By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. It was Søren Kierkegaard who wisely noted, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” As the 25th anniversary of the death of my father approaches, I have found myself instinctively going backward. Backward to the days just prior to his death when I had the honour of holding space for him as he prepared to make his transition. My father recognized in his head and heart that his days on this earth…

  At Alex Gow Funerals, we have always believed in honouring life’s journey with dignity and compassion. In partnership with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), we are proud to support the Body Bequest Program, an initiative that offers individuals a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by contributing to medical education and research. This association reflects our shared commitment to supporting families in celebrating their loved ones while advancing the future of healthcare. What is the QUT Body Bequest Program?…

In the midst of life's uncertainties, planning for our final farewell can often feel daunting. Yet, by recording our funeral wishes, we have the unique opportunity to tailor our departure, ensuring that it truly reflects our individuality and values. This thoughtful act not only provides peace of mind for each of us but also for our loved ones, who can honour our desires with confidence and compassion. Imagine a funeral that is as special and unique as you are. By expressing your…

Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with experiences, relationships, and passions. It's a culmination of choices that make you, well, who you are. So, why shouldn't your farewell reflect that same level of personalisation? At Alex Gow Funerals, a family-owned business serving Brisbane for over 180 years, we believe your funeral should be a celebration of your life, tailored to your unique wishes. It's All About You: Crafting a Personalized Funeral Gone are the days of cookie-cutter ceremonies. Today's funerals are a…

  For over 180 years, Alex Gow Funerals has served the Brisbane community. Beyond their funeral services, they demonstrate a commitment to well-being throughout the community, particularly for seniors. One of the recent ways they have achieved this is through their initiative of free puzzle books. These engaging booklets offer a surprising benefit: promoting brain health, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment – all essential ingredients for a fulfilling life for older adults. Sharper Minds, Brighter Days: The Science Behind Puzzles…

Let's face it, as the silver threads weave their way into our lives, conversations about end-of-life plans become an unavoidable melody. For those who've built a rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring a final chapter that reflects their vibrant personality takes centre stage. Yet, for some, broaching this topic can feel like a sombre note, a quiet reflection on the inevitable curtain call. It can even feel, to some, like an unwelcome downbeat. Here's the truth, though: none of us want to burden…

Death is a difficult topic for both children and adults to discuss. However, it is important that parents have open and honest conversations with their kids about death to help them understand this natural part of life. As a family-owned funeral home that has served the Brisbane community for generations, Alex Gow Funerals understand the challenges of discussing death with children and offers some guidance on approaching this sensitive subject. Prepare Yourself Take time to reflect on your own feelings about death…

Grief is one of life's most challenging emotional journeys to endure. Experiencing the death of someone deeply loved often induces intense feelings of emptiness, disorientation and melancholy that can seem impossible to bear. As a friend or relative wishing to offer your solidarity or support but uncertain how best to assist, having a starting point is helpful. Below are some suggestions gleaned over decades of supporting those in mourning on the long road to healing, that we hope will help you in…

Funeral traditions and requirements can vary greatly depending on one's religious beliefs or cultural background. At Alex Gow Funerals, we understand the importance of respecting different traditions and working with families to plan a funeral service that honours their loved one's faith or heritage. For over 180 years, our family-owned funeral home has served the diverse, multicultural community of Brisbane. In that time, we have successfully worked with people from every culture to celebrate end of life ceremonies in a way that…