Empowering with Preplanning
Posted: June 28, 2018
Discussing end-of-life decisions can can be a difficult conversation, but it’s so important that these discussions happen within all Cedar Rapids families, as well as between a family or individual and a trusted funeral home.
From our experience at Cedar Memorial, making prearrangements can be particularly beneficial, mentally and emotionally for those facing end of life decisions and their family.
When considering funeral arrangements, here are four ways preplanning can help process and understand:
1.) A chance to reflect
At Cedar Memorial, we believe every person is unique, and their funeral service should reflect that. As a result, we offer a number of ways families and individuals can express their personality through personalization. From memory tables, dove releases, bagpipers, to personalized receptions we can help design a great remembrance.
Look through closets and drawers – what are some of your favorite things? Your fishing pole? A book or Bible? Maybe it’s the afghan your grandmother knitted for you or your first rocking chair. We can incorporate all of these special items into a personalized service.
2.) A chance to say goodbye
When you think about it, funeral services are actually more for the living than for the person who is deceased. They can bring a tremendous amount of peace.
We’re all used to hearing loved ones eulogize the person who has died. But wouldn’t it be special if you were able to write letters, or even record video messages, for friends and family that could be read, or played, at your own service? Preplanning gives you the power to do that.
3.) A chance for one last gift of love
At Cedar Memorial, we have heard time and again from families about how much it meant to them that their parent or grandparent preplanned their funeral. When arrangements are already in place, your family is able to focus on what is most important — each other. At the time a death occurs, emotions are understandably high and for those that have preplanned, they have provided the gift of less decisions and limited financial considerations.
4.) A chance to communicate your life
Perhaps you have very particular ideas about your choice of disposition such as cremation or burial, or a specific vision for your service. When you plan ahead, you are in charge of deciding what aspects of the funeral are most important. You get to choose what you want in a way that matches up to your values and beliefs. You can also determine whether or not your service will have a religious thread or perhaps be more secular. The main thing is that it’s up to you, and you’re in the driver’s seat.
What aspects of preplanning would be the most comforting to you? Reach out to us today if you’d like to discuss it with a member of our caring team.