Senior Sunrise

The topic of planning for one’s funeral is probably not on the top ten list of most people, but actually it should be.  Over the last 25 years I have assisted at more than 50 funerals, and of all of those I can only recall one person who had pre-planned their funeral.  My great aunt, who to our entire family was known to be ” ahead of her time”, had everything planned out  and paid for.  She had set aside her burial clothes, and included the money for the reception after her passing.  She had taken care of every detail: the cemetery, the plot, the religious service, the wake, the funeral, the reception, and lastly how her belongings, and home were to be distributed and taken care of.

Because of her example and forethought, not a few of us have done the same. I took the time two years ago to make an appointment with the morturary that my family has dealt with for over thirty years.  I scheduled an appointment, and took care of the details of my own funeral.  I was able to start a payment plan that will soon be complete, and I feel that I have saved my family more than a few troubles in taking care of me when I die.  Just knowing that I am going to leave, and have things in order for them makes me feel happy.  They will not have the monetary burden, nor the stressful job of wondering what to do.  I encourage everyone to think about doing some funeral planning, for youself, and if possible for those that you love.