Resources
Site Search
Testimonial
-
“I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I and my family are with the professional, compassionate and kind attention we received from Tharp at the time my mother passed away. It was apparent your goal was to make everything easy and pleasing to us and you did an outstanding job.”
- Donnis M. Honeywell, Moneta, VA
Brenda Kerns, Lynchburg Aftercare Coordinator
The death of someone we love leads us on a journey through grief that most of us would not choose. Tharp Funeral Home hopes that as you work through this time of loss, you have the care and support that you need for this to be a healing journey. The information shared here is offered as part of that care and support.
Tharp Funeral Home has a commitment to care for your family that does not end with the funeral ceremony. We realize that the hardest times often follow the funeral. Therefore, we developed our Aftercare Program which is offered free of charge to anyone in our area who has suffered a loss.
We feel it is our responsibility as death care experts to care for the needs of the entire community. Even if Tharp Funeral Home did not care for your family at the time of loss, our Aftercare Program is still available to you.
Our Monthly Events:
Life for One Luncheon
On the third Monday at 11:00 a.m. we meet at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta. We have a variety of topics and speakers with a focus on living your life after a loss, gathering new information and fellowship. Brown bag lunch.
Companion Group Coffee
On the third Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. we meet at The Drowsy Poet/Givens Bookstore in Lynchburg. This event is specifically for those who have lost a spouse. It is a chance to heal, make new friends, and fellowship with others experiencing similar circumstances.
New Beginnings Luncheon
On the third Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. we meet at Liberty Station Restaurant in Bedford. We have a variety of topics and speakers with a focus on living your life after a loss, gathering new information and fellowship. Dutch treat.
Companion Group Dinner
On the fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. we meet at Charley's Restaurant in Lynchburg. This event is specifically for those who have lost a spouse. It is a chance to heal, make new friends, and fellowship with others experiencing similar circumstances. Dutch treat.
Check out our Events Calendar for more information.
Our Annual Celebration of Life Service
Tharp Funeral Home knows that the holidays can be the most difficult time of the year. That's why every year we join together for a special day of remembrance. The program includes words of encouragement, special songs, a time to recognize the names of our loved ones, and every family receiving a special remembrance. At the end of the service we all light candles in memory of our loved ones. This program is available to anyone who has lost someone even if Tharp Funeral Home did not serve the family.
Online Resources
A national, self-help support organization for those grieving the loss of a child or sibling.
A center for grieving children. Children come to Kids’ Haven for grief support after the death—due to old age, illness, homicide, suicide, accident, or war—of both family members and friends.
Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) Memorial Garden. This special garden is dedicated to the memory of babies who have died in pregnancy and infancy.
GriefNet is a professionally directed, on-line grief support community. It has over 50 monitored support groups covering the loss of a parent, of a child, of a sibling, of a friend, of a spouse, of a pet, loss due to military service, and other unique losses.
A source of quality information and resources on death and dying issues.
Mental Health America of Central Virginia. Their mission is to promote mental health and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and service for the residents of Central Virginia.
Books and Videos for Children and Teens
THE FALL OF FREDDIE THE LEAF by Dr. Leo Buscaglia - A metaphorical story of life and death, and the changing seasons of life.
I HEARD YOUR MOMMY DIED by Mark Scrivant - Children ages two to six can relate to this book. Children know they can cry, be sad, play, and remember Mommy. Their love never dies.
LIFETIMES by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen - Explains life and death in a beautiful and caring way, and is directed towards younger children. LIFETIMES tells about beginnings, ending, and the living in between, and the fact that dying is a part of living.
WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES? by Trevor Romain - When Trevor Romain’s father died, he didn’t know what to do, say, or feel. He began writing about his experiences and feelings, and he talks directly to kids about death and how to cope.
STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT DEATH FOR TEENAGERS: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love by Earl A. Grollman - Speaks directly to the hearts and minds of teenagers who are coping with the death of a family member or friend. Excellent advice and wisdom from an author who understands both grief and teenagers.
