Time of a Tear

When you have made the decision to offer a Glass Tears product, you should carefully consider the timing and setting in which you will present this special gift. Unlike traditional sympathy gifts, the Glass Tears products can be used for a variety of purposes and at different points in the timeline of loss – many more than you would probably imagine. We offer these comments on our experiences. Only you can decide how and when you will share this unique gift that best meets you or your group’s personal needs and circumstances.

Prior To Any Funeral Services –

Some people like to have a Glass Tear to present to the family before they face the emotional challenge of
the public funeral service. If the death is anticipated, it may be wise to order this gift in advance. Shipping
and manufacturing delays can be a challenge. Please e-mail us at Kristen@glasstears.com if you are
hoping to have an overnight delivery. Other considerations:
o The family is still in shock and may not fully comprehend the gift
o You are competing with an avalanche of cards and flowers
o The gift can get lost in the confusion
o You are competing for time in the funeral planning

Use At The Funeral Service –

If you want to display the Glass Tear in lieu of flowers at the viewing,
wake or funeral service time is also of the essence. Glass Tears have
been used as a part of the actual church or memorial service as a symbol
of support. If the death is anticipated, it may be wise to order this gift in advance.
Shipping and manufacturing delays can be a challenge. Please e-mail us at
Kristen@glasstears.com if you are hoping to have an overnight delivery.
Other considerations:
o The family is still in shock and may not fully comprehend the gift
o You are competing with an avalanche of cards and flowers
o The family may not appreciate a personal gift being shared publicly
o The gift can get lost in the confusion
o The funeral home or church may not have a display solution

Immediately Following The Funeral Service –

If you wish to share the Glass Tear at a gathering immediately following the
funeral service, time is a big consideration. If the death is anticipated, it may
be wise to order this gift in advance. Shipping and manufacturing delays can
be a challenge. Please e-mail us at Kristen@glasstears.com if you are hoping
to have an overnight delivery.
Other considerations:
o The family is still in shock and may not fully comprehend the gift
o The family is fatigued and emotionally spent
o The family may not appreciate a personal gift being shared publicly
o You are competing with an avalanche of cards and flowers
o The gift can get lost in the confusion following the service

Days or Weeks After The Funeral Service –
Many Glass Tears are shared in the days and weeks following the funeral.
Most recipients appreciate the time to recover from the ceremonies and
time to digest the ongoing stream of cards and flowers that continue to arrive.
They also appreciate the opportunity to meet face to face with a friend who would
share this type of gift. If you are unable to be there for the presentation, recipients
still appreciate the gift more when the initial confusion of the ceremony and post
funeral duties begins to subside. The grieving family members can now begin to
understand and appreciate the true value of this gift.

The Anniversary Of Death –
Glass Tears make ideal gifts to show that you remember the date of death.
The first anniversary of the loss is important and a very difficult time that is forgotten
by many. Sharing a Glass Tear on the anniversary of the loss is a significant gesture
from a caring friend or family member. It is never too late to share a tear with someone
in grief. If you have just learned about this beautiful remembrance, the next anniversary
of a loss would be a good time regardless of the number of years that have elapsed.

The Birthday of The Deceased –
close friends and family have shared Glass Tears on the birthday of the deceased.
It is a unique gift that helps to continue the tradition of honoring a loved one on their
birthday. This is especially true when the deceased is an infant, child or teen.
The birthday milestone is a difficult obstacle each year in the path of those who mourn.
Few other gifts are in the same league as a GlassTear when honoring the birthday of
someone who has passed.

The Holidays –
Glass Tears are exceptional gifts to share with those who need to grieve through the holidays.
Most people have no idea how to reach out to grieving individuals during the holiday season.
Most cards and gifts offer a sense of celebration in a time when celebration seems nearly
impossible. A Glass Tear is an opportunity to honor the life of the loved one, the
relationship between the giver and the recipient, and the chance to openly mourn
during holidays when many feel guilty about sharing their pain.

Support Group Participation –
Glass Tears have been used as support group “graduation gifts”. Although you never
really graduate from grief, a Glass Tear is a wonderful way to commemorate ones participation
in a support group. The essence of the Glass Tears philosophy is to reinforce the circle of grief
support that surrounds the bereaved. The Glass Tear becomes a lasting reminder of the people
who shared one leg of the journey as they have mourned through the grief over the loss of a loved one.

Special Ceremonies –
Glass Tears have been shared with people many years after the loss for a variety of reasons.
Family members are always appreciative of the fact that their lost one has not been forgotten.
The presentation of a Glass Tear at a time when the life of a loved one is remembered is
always priceless. This is especially true for groups like Hospices, Organ Procurement
Organizations, Emergency Services Groups, Service Clubs, Churches and many others.
It is never too late to share a tear!