Science & Technology

By LISA MARCHESONI

Soothing music, counseling and tributes to deceased loved ones ease the grieving process for survivors who use H. Preston Scales & Sons Funeral Home's Web site.

Spokeswomen Sheila Scales said, [the website was designed] at Matrixx Productions in Atlanta. The address is www.scalesandsons.com. It went online about six weeks ago.

"You can't get the feel of the Web site without the music," Scales said. "It adds so much to it The music makes it so comforting."

Music on each Web site reflects the information on the page.

The counseling section, entitled the "Grief Library," discusses topics such as "Helping Yourself Heal When Someone Dies," "Helping a Friend Who is Dying" and "Helping Children Cope with Grief."

Included is a section for caregivers, which addressed the Mourner's Bill of Rights and helping teen and suicide survivors. It was written by a renowned grief counselor.

"Some people have told me they get on there to review the Grief Library," Scales said.

The Web site lists complete obituaries with a biography about the deceased person, survivors and funeral arrangements.

Families seem excited about selecting a picture of their loved one.

"They just start reminiscing and tell you about their loved one," Scales said.

Scales' favorite part of the Web site allows friends and family to leave a personal memory or condolence through e-mail.

Families seem to appreciate the link t express feelings at the end of the obituaries called "Sign and View Tributes."

"I like that because a lot of people tell you at the time of death how they feel," Scales said. "I've always had a special feeling for things written, especially when it's written from the heart, it's very meaningful.

The mother of a 10-year-old boy recently died, and he wrote a note about his mother. Also, he was able to read what other friends and family wrote about his mother.

"I think that will really help him in his healing process," Scales said.

The Web site lists the services of the funeral home.

Under the frequently asked questions link, readers may learn about final arrangements, cremations, costs and embalming.

Scales was pleased with Matrixx Productions was able to obtain the Scales and Sons domain names in the address.

"It makes it easy to remember," Scales said.

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