WHEN A FRIEND DIES by Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D. - Directed towards teens, this book focuses on the specific emotions and turmoil they feel after losing a friend. Also ideal for parents and teachers of grieving teens.
AARVY AARDVARK FINDS HOPE (video) - Aarvy’s family has all been taken far, far away, and Aarvy is full of despair and hopelessness. Ralphie Rabbit befriends Aarvy and helps him learn about the strengths within himself.
STANDING TALL (video) - Seven teenagers share their stories of dealing with a loved one’s death. They tell how they heard the news, how they felt, and how they coped and moved on. Included in their stories: deaths of a grandfather, father, mother, brother, sister, cousin, and aunt.
Books and Videos for Adults
LIVING WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS DIED by Earl A. Grollman - In this best-selling guide to coping with grief, easy-to-read meditations help us cope with denial, anger, loss, letting go, and moving on.
REMEMBERING WITH LOVE by E. Levang and S. Lise - The messages of hope are short, readable pages that affirm, support, and teach about loss and love.
HELPING THE GRIEVING STUDENT: A Guide for Teachers by The Dougy Center - Discusses the grieving process that occurs in every age group from toddlers to teens. Each section lists common behaviors to expect and gives advice on helping each age group cope. Special focus is placed on helping school-aged children cope with death.
HOW CAN I HELP? By June Cerza Kolf - Offers expert advice on the grieving process. A hospice coordinator and bereavement director, Kolf shares real-life stories and walks readers through the grieving process, step-by-step.
LOSING A PARENT by Fiona Marshall - Explores in detail the emotional impact such as depression, sibling conflict, guilt, even physical distress that a parent’s death may cause.
WHY ARE THE CASSEROLES ALWAYS TUNA? by Darcie D. Simms - A loving look at the lighter side of grief that affirms the normalcy of grief again and again through laughter as well as tears.
HELP, COMFORT AND HOPE AFTER LOSING YOUR BABY IN PREGNANCY OR THE FIRST YEAR by Hannah Lothrop - Part One speaks to those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death, or termination of pregnancy, and guides parents through the experience of bereavement. Part Two provides information for caregivers who are helping parents through this difficult time, such as funeral directors, ministers, hospital staff, and support group members.
EMPTY CRADLE, BROKEN HEART by Deborah L. Davis - Comprehensive and sensitive book showing a wide range of experiences following the death of a baby and offering ways to cope.
AFTER YOU SAY GOODBYE – When Someone You Love Dies of AIDS by Paul Kent Froman, Ph.D. - Focuses on the unique problems and emotions that affect those left behind after someone has died of AIDS. Separate sections are devoted to dealing with the individual problems of parents, lovers, and friends as they deal with fear, anger, and discrimination.
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE by Rita Robinson - No one is ever prepared for suicide, but this book can help both survivors and the general public acknowledge and cope with it.
HOW WILL I GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS? by James E. Miller - Helps bereaved people get through the emotionally charged holiday season while coping with the death of a loved one. Offers twelve ideas for navigating through such periods with many specific suggestions, and includes several thoughtful, time-honored quotations.
HEAVEN’S NOT A CRYING PLACE by Joey O’Connor - Answers some tough questions that push parents out of their comfort zones. If our children are to develop a healthy understanding of life and death, we must be willing to answer their innocent questions about eternal matters. Book and video available.
TEAR SOUP by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen - A recipe for healing after loss. After Grandy suffers a loss, she cooks up her own batch of tear soup. Gives you a glimpse into Grandy’s life as she blends different ingredients into her own grief process.
NOBODY’S CHILD ANYMORE – Grieving, Caring, and Comforting When Parents Die by Barbara Bartocci - Stories from the author’s experience of mourning the loss of two parents, as well as dozens of other stories. She leads us through four stages that most adult experience at some time: caring for a dying parent, mourning the loss, caring for the parent left behind, and finding new meaning beyond grief.
COWBELLS AND COURAGE by Patrick W. Page - Pat Page’s wife died after almost fifty years of marriage. Now he sits and talks with men about everything from dating to cooking to anger to tears. An essential for all men.
