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Under the Willow Tree Blog


Navigating the Questions That Arise through grief
Losing someone close to us is one of life’s most profound challenges. The absence of a loved one can leave us feeling as though a part of our world has shifted forever. As we move through the grieving process, it’s natural for questions—both big and small—to surface along the way.
Bruce Missen
6 days ago
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Decluttering: A Compassionate Act for Ourselves and Our Loved Ones
When we pass, our loved ones will need time to grieve; however, our loved ones at times are left with sorting through our possession.
Bruce Missen
Jun 14
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Living Grief: Navigating the Heartache of Dementia When Your Loved One Is Still Here
Caring for someone with dementia is a journey marked by profound love, resilience, and, often, a unique kind of grief. This grief-sometimes called "living grief" or "ambiguous loss"-arises not from the physical absence of a loved one, but from the gradual fading of the person you once knew, even as they remain physically present.
Bruce Missen
May 11
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Saying Goodbye with Love to a child
The loss of a baby or child is an unimaginable grief, deeply felt by parents and families.
Bruce Missen
Apr 9
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Top 50 Funeral Songs for a Celebration of life
A curated list of the top 50 funeral songs for 2025 that can help create a memorable and heartfelt service.
Bruce Missen
Mar 10
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Macarthur Memorial Park: A New Sanctuary for the Community
Macarthur is getting a brand-new memorial park, and it's not your average cemetery.
Bruce Missen
Feb 9
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Starting a New Year after a loss - Grief
Starting a New Year after a loss. Entering a new year without a loved one can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience.
Bruce Missen
Jan 21
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Christmas Isn't Always the Happiest Time of Year for Some
Many families, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one, Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time.
Bruce Missen
Dec 25, 2024
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The Healing Journey - Grief
Grief counselling provides several crucial benefits that support our journey through loss.
Bruce Missen
Nov 18, 2024
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Is it better to be Cremated or Buried?
When planning a funeral, one of the most fundamental choices to consider is between a cremation and burial.
Bruce Missen
Oct 21, 2024
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Overcoming Loss without financial grief.
Planning a funeral is not only an emotional process but can also be a financial strain.
Bruce Missen
Sep 23, 2024
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Do I have to wear Black at a Funeral?
Attending a funeral is a sensitive occasion, and dressing appropriately is a meaningful way to show respect.
Bruce Missen
Aug 24, 2024
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Funeral Wake Traditions
A funeral wake, often referred to simply as a "wake," is a social gathering associated with death and the period following it.
Bruce Missen
Jul 25, 2024
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7 Important Questions to Ask a Funeral Director After a Loved One Has Passed Away
When it comes to a loved one that has passed away, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed.
Bruce Missen
Jun 29, 2024
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Funeral Costs: Exploring Your Options
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and dealing with the financial aspects of a funeral can add an extra layer.
Bruce Missen
May 30, 2024
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Mother's Day without mum
Mother's Day can be a bittersweet time for those of us who have lost our mothers. How do we celebrate a day that reminds us of what we lost?
Bruce Missen
Apr 25, 2024
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The Vital Importance of Death Certificates in Australia, and is it compulsory to apply for one?
The Vital Importance of Death Certificates in Australia, and is it compulsory to apply for one?
Bruce Missen
Feb 29, 2024
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Symbols in a Catholic Funeral Liturgy
Catholic liturgy uses the language of symbols to convey messages of belief, and the funeral liturgy is no exception to this. Read more here.
Bruce Missen
Jan 24, 2024
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Statement of Wishes
A statement of wishes can bring peace of mind to your loved ones during a time that can be overwhelming to many.
Bruce Missen
Oct 21, 2023
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Navigating Grief with Compassion: What to Say and Avoid When Someone Has Lost a Baby or Child
Losing a child or a baby is an unimaginable tragedy
Bruce Missen
Sep 8, 2023
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Bruce Missen
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