Writing the Eulogy

Some tips on deliverying a Eulogy

Woman in England was granted her wish to be taken to her funeral in a bus

Baby boomers are reinventing the traditional funeral, by columnist Martha Bauman in New Hampshire U.S,.A.

Spirituality in Contemporary Funerals by Charles Cowling

Spirituality in contemporary funerals
There’s some interesting research work going on at the University of Hull. This is what they’re up to:
This project reflects the growing interest in spirituality which we are seeing in society generally and the changing shape of modern funerals. We are interested, for example, to see what the ‘spiritual' content of a so-called ‘alternative' funeral on the one hand and a traditional Christian or Buddhist ceremony might be; how people, as individuals and communities, express their spiritual feelings and beliefs and the meanings they attach to particular practices and symbols.
Why do they think it's important?
It will contribute to knowledge and theory in a changing field which is also of increasing public concern. It will also assist in refining the practical responses of professionals involved with mourners, and with dying and bereaved people in their creation of ceremonies and rituals which help people in their bereavement.
Here’s how they are doing it:
Subject to gaining the informed consent of all participants, we will first attend the meeting of the funeral director with the family when arrangements for the funeral are discussed. Then we will observe about fifty funerals of different types. At a suitable time after the funeral (perhaps one week) we will interview one or more family members about why they chose the funeral they did, the meaning it had for them and how it helped them with their loss. Finally, having analysed the funerals and family interviews, we propose to interview a sample of funeral directors and celebrants to obtain their views on emerging themes.
Interesting to note that, having attended 39 out of the fifty funerals they have set themselves, they are no longer finding anything new. For all the talk of grieving people reclaiming funerals from funeral directors and priests and creating life-centred ceremonies as unique as the life lived, ceremonies which articulate and express the personal and possibly idiosyncratic values and spirituality of the person who has died, the new paradigm has in most cases evolved into a new bog standard—a palatable, emotionally manageable ceremony...................................
Starkness and drama. Love and lamentation. The strong sense of a silver cord loosed, a golden bowl broken, a life ended. The emotional reality of a date with eternity. All missing

Centre for Death and Society, Bath University

Interesting information about how death is dealt with in modern western society.

Planning your funeral can save your family worry

By William Loeffler, TRIBUNE-REVIEWThursday, September 3, 2009

My Celebrant Website

Go to my funeral celebrant website for help with planning and funeral and other related information.

Contact me through the website or on esearle@optusnet.com.au

How to Plan a Funeral that doesn't cost an arm and a leg

Funeral planning advice from "Dough Roller"an American blog dealing with financial advice.

Families Looking for a less expensive way to honour their deceased

Eternal Reefs - A Cremation Memorial option

Four Strong Winds

The Chad Mitchell trio sings this perennial favourite

Non Traditional Funeral Options Gaining Popularity

from the Dayton Daily News, 22 May 2009

Funeral Blues from Four Weddings & A Funeral

When a brother or sister dies

An article from The American Chronicle dealing with coping with the loss of a sibling. (click on title)

Saving on Funeral Costs

At a time of grieving it can be difficult to talk about money. It is very common for people to overspend on funerals out of a sense of duty or honour but you don't have to put yourself or your family into financial difficulty. Whatever your budget or funeral preferences, here are some of the cost saving tactics recommended by consumer advocates:

1. Plan ahead. Talk about death with your spouse and/or parents. Know what you want and commit those wishes to paper. Without preplanning in addition to dealing with the sadness of your passing, your survivors are left to wonder what you would want, which generally leads to overspending. Do you want a private family service or do you want an elaborate one? Flowers or donations?

2. Get at Least 2 Estimates. Some people are hesitant to look around for the best price but it can save you thousands of dollars and is highly recommended. Use Funeral-Services Funeral Referral Service, to compare quotes from pre-qualified providers.

3. Buy a simple casket or coffin. Caskets and Coffins are one of the biggest single funeral expenses. You don't have to buy an expensive mahogany, silk lined casket, especially if your loved one's body is soon to be cremated. Simple dignified coffins can be made from a variety of materials including: recycled cardboard, pine or particle board.

4. Take an support person. Don't make arrangements on your own. Ask a friend, neighbour or someone who can objectively discuss the arrangements with you to make sure you and your family get what you want without overpaying. Take your time with decisions, don't feel pressured into making decisions immediately.

5. Consider cremation. The cost of cremation is generally less than the cost of burial. You won't have to pay for a burial plot and you can scatter the remains where you choose at a time of your choosing.

