3 Gems of Wisdom on Planning for Death & a Home FuneralSally Shannon’s three tips on planning for death and home funerals:
Express the elements of ceremony important to your home funeral.
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1) Know Yourself:
Be clear about why you are making the choice for a home funeral, whether your values are spiritual, political, financial, etc., and consider the tasks that will be placed on your family.
2) Communicate Your Wishes to Friends & Family:
Write a letter(s) about your values, beliefs, politics or other reasons that you’ve chosen a home funeral. You could even make a video. In addition, be sure to have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or an Advance Directive that clearly states your wishes and gives authority for death after-care.
Home funerals provide an opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one in an intimate space.
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3) Clarify the Needs of Your ‘Celebration’:
Home funerals present different opportunities to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one. Would you prefer a “Laying in Honor” celebration, so that friends and family can visit, say goodbye, and comfort each other? Do you want a funeral in keeping with your spiritual tradition?
What are you concerned about in planning for death? Contact Sally at sallyshannon(at)earthlink.net.
Related:
- SevenPonds’ interview with Sally Shannon.
- Healing Touches: Planning a Memorial or Funeral
Comforting, creative touches to add to your memorial planning checklist. - Flower Power: Oils for Loss and the Stages of Grief
“Making Mobiles” by Karolina Merska
“Hands Up to the Sky” by Michael Franti & Spearhead
My grandmother isn’t doing too well at the moment. So, my family has been thinking about pre-planning her funeral. I liked that you pointed out that we should ask my grandmother what she wants to have happened at her funeral.
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