Planning

Because we have lived…we have funerals

Few people enjoy discussing death. Yet it is a very real fact of life. How we prepare for our own eventual death or the death of a loved one often depends on how often we have discussed the subject with those close to us. Careful preparation can ease the worry and concerns of those around us when the family circle has been broken.

When properly prepared for, funerals become very important events for the living. Funerals set us on the path to recovering from our sadness by helping us accept the reality of the death and celebrate the life that was lived. Funerals give us the chance to accept the support of others. Funerals give us a chance to say goodbye and begin to live our life without our loved one. Funerals allow us the opportunity to tell the stories, to laugh, to cry.

Some practical things we can do to prepare ourselves and our loved ones

Prepare a last will and testament.

It is sad to believe that many people leave no will or have allowed their will to become obsolete. It is a mistake to believe that only those who have large estates would need a will. Actually, low and middle income families, or families where small children are involved, have the most difficulties if a loved one dies without a will.

It is best to seek the advice of an attorney in reference to legal matters surrounding a death. If you do not have an attorney, most local bar associations have a referral service that will help you find a reputable one.