased caskets for themselves with the idea of not having to pay more later. Was this the first “pre-paid” funeral arrangement?! Maybe, maybe not, but this would have been rare. The concept of paying ahead for a funeral (in Indiana) probably didn’t go mainstream until the 1980’s. Today, it’s as common as drafting a will, naming a power-of-attorney, or stating healthcare directives. A lot has changed in pre-paying for funerals over the years but one thing is the same: just like the elderly couple did in 1920, caskets can be pre-paid so that you’ll never have to pay more later. The big difference today is that the caskets don’t have to sit in your living room like theirs did! Nor does the entire balance have to be paid up front; payments can be made over time with a preplanned funeral contract. Don’t have a need for caskets? Perhaps you plan on a cremation; that can be paid ahead as well. Meacham Funeral Service is fortunate to have Andrea Thornburg, an experienced licensed funeral director, as our Family Service Advisor. Call for a free consultation to learn what options are available to you.

Choosing Locally Owned

June 8, 2020

Springtime, Teenagers, and Cars

May 1, 2020

A Good Investment In Trying Times

April 1, 2020

Pulling The Plug On Social Media, Or Not

March 2, 2020

To Be A Pallbearer

February 1, 2020

When my dear grandmother passed away, one of her wishes was for her grandchildren, including the girls, to be pallbearers. What an honor that was! I realized that I played a huge part in honoring the life she once lived. When there is no ceremony our loved ones do not get to experience that crucial element of ceremony – which can be a significant part of the healing process. When I meet with families to pre-plan, I always ask if there is a preference as to who the pallbearers should be. Although this question can be answered when a death occurs, having your wishes in place and met when they are needed can be a wonderful thing for those who participate. There are three important things to know when choosing pallbearers: 1) knowing when pallbearers are appropriate, 2) knowing who can be a pallbearer, and 3) knowing what an honorary pallbearer is. Pallbearers are necessary when casketed remains are transported from the place of the funeral to the cemetery. Usually, close friends or family members serve as pallbearers; although, I have seen colleagues, veteran personnel, and emergency professionals (police, fire, etc.) participate. Traditionally there are 6 to 8 pallbearers who carry the casket. If someone is too emotionally upset to carry the casket or is not physically capable, there is a way for them to still be involved by serving as an honorary pallbearer. An honorary pallbearer can walk along the side, behind, or in front of the casket. So if you ever wondered if women, someone with a disability, or young children are able to participate as a pallbearer, the answer is yes! If you want to be the one to decide who takes an active part in how you will be remembered, call me soon and I will help you get your plans in place.

Who's In Charge? You? Maybe Not

January 3, 2020

A Gift You Haven't Thought Of

December 4, 2019

I was on my way to an appointment a couple of weeks ago when I noticed the Love Song channel in my car changed over to the Holly Channel (satellite radio). They were playing Christmas music! It was confirmation that the holiday season was here. This made me think about gift giving. How many times have you pondered what to get for those special people in your lives? Before you run out and buy a dancing Santa, Billy bass, or a Chia pet, why not consider a gift that will make a significant difference? Many people are not aware that you can gift your children their own final arrangement plan and the amount is NOT counted towards the annual tax-free gift limit ($14,000) per child or grandchild. We already know how difficult it is to think about making final arrangements but even tougher to think we could put a financial burden on the people we love the most. Take advantage of avoiding the tax liability this year while providing a gift that is meaningful. Unusual? Maybe, but I guarantee this is one gift that won’t wear out, get thrown out, re-gifted, or end up at Goodwill. Call me today, your educated, licensed funeral director, to help you prepare for the future!

Memorials To The Family

November 1, 2019

Planning For The Inevitable: Not As Scary As You Think!

October 1, 2019

Pre-planning a funeral does not have to be scary. We get it – going to a funeral home isn’t something people look forward to. That’s why Meacham offers in-home consultations completely free of charge. If you’ve been putting off pre-planning because of not wanting to come to us – I’ll come to you. It’s not uncommon at all and I would be honored to visit with you…in the comfort of your own home. The time spent planning in advance, which can be as brief as 45 minutes, is far less time and much less stressful than a family member making arrangements at the time of a loss. Your in-home appointment will take the sting out of any anxiety you may have about visiting the funeral home but still accomplish the goal of making final arrangements. It starts with a phone call. Call today to get your plans in place; the experience will be far more simple than you ever thought!

I Don't Need A Counselor!

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