The parent-child relationship is perhaps the most fundamental of all human bonds. Your parents provide you with a link to your childhood. They also, in part, define who you are. Losing your parent can mean losing a part of you. It changes who you are. Facing the death of a parent reminds you of life's fragility—that no one is immune to heartbreak.

While every person's grief will be unique, some common emotions are sadness, relief, anger and even guilt. Regardless of how prepared you are for the passing of your parent, you may be surprised at the depth of sadness you feel. Allow yourself to feel sad, recognize it and talk about it.

If your parent was sick for a time before the death, you may express feelings of relief at the end of their suffering. You may feel angry—at a parent that didn't measure up to your expectations or at the thought of losing an especially loving relationship. Recognize the source of your anger and work through it.

Guilt or regret may also be emotions you encounter if your relationship with your parent was distant or ambivalent. Don't judge yourself for feeling this way—it also is a natural response and should be addressed.

Throughout the grieving process reach out to others for support. Realize your physical and emotional limits, express your spirituality and treasure the memories you have of your parent. Although your parent is no longer physically present, your memories will keep them around forever.

Adults mourn. So do children. Experiencing grief does not require understanding.

It is important to recognize that no one formula can be followed for every grieving child. Be patient. Observe the child's behavior and emotions and adjust to individual needs. There are, however, a few general guidelines to follow when helping a child grieve the loss of a loved one:

• Encourage questions about death and give honest, direct answers in language children can understand.

• Respond to children with sensitivity and warmth.

• Although their behavior may be inappropriate at times, do not judge them or criticize.

• Share your spiritual beliefs in concrete terms. Children do not understand abstractions.

• Allow children to participate in funeral arrangements and to attend the funeral. Do not force them to attend, however.

• Communicate to children that grief is a natural expression of the love they have for the person who died.

• Be patient and available.

• Express your own feelings of grief. This gives children a model to follow in expressing their own feelings.

A funeral is a public, traditional means of expressing feelings about the death of a loved one. Personalizing your loved one's funeral allows you to truly honor that person and pay unique tribute to them. Arrange for a heartfelt, personalized eulogy. Ask family members and friends close to your loved one to tell stories that reveal the true character of the person. A eulogy shouldn't be a biography about your loved one's life, but rather a depiction of the impression that person left on others. A special life deserves a special goodbye.

It's no secret that funerals also carry high costs and complex issues regarding estates, insurance policies, taxes and many other loose ends that need tying up. Although there is no escaping the grieving process, having a survivor plan in place can help ease your family's pain and secure their future financial needs.