by Alan Ruffner

Created on: May 16, 2008

I feel that every one who is old enough to decide on how to be viewed should be permitted to choose. Normally, the younger generation doesn't seem to be concerned about it. Even when they loose a close friend or family member, some say that they will make their own arrangements, but often times just forget about it.

Even us older folks attend a funeral and say the same thing about making our own arrangements. There are so many options to choose from these days. I have attended several funerals just recently and was amazed at how things were done. One had a video of the deceased life and another one had a poster board with family pictures. Most of the funeral homes play music in the background chosen by the deceased or family. If the family doesn't choose, then the funeral home decides.

In the casket lays the body of the deceased with flowers, cards, pictures, and other memories made during ones life. A favorite outfit is used to put on the deceased. Sometimes a wedding band or a personal item is placed in with it.

For the funeral service, a minister or priest is chosen to perform the farewell. There were a couple of funerals recently that didn't have a service. I didn't attend any of those services so I don't know how it works.

When one takes the time to choose what they want, it makes it so much easier on the family. I have attended several funerals where it was done. The music was chosen, the casket chosen, the remember cards were chosen, the outfit chosen, the minister chosen, the favorite passages from the Bible were read, a close member of the family sang a favorite hymn, the pull bearers were chosen, the grave site was picked out in advance, and the reception was even planned out. All this was paid for in advance or arrangements were made from the life insurance.

If one doesn't make their own plans, it could cause friction in the family. What outfit should we use? What kind of a coffin would they of wanted? What preacher or should we not have one? What music, the list goes on and on. I have seen families fight and argue over funeral arrangements. Is it worth it?

My wife and I have discussed our plans for our funerals and we still haven't got it taken care of. I already know I want to be cremated. I would like to make my own video now so when I do leave this world, I can leave words of encouragement to those who are waiting to come behind me.

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