6. DYI arrangements? Don't be fooled into thinking that the traditional full service funeral is your only option or that you have to purchase every product or service that your funeral director has available. It is important to make decisions that fit within your budget and will make the funeral service most meaningful to you. You can handle the arrangements of a funeral without using a funeral director. For more information on DYI Funeral Arrangements, download the Funeral Costs Fact Sheet developed by the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW Inc.

7. Plan a memorial or funeral service without the body present. Consider holding a memorial service, without the body, in a place that meant much to the deceased such as the family home, favourite holiday spot or park, rather than at a chapel. There would be no need for embalming, fancy casket or expensive transporting of the body.

Planning a Funeral by Melanie Brooks

Planning a loved ones funeral is a stressful and heartbreaking event for any individual and it is a task that no one wants to take on as an everyday occurrence but it is something that has to be accomplished as a final wish of the loved one.

There are some things that can make this unpleasant task a bit easier.

Remember to stay calm.

If this is an occurrence where the loved one dies in the home, you will need to contact the funeral provider.

Call relatives and friends and inform them of the loss.

Get copies of the death certificate. This is to make any legal arrangements easier to handle. Credit card companies and banks will need this information to freeze your loved ones accounts until they can be handled at another time.

Once the body goes to the funeral home the family is usually asked how they would prefer the remains to be dispositioned. They may go by the decedent’s will or consult close family members.

Stay on top of all decisions.

With these important listed items it should be a task dealt with a bit less stress and perhaps make the planning alot less confusing. At this time the grief may cloud some judgments so if possible it may be a wise idea to have a close family member or friend assist in planning of the funeral.

Remember to try to keep in mind that for the most part some family members may have already stated how they may want there funeral or last wishes to be fulfilled. In these cases you may want to find it necessary to adhere to there wishes as closely as possible if it is indeed a possibility to do so.

As this is something that is not pleasant to think about, it is part of living that we as humans must cope with and the best way to handle these situations is to have some sort of plan as to how you will tackle each task in order to bring all of the tasks together as a single event to avoid the confusion that will sprout like a weed if there is no organization. And of course confusion in a family that is grieving is not a pleasant event as things can and may get out of control quickly. In this case having preparations in place will ease that burden of possible family members.
World News 17 April 2009

We must make plans for life after death

We must make plans for life after death
Date: 14 April 2009
By Fiona McDonald
NOBODY likes to think about death, and the practicalities, such as funeral planning, tend not to be high on anyone's agenda. Sadly, Jade Goody and Wendy Richard were forced into thinking about and planning their own funerals, but forward thinking is something that we should all consider.
Death brings with it a raft of emotions and having a written record of a family member's funeral wishes can provide comfort at an extremely difficult time.

If something happened to any of us today, could we say that our family know our wishes? Without written details, such as those recorded in your will, where you can detail your wishes for the distribution of your estate as well as any funeral wishes, there is the real potential that family members could feel lost, and argue about what it was that you wanted.

There are a number of things to think about, including whether you wish to be buried or cremated? If buried, do you have a family plot? Often couples have family plots on either side of the family but wish to be buried together. Whereas, if a body is cremated, decisions need to be made about the ashes and whether to have them interred or scattered.

Further consideration should also be given to the actual funeral service itself. Would you prefer a religious service, do you want anyone in particular to speak and where would you like it to take place. You don't necessarily have to provide all the details but some record for your family can be extremely helpful.

You may like to think about your own values and whether you want your funeral to reflect these, such as an eco-friendly funeral or a day full of colour where no-one wears black.

Although undoubtedly a sad time, funerals should be personal and, if possible, a celebration of a person's life. We all have the opportunity to do something to make this time easier on those left behind. It's important and although it is ultimately for you, it's more for those left to grieve.

Fiona McDonald is an associate at law firm Pagan Osborne

Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.

What is a Funeral Eulogy? by Margaret Marquisi, 3 April, 2009

A funeral eulogy is a personalised speech given at the memorial ceremony of a dead person. It is usually given by a relative or a close friend of the dead individual. It is used to commemorate the life of the person who passed away.

A funeral eulogy is somehow similar to a personalised speech. It is read at a funeral and serves as a testimonial to the life of the person who passed away. It is used to commemorate the deceased and is thought of as the last special gift a person could give a dead loved one. A eulogy is normally given by a relative or someone that is close to the heart of the dearly departed. It is a means of sharing with the audience the life of the departed, his or her fond memories and special personality traits that the audience may not be aware of. Writing and delivering a eulogy may be a very difficult task for anyone since emotions are overwhelming when someone you love dies.

It is entirely all right to write a funeral eulogy yourself and ask another person to read it for you at the memorial ceremony. This is an excellent idea especially if you were so close to the person who has just died and you do not have enough strength to speak in front of people. However, people at the funeral expect the emotions to be high at a very straining situation and would definitely understand the circumstance. So if you feel that it is imperative of you to personally give the funeral eulogy, do not feel ashamed about showing your sentiments while giving your speech.

