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Thursday, 09 October 2008 |
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I had never discussed my funeral wishes with my family before because I was unsure how they would react. But once I did they were grateful to learn how I wanted to be remembered and I was glad we were able to make decisions as a family. You’re never too young to plan your own funeral arrangements. You plan for everything else – your marriage, your vacations, your kids education, so why not your funeral! I want my funeral to reflect the individual I am. After all, a funeral is about celebrating my life, my way. That’s why I planned a complete fishing funeral. |
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Monday, 15 September 2008 |
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I recently witnessed my sister-in-law and her family make preparation for the funeral of her father. It was a troubling time and a tremendous hardship for them. It was thanks to the very caring funeral home, director and staff that made it less difficult for them to depart with their loved one. They where patient, caring and always compassionate about helping them make decisions that they may have not been able to make on their own. All I remember is how pleased my sister-in-law was with the high level of compassionate service that she received. |
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 |
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Over a three month period this year I personally have experience three deaths. The first death was my maternal aunt Tammy. I traveled to rural Indiana to meet my mother. I found comfort for myself in being able to help my mother at this difficult time as well as my extended family by being there to talk and listen or just take care of the small details that are so hard for people to think of when in mourning. I know the experience brought my mother and I closer. I was unfortunately faced with using this experience only a few short weeks later when my girlfriend's grandmother died. She had lived a long fruitful life of 102 years yet this did not make the fact that she was no longer around any easier. I again found comfort in being able to help my girlfriend loose such an important member of her family. After the services we found that a long walk with our dog in the desert to be a fitting tribute and a soothing balm on the raw day. Shockingly 6 days later my girlfriend again suffered the loss of her long time mentor and fellow artist. He had been suddenly overcome by an aggressive form of cancer and despite hopes for his recovery it was not to be. He was of Romany decent so his ceremony was much different, it was a celebration of his life and his friends. All in all each experience was very different yet in each case I easily slipped into a comfortable role of being clear of mind as well as later finding peace in the ways that we all continue on and are remembered when our time comes. I think what I learned was that a funeral is more about the people left behind and our ability to move forward. |
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Monday, 21 July 2008 |
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In my experience having had numerous loved ones and friends pass away I find that while death is never easy to deal with, it is a part of life that we all go through at some point. Each person deals with loss on different levels and in different ways. My personal experiences have been losing two very close friends of mine as a teenager and more recently both my grandmothers. The emotions that come along with losing someone close to you can often be overwhelming and you need a support system around that is compassionate to what you are going through and feeling. Each person deals with loss in different ways, but regardless of how we all deal with the loss I believe we all should be treated with respect and compassion in all instances. I lost two very close friends of mine when I was 16 years old. Being so young it was shock to my system emotionally, however, it gave me a better understanding of what life and death were all about. I am by nature a very compassionate person and when dealing with death and having been around to share in the grief of not only my experiences but friends and family experiences, I am so glad to have found your support system on this site when I completed the online form. |
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