Death is inevitable, but it is still something nobody really wants to talk about. It makes things really hard, then, when you know you have to have a difficult discussion with your family about your funerary wishes. Still, it is a very important discussion to have while you are still alive. Here is how to talk to your family so that they know what you want when the time comes.
Gather Them for a Family Meal That Is Not Connected to a Holiday
Bringing up death at a family holiday gathering is not the way to go about this. Instead, choose a date and place to get everyone together again for a meal. If you tell them that it is very important that they be present and that the meal is on you, they should show up. It may take a little coordination and planning, but get as many of your close family members together in one place as possible.
Have a Funerary Plan Drawn Up Ahead of Time
Most funeral homes will sit down with you and help you draw up a funerary plan. This plan not only states your wishes for your body's last moments aboveground, but it also gives direction to those that survive you. It is part of a package deal if you purchase and pay for funerary services with a funeral home in advance to your earthly departure.
Make Copies of Your Funerary Plan, and Give a Copy to Each Adult Family Member
Make sure your children and spouse all get a copy of your funerary plan. Pass them around the table after the meal, and then announce what the document in front of them is. Let them know that it is important to you and that they should know exactly what you want to be done with your body when you pass away, including cremation funeral services under certain circumstances, or cremation as your primary choice and alternative to burial.
Opening the Proverbial Floor for Discussion
It is a bit of a heavy discussion, but by taking this approach, you are opening the proverbial floor for discussion. Everyone can peruse the document at his or her leisure, but everyone can also ask questions right here and now. You can provide them with answers at a point in time that you have arranged and at which it is still feasible for you to talk to them.
Contact cremation funeral services to start preparing for this important time in your life.
Share16 December 2019
Hi everyone, my name is Sari Blakenship. My first time visiting a funeral home was an extremely comforting experience. Although I was blindsided by the death of my loved one, the funeral director helped me through the planning process without taking advantage of my grief. I was allowed to work at my own pace to cope with the grief in a healthy way. I was never rushed or pressured, despite the necessary timeline. Whenever I couldn't move forward, the funeral director held my hand and offered words of comfort. I would like to share each step of the funeral planning process to help others through this difficult process. Planning a funeral takes a lot of thought and time during a particularly difficult period. Please visit whenever you need a hand.