Going through my parent’s passing was difficult. All loss of love is. We see a future with them, not without them. That glorious day will come to us all. How we leave is up to us as individuals and our preparations. What we leave behind should not be problems for others, but may be. Borrow some, all, or none of my insights from the loss of soldier friends, siblings, parents, and my greater family.
I made my “Last Will and Testament” while enlisted in the military. It gave clear instructions on my “estate” handling, provided I was killed on active duty. Do you have one? Do your parents or older family members? Clarity in a time when emotions of grief are barely controllable is important. Make decisions now with a clear mind, and do so with love, not panicked reactions.
Final arrangements include a few organized steps. Reading for a few minutes now will help you be better prepared for these hurtful times that will arise. How can you and your family be ready?
- Determine whether pre-arrangements have already been made via a Will or in documented conversations with the spouse or pastor. Follow them to the letter.
- Where will their final resting place be? Knowing where the remains will be kept and how will determine much of the planning. Has a burial plot been purchased? Will an urn rest in your home for memory reflection? These direct questions are tough and important.
- Will you need an open casket or cremation services in Sydney? Which funeral home will best handle your family’s needs?
- Perhaps one service in Melbourne and burial in Darwin. Where is home for them? Where is their desired resting home?
- Creating an obituary is very emotional. Giving the details to a 3rd party might be easier than trying to say goodbye to their love in print.
- Do they have a church home? They will be deeply involved in helping you plan and take care of the many questions I have presented above. Their pastor will know a favourite passage of theirs from scripture for the funeral service.
- The last thing you want to deal with on that fateful day is the government. If the transportation of your loved ones remains will be international, you will want to read up on importation concerns. You know they live overseas and want to be buried at home. Get a plan together, it is expensive and more so at the last minute.
Lessen the pain for your loved ones when you pass. At that time their emotions will be heightened and poor snap decisions can be expensive and only prolong the pain. Ease the pain of losing loved ones by planning this eventual day ahead of time. Make sure to share those plans with your family.
Talking about it now will bring you closer together and give you the comfort to grieve without worry when the day arrives.
