Frequently Asked Questions on Grief and Luna's Light

Can you help me with my grief professionally? Are you a hotline?

No. We are not a hotline, nor can we serve as a counseling center. We have compiled resources to aid you in your quest for support after a loved one has passed. Please, never be afraid to ask anyone for help or advice when you are grieving!

I never heard of the Universal Grieving Symbol™ . What is it?

A symbol for grief did not exist until Michele and Kelly McBride created the Universal Grieving Symbol™ in the Fall of 2003. Through research, the sisters discovered that a symbol existed for almost everything else in our society, except for grieving the loss of a loved one. The symbol is based on the Victorian ideology of publicly acknowledging the death of a loved one. The butterfly and dragonfly have been incorporated into the Universal Grieving Symbol™ design along with a wheat stalk blowing in the wind to symbolically represent the transitions associated with death. It is an undefined and open symbol to encompass all theories and opinions on death, as well as all religious and cultural aspects. The symbol is not intended to extend grief or to amplify the hurt associated with the loss. In fact, it is the other way around. By publicly wearing the Universal Grieving Symbol™ pin, the wearer can unite with fellow grievers while validating their loss and also open doors of communication with others about their grief. This public display brings people together, lets them share stories and memories, and celebrates or honors milestones. The Universal Grieving Symbol™ pin encourages and offers hope to the griever for it says: I have loss someone I am missing today and it is ok to cry and hurt and feel my emotions. The symbol was crafted out of pure love and promotes a healthy way to grieve...not alone!

Is it appropriate to give a gift of sympathy to a person who is grieving after their loved one has committed suicide?

It is always appropriate to acknowledge a loved one's passing. Even after a tragic outcome, the person is still missing the physical absence of their loved one. Sometimes people are afraid to acknowledge the death because it is associated with a negative stigma. Carole from Tim's House, a suicide support organization, says, "Any gift to honor who that person was or in memory of that person is not only appropriate but a gesture of friendship and support."

Is it appropriate to give a gift anytime after someone has lost a loved one?

Yes. It does not matter how much time has passed or how the person passed away. Acknowledging makes all the difference! Milestones are good days to present a gift: the anniversary of the loved one's death, on the loved one's birthday, holidays or at the funeral. Anytime you acknowledge someone's grief, they will be grateful to you for it.

Why is the company called Luna's Light?

Our company's name was inspired by our sister, Shannon. See the about us page for more details. How did Shannon pass away? Shannon passed away two weeks after a tonsillectomy surgery. She experienced complications from the surgery that inevitably took her life on July 29, 2003. Shannon was twenty-two years old.

I would like to donate to Luna’s Light? Are you a non-profit?

We are not a non-profit organization. However, because Luna’s Light is active in the community, we do support and sponsor many events in the area year-round. Luna’s Light welcomes donations to help support our activities in the community. If you would like to donate to Luna’s Light, please contact us! If you are sending a monetary donation, specify on the memo line “donation.” Thank you so much for helping Luna’s Light!

Does Luna’s Light help with fundraising events and/or make donations?

Luna’s Light Sympathy Gift Boutique is pleased to support non-profit organizations and events throughout the country through a monetary or merchandise donation, especially if they support a mission similar to our own. Luna’s Light prefers to donate to the following causes and organizations: Patient safety initiatives, Police/Fire/Veteran organizations, hospice/grief centers and non-profit organizations whose constituents may experience loss. For organizations or individuals requesting sponsorship, please submit your request in writing at least three months prior to the event and include the following information: Contact Name, Mailing Address, Organization, Date of Event, Date Donation Must be Received, Type of Donation Requested, Short Description of Event, Short Description of Organization and Amount of Donation Requested. We will review your information and will contact you if we are able to donate to your event. Please do not contact us during the review process.


I am sending my order as a gift. What does this entail?

After you place your order, your gift will be placed in a shipping box with green shred (when needed) and wrapped with purple tissue and a green ribbon. A gift enclosure card with the Universal Grieving Symbol on the front can be purchased for an additional $2.00 and will handwrite a note inside for you. A gift invoice will be enclosed with every order. If you have any additional requests or questions, please include it on the Additional Notes line when placing your order or contact us prior to placing an order.