Pre Planning Funeral

To some this may be a somewhat morbid topic, but it is something I have thought about considerably since retiring 4 years ago. My 4 children do not wish to discuss things like that, claiming that I could be 'jinxing' things. I do not wish to purchase a pre paid funeral, as I am skeptical if the funeral home will still be around when my time is up & I could lose my money cold (and I hope to be around for another 30 years if i have my way)

I was surfing the internet using google the other night and found this brilliant website called Happyending.com.au. It solves all my problems & is something I am sure would benefit others too. Briefly, the site allows me to choose what I want in my funeral and store this information of the site. I then invite people to have access to this information (naturally, I chose my daughters and son - who have the choice if/when they want to look at this information). So if i died tomorrow, they can log into the site and simply print off my funeral plan wishes - and not have to make any decisions or second guess anything, as I have chosen it all! Brilliant!

I urge everyone to visit the website, it has definitely given me more peace with myself, knowing my wishes have been said and recorded.

Sue

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Me again - I recently discussed this topic at my golf club, and am so surprised at just how many people out there simply choose to ignore this topic! Two of the ladies I played with before Xmas have said they would use the site but they're not ready yet to plan it for themself! Is there a crystal ball which will tells us all the order in which we shall die??!!!



When I asked them would they feel comfortable if they were struck by lightening tomorrow, leaving the entire planning process to their children - they both advised that it wouldnt concern them, as they would be dead! When I reversed the hypothetical around, if their children died tomorrow - how would they handle it - they both said they would be devestated and didnt know how they would manage it. Isn't that exactly the reason why sites like this should be used?? None of us really do know when our time is up - and it should be looked at as something to you do help others when you have gone, moreso than planning something for yourself.

Peter and I are more worried than anything else, the kids will be hit with "we have to spend a lot

and hence a big bang up funeral when we want if possible cardboard and (no big often

insincere from many) carrying on. We want to slip out quietly :)



Money better spent in our opinion on something makes a difference! as burning an elaborate coffin

does not to us. A simple list signed with a will is all that is needed and discussion with the kids.

And then forget all about it as no matter how we do not want anyone left with our death

somebody has to finalise everything for each of us.

A sensible view Phyl and I pretty much agree. My sister died about a year ago and I and my other sister co-ordinated the final ceremonies. My older sister had been a "rock" for the family and never stinted when helping our family or others. For me, it was something she could not do for herself and the very last thing I could do for her and it was almost theraputic for me. We addressed her final wishes and did not "go crazy" with costs, yet ensured that it was a dignified and well ordered farewell.

Having done for others and helped people where I could all my life, I dont plan to worry too much about my "last gig". I will let my kids attend to it and I hope it is as calming and beneficial for them as my sisters funeral was for me. I am reminded of Bob Hope, when he was dying......an aid asked if he wished to be buried or cremated. His reply.....? "Surprise me".

I won't be prepaying for my funeral as what I leave will more than compensate--I don't want any elaborate carry on--I would just like to be kept in their hearts and their memories. I will make that quite clear.

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