It is always best to organise your eulogy speech ahead of time and to write the things you want to say. Write your eulogy as a draft, leave it unfinished and then finalise it again later. It is almost always difficult for everyone to express themselves when they’re hurting so if you are engulfed with your emotions, you must give yourself some time to think before finalising the eulogy speech. You do not have to write a formal eulogy as a eulogy doesn’t follow an outline. You may also want to draw away from the serious tone and add little humour to your speech to help you and the audience relax while you read the speech. Including in your speech a funny adventure you made with the person will do the trick.

When you were successfully able to recollect your thoughts and put them into writing, you may want to practice the eulogy a little. If you read the funeral eulogy out loud, you will distinguish and make obvious lines and sentences that are awkward; this will give you the chance to rephrase them. Going over the eulogy may help you remember another fond memory that you can add in your speech.

When delivering your speech, it will be great if you bring note cards with you. It will be difficult to remember all that you want to say when you are in front of an audience and are caught up with your emotions. One important thing you must remember about a eulogy is that it is your way of paying tribute to your loved one and it doesn’t matter how you deliver it, what matters is what you say in it.

Humour at a funeral

I unfortunately had to attend funeral services recently for an elderly friend of the family. It amazes me how some of us can keep our sense of humor through the worst of times...Perhaps that what keeps us going.Take for example the elderly widow at the funeral home. The undertaker came up to her just before the service was to start and, trying to make small talk, he asked, "How old was your husband?""98 years old," she replied. "Just two years older than me.""So you’re 96," the undertaker said.Without missing a beat the elderly widow responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?"Always remember the words of Mark Twain..."Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place."
So smile and make it a great day!

Burials - Going Greener & Greener

Memorial Service held to remember victims of bushfires - February 22, 2009 from the Herald Sun

UPDATE: 5.10pm Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has vowed that every year on February 7 Australian flags will fly at half mast.
``In recent days we have witnessed unspeakable suffering,'' Mr Rudd said at a memorial service to remember victims of the tragedy.
''We have lost mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. We have lost brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the tiniest of children, family and friends and neighbours,'' Mr Rudd said.
``All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this. You who suffer are not alone.
``This great Australian family here assembled and across the nation today is with you.''

Mr Rudd also paid tribute to the Australian values that helped the nation get through the fires.
''We have drawn on our deep ancient vales and given them fresh voice in this modern age, values of courage, values of compassion and values of our steely resistance,'' Mr Rudd said

Thousands of people gathered in Melbourne, hundreds of them bushfire survivors, who were shuttled into the city from fire-ravaged towns.
Those who attended included Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull, Premier John Brumby, Princess Anne and Governor-General Quentin Bryce as well as family and friends of bushfire victims.
Many of those at the service were wearing the distinctive yellow overalls of the fire-fighters.

At least 209 people are known to have died in the February 7 fire storms, most of those from a sweep of towns and villages northeast of Melbourne.
Nearly 2000 homes were also destroyed in the Black Saturday fires.
A memorial tent was set up at Walker Reserve in Whittlesea, one of the worst hit areas by bushfires, where the Rod Laver Arena service was screened.
Around 300 people were at the Whittlesea service.
The stands were also full at the Kilmore Showgrounds where the community gathered to watch the memorial service.

Numbers at the Rod Laver Arena memorial service appear to be lower than expected, it is thought many people who have had their lives devastated by the fires have not travelled to Melbourne because they feel 'it is too soon.'
Singer Deborah Cheetham led singing of the national anthem.
Aboriginal leader Auntie Joy Murphy officially welcomed those to the land of the Wurundjeri people.
``The terrible loss of so many human lives, animals and homes is extremely difficult to comprehend and accept, to believe what has happened,'' Ms Murphy said.
``The spirit of the land will reclaim itself and the bush animals and the pets will return, this is nature's way,'' she said.

Premier John Brumby told those at the service that Australia was a nation deep in mourning.
``We are picking up the pieces after the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. Devastating fires that have taken family, friends, neighbours and workmates,'' Mr Brumby said.
``Destructive fires that have torn at the very heart of communities,'' he said.

Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu dedicated his message to the many volunteers who helped battle the fire and care for the injured and displaced, to those who had lost homes and people close to them.
''Our simple message is we are as one, Victoria is as one, you have our hearts, you have our hands,'' Mr Baillieu said.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce told the service bushfire communities would rebuild.
``We will open our hands and reach out and deep to give of ourselves whatever we are able. We each have our separate tasks, we know what they are and together we know the responsibilities we share,'' Ms Bryce said.
``In time, what was will be restored - no matter how colossal the effort.''
But she said today was a day of reflection.
``The unthinkable we must think; the unimaginable we must see; the unspeakable we must speak; the unbearable we must weep.''

