Thoughts

Ambiguous grief, or ambiguous loss, is grieving a significant relationship change or loss where there's no clear closure, often involving someone who is physically present but psychologically gone, like with dementia. The emotional, psychological, and spiritual processes that come with ambiguous grief are very different than those that come with unambiguous grief, like that following a death.

Dear Friends, The seasons are slowly turning.   The days are stretching a little longer. The light lingers. There’s that quiet shift in the air that reminds us something new is unfolding.   This time of year always feels like an invitation.   Above you’ll see photos from some of the meaningful and creative gatherings happening at Wildflower — and out in the community. These moments are what bring life to this space. Music. Conversation. Reflection. Shared experience.

alentine’s Day can feel… complicated. For some, it’s candlelight and roses. For others, it’s a quiet ache. For many, it’s something in between.

Most regrets don’t come from what we did. They come from what we didn’t say, didn’t try, or kept putting off for “someday.” Living a life with fewer regrets isn’t about perfection or constant happiness. It’s about presence, honesty, and allowing ourselves to live in alignment with what matters most.

8 People Who Shined Brightest After Turning 80

Last night I spent some time outside under the full moon, and I heard frogs. Frogs!?! This time of year? As January turned into February? It wasn't full frog song, and it didn't last long, but it was there like a little harbinger of Spring.

First Friday Concerts with Swil Kanim Coming to Wildflower Funeral Concepts in Ferndale Washington! First Friday with Swil Kanim @ Wildflower The first Friday of every month   7–8:30 PM Free Admission  • 5706 4th Ave, Ferndale 

First Friday Concert with Swil Kanim and special guest Marie Eaton at Wildflower Funeral Concepts in Ferndale Washington. Friday • March 6 • 7–8:30 PM Free Admission  • 5706 4th Ave, Ferndale .

A longtime labyrinth enthusiast, Ingrid Tegnér brings her hand-painted seven circuit labyrinth and invites you to engage in a mindful walk with poetry and writing. Explore the pathway and expand your outlook. The equinox marks a balance of daylight and nighttime ushering in the longer days of spring. Come discover a new pathway. Bring your curiosity and a journal. No previous experience necessary.

The world of death care is changing—quietly, steadily, and in ways that reflect a deeper cultural shift. Families are looking for meaning, transparency, and gentler ecological footprints. Communities are craving spaces where grief, memory, and celebration can coexist. And funeral homes, once seen as formal or even intimidating, are evolving into something more human, more holistic, and more connected to the natural world.

For some people, the perfect place to say goodbye isn’t somber or traditional. It’s personal, playful, or even a little weird. These nine real-life funerals broke the mold, honoring the departed in unexpected settings that reflected who they truly were. Here's 9 Funerals held in unexpected places!

By Wildflower Funeral Concepts When most people think of writing a will, they picture big-ticket items: homes, savings accounts, family heirlooms. And yes—those matter. But some of the most meaningful gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that make people feel seen, loved, and considered. The ones that bring comfort, spark memories, or plant a seed for something good. Here are five unexpected gifts you can leave in your will  that speak directly to the

Holiday Blessings: Why This Funeral Home Loves "It’s A Wonderful Life" A Wildflower Funeral Concepts Blog Post Every December, millions revisit It’s A Wonderful Life . It’s a classic film wrapped in twinkling lights and quiet heartbreak, full of small acts of courage, compassion, and community. At Wildflower, we spend our days walking with families through some of life’s hardest moments. And maybe that’s why this film affects us so deeply: it contains truths we see every day

At Wildflower, we spend a lot of time talking about death. But really, what we’re talking about is life. To face mortality is to recognize how fleeting our time is—and how important it is to value the life we have. When we embrace this truth, we start to see our days differently. A morning cup of tea becomes more than a routine. A shared laugh with a friend feels more like a gift. Even the quiet moments alone in nature, listening to the wind in the trees, can take on a sense

The holidays tend to come wrapped in expectations—joy, togetherness, celebration, warmth. But for anyone navigating grief, this season can feel complicated. The lights get brighter just as the inner world feels dimmer. The pace gets faster when our hearts need to slow down. Here are 11 grounded, compassionate ways to support yourself or someone you love this season.

As we enter this season of reflection, gratitude, and connection - I am deeply moved by the kindness, generosity, and warmth of the community we serve. Every person who walks through our doors, every story shared, every tear, every laugh — it all reminds me what a privilege it is to do this work alongside you. Below, you’ll find our upcoming December events. We hope to see you at one — or several — of them.

Terramation, also known as natural organic reduction or human composting, is one of the newest and most meaningful ways to return to the earth. At Wildflower, we’re proud to offer this gentle, earth-centered option, but because it’s still unfamiliar to many, it’s surrounded by myths. Let’s clear a few of them up.

Join local end-of-life planning consultants for an open, honest conversation about what it means to die well—and live with intention. You will be guided through the tools, decisions, and discussions that help ensure your values are honored, your affairs are in order, and your loved ones are supported. Whether you're planning ahead or supporting someone else, this session offers practical insight and emotional clarity for one of life’s most important transitions.

It’s that time of year — the veil is thin, the pumpkins are lit, and even funeral directors can lean into the spooky side of their work. At Wildflower Funeral Concepts, we believe that death isn’t something to fear… but we’ll admit, some funerals throughout history do give us goosebumps (in the best possible way). Here's 13 spooky funerals that give us chills

This photo is of Edie Marie Clark Montgomery’s first headstone. Edie was brutally stabbed in her home in Ferndale in 1980. She was 18 years old. Her murder is still unsolved. I first learned about Edie this summer on Facebook of all places. Chrey Nelson, who works as an Identification Technician for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department, made a post about Edie and her crumbling headstone in a local Facebook group. Edie’s case has been recently reopened. Detective Derek Jone