What kind of funeral would you like?

I know some people love imagining what their funeral might be.  It isn’t so much about the dying as it is about the event.  They write down in detail what they want and imagine the response of the people there.  It’s almost like a Broadway production.  Then there are those who don’t want to think about it at all.  When the pass they want the minimal fuss possible. 

Death and funerals are a little strange to mull over too much.  Even though it is something no one avoids if we focus on it too much it may not be healthy.  So I don’t want to take you down this road too far.

The only thing I am interested in discussing is to imagine the kind of funeral you would like.  We probably grew up with funerals being pretty much the same.  Only a few decades ago a funeral was always at a church taken by a minister with the funeral director involved.  This tag-team was the only show in town – so to speak.

Over time things have changed only slightly.  Instead of a church people tend to meet in other less religious places.  Instead of a minister there are now celebrants who take services.  But overall it is the same format – more or less.

So this is my question – If you could do anything for a funeral what would you do?  How would you like people to celebrate, remember and mourn your passing?  Because there are no limits to what people can do.  Yes, there are things to consider, like the practicalities with a body.  But other than that – there are no laws, regulations or rites you need to follow.

I often talk of how funeral homes have taken over this rite to the point that it has become big business for them.  They have aspects they promote and encourage families to do.  And by saying the right kind of words in the right kind of way it isn’t too difficult to talk families into doing (i.e. spending) all kinds of things.

They promote themselves as the experts, professionals who know what you should do and how to do it.  When in truth if families are given the opportunity they could make these decisions – probably without the funeral home expense or complication.

The farewell of a loved one is a significant event.  It doesn’t need to be a grand affair for it to be meaningful for family and friends.  But who decides what we should or should not do?  It should be the person, the family. 

Naturally there will be those who would like the funeral home to do as much as possible.  But there are those who would prefer the opposite.  And there is opportunity for this with SDF.  If someone wanted a Broadway show and their family and friends were keen – then why not?

Have the funeral you want.  No pressure.  No expectations.  No limits.