In my job I have had the opportunity to meet many men who express difficulty when it comes to expressing emotions or talking about troubling experiences.  For an outsider it is easy to jump to the conclusion that these men are incapable of processing these experiences.  My observations have taught me otherwise. 

I have learned that men use different tools to process their grief.  Men tend to utilize action and introspection to process death.  The problem in our present day society is most of the traditional male roles have been taken over by the funeral industry.  100 years ago one would see the family digging the grave, providing for all the transportation needs and building the final resting box.  The funeral industry would like you to believe that it is most appropriate for them to deal with the most difficult parts of the process.  I think that just because something is hard doesn't mean it can't be healthy part of the healing process. What becomes more important is each individual is empowered to chose what method of grieving is most suitable for themselves. 

For those people who see grief as participatory, our boxes can provide this opportunity for expression and allow individuals to take ownership and engage their hands knowing their hearts and minds will follow.