Reply #13: You and your family are in my prayers [View All]

[goclark]

If you do a search for "Funeral Plans" on goggles you should find many helpful ideas. There are poems and books available on the web as well. I can't remember the name of it but one can be downloaded and it was extremely helpful when I lost my Aunt last year.

I lost my father 30 years ago. My wise uncle told me...

..Don't put too much money in the ground(casket costs are very high)
.. Don't give away ANY thing to any relatives/friends until 5 -6 months after you are grieving( you are so sentimental at this time that you will start giving relatives and friends things that you should NOT give them.)
..make sure ALL valuables are taken to another location. I'm telling you, more people have lost treasures when "visitors" come to see the family.

I also buried my aunt last year. Since I don't know what religion you are,this may be of no benefit. But, I treasure the audio tape of the service for my Aunt. I listen to it over and over again.
During the service, you are in such shock that you are really not listening or seeing. So, we hired someone to take pictures of the family and guest before and after the service. We also had a family photograph done that I gave to all the family members when the estate was settled. That makes a wonderful keepsake for grandchildren for many years to come.

Take time to cry and sit by yourself during this time.

Have someone put a message on your answering machine, if you have one.

Example..." The family of ____ appreciates your call. Service will be ___, donations may be made to ______. "

Take Care