A Funeral Director's Guide for Families

Bandages for Your Heart - Grief Changes You: And It's Okay

Bandages for Your Heart Your Spiritual Toolbox: Everyday Activities for Grief Recovery

Bandages for Your Heart Misery Loves Company: How Grief Support Groups Help

Bandages for Your Heart Living Your Legacy: Honoring Memories and Finding Purpose

Bandages for Your Heart Laughter in the Face of Tears: How Humor Helps in Grief Recovery

Bandages for Your Heart Feel Better Now: A Simple 6-Step Guide to Healing After a Loss

Bandages for Your Heart Making Cents of it All: Using Small Acts of Kindness to Find Healing After Loss

Learn what to say at a funeral, what to wear to a visitation or memorial service, and meaningful ways to express sympathy and support during a time of loss.

Finding Healing, Connection, and Comfort After Loss

A simple guide to what happens after a loss.

At Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, we believe that remembering a loved one should never be limited to a single day. On June 20, we had the privilege of welcoming more than 65 family members and friends to our South Parkersburg location for our inaugural Wings of Love Butterfly Release, a heartfelt remembrance ceremony honoring those who continue to hold a special place in our hearts. The afternoon was filled with meaningful moments of reflection through music, readings, and a moving butterfly release. For many, butterflies represent hope, renewal, and a lasting connection with loved ones who have passed. We wanted to create a simple yet deeply meaningful opportunity for our community to come together, share memories, and find comfort in one another. Throughout the ceremony, a special tribute slideshow played featuring photographs of loved ones submitted by families who RSVP’d. Seeing those familiar faces on screen served as a beautiful reminder that every life leaves a lasting legacy. Local musician Logan Reynolds also performed three heartfelt songs that added warmth and emotion to the gathering. One of the most touching moments came during the butterfly release itself. Families of all ages, including young children, gently released butterflies into the air while sharing stories and memories of those they were honoring. As the butterflies took flight, conversations filled the space with laughter, tears, and cherished recollections. It was a powerful reminder that love continues long after loss. Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate. Some returned to honor loved ones who had passed more than a decade ago, sharing how meaningful it was to have a dedicated time and place to remember them. While there were certainly tears throughout the ceremony, there were also countless smiles as families left knowing they had shared a special experience together. Following the ceremony, guests stayed to enjoy light refreshments and continue visiting with one another, reinforcing the sense of community that made the afternoon so memorable. Events like this reflect our commitment to supporting families beyond the funeral service. Healing is an ongoing journey, and we are honored to provide opportunities for remembrance, connection, and hope throughout the year. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Wings of Love Butterfly Release so meaningful. We look forward to continuing this tradition each year as we gather to celebrate lives well lived and the enduring love that remains.