Princess Anne represented Queen Elizabeth and the royal family at the memorial.
The princess read out a message written by Queen Elizabeth soon after the fires occurred and passed on her condolences.
``Although a little daunted, when faced with the scale of loss, and the physical and mental impact that these bushfires have made and are still making for Victoria, individuals and towns have responded with resilience, ingenuity, courage and selflessness to situations that were changing at terrifying speed,'' Princes Anne said.
She said she would be visiting fire affected areas on Sunday, and speaking to some of those touched by the tragedy.
``People from around Australia and across the world watched in horror, but with admiration at their response,'' Princess Anne said.
``I would particularly thank all those involved in whatever capacity, in the emergency services and in the voluntary organisations,'' she said.

Victoria's Governor David de Kretser said there were no words to encompass the distress of those who had lost loved ones.
``These have also been difficult days for all Victorians. Days of fear, of pain and now of haunting sadness,'' he said.
``It is not only family and friends who have suffered loss. Entire communities have been devastated by these fires.''

Religious leaders also addressed the service, including Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart, Anglican Archbishop Dr Philip Freier and interfaith representatives.
Mayor Lun Gunter from the Murrindindi Shire Council, where many of the worst-affected areas were located, described a fateful day's events.
"With the intense heat of day we waited in hope for the relief of night. Instead the fire came. In the wake of its destruction we lost many of our loved ones, our history, our animals, our landscape," Cr Gunter said.

The service also included a rousing rendition of We Are Australian, with lyrics rewritten to reflect on the tragic events of this month.
Many joined in the chorus, led by singer Bruce Woodley.

The service ended after the song Touch was sung by Michael Paynter, which urged people to reach out to those in need.
Many survivors of Victoria's recent firestorms said today's memorial service won't bring back the lives they have lost but was part of the healing process.
Grandmother Jenny Buxton, who ran the Plenty Hills health retreat at Wandong north of Melbourne, has lost friends, her home and everything she owned but attended the service at the Rod Laver arena with friend Francis McMenomy.

She lost neighbour Steve Lackas, who died leaving behind his wife Sandra and eight-year-old son Bailey, and friend Geoffrey Walker, who was killed at Narbethong.
"I keep thinking of the things I have lost but I am trying to find the positives," Ms Buxton said.
"I wanted to be part of today. The support of everyone has been great and I am grateful for all that we have been given."

Many survivors from fire-ravaged towns, such as Kinglake, decided not to attend the service because they were still too traumatised. Many buses in Whittlesea, organised for the event, were left unused.
Vicki Ruhr said she and some friends from Kinglake attended to support their friend, Lyn Gunter, the mayor of the Murrindindi shire in which they live in, who stood alongside Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Princess Anne to speak at the service.
"It's all gone so fast, the whole thing. A lot of Kinglake people chose not to come today because they just felt they couldn't leave, they wanted to stay on the mountain," Ms Ruhr said.
"A lot of them still haven't left the mountain (since the firestorm destroyed the town killing at least 45 people).
"It's important to know the support is there from our country, we're not just sitting in a little pocket. Awareness is there, now, that we need ongoing support ... sustaining support."

Her friend, Michael O'Meara, said he had lost many friends but Mr Rudd's commitment to re-build the town was "quite comforting".
"It's a long-term commitment and, as he said, a lot of governments would just forget about what happened. But he made the opposite commitments. I think that's very important," he said.
The group were pleased to see familiar faces on stage, like Ms Gunter, and singers, fellow Kinglake residents Merelyn and David Carter, who helped perform the song I am Australian.
They complained that many of their fellow traumatised Kinglake residents were being pressured by bosses to return to work.

Donna Todd said she felt she was still in shock after escaping with her husband Chris Franklin and their two horses just 20 minutes before their Strathewen home was razed.
"It's great to know so many people care. If just you had a house burn down you wouldn't get the support but with so many in the same boat you get the recognition I guess," said Ms Todd, who attended the service with her daughter and sister.
"It's quite overwhelming so I suppose we're all still in shock. This sorta stuff you can't feel yet.
"I mean it (the service) was nice but it doesn't really make a difference ... I've lost my house and everything in it ... but I've got my horses out and I've got my job, and my husband and I are safe, so we're lucky you know."

Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer Misty Dawn Thorose, from the Research brigade in Melbourne's outer northeast, said Sunday's service gave fire-fighters a chance to reflect on the horrors they had seen at places such as Kinglake.
"When you're out there on the ground you don't get a chance to do that. You've got to look at it objectively, you can't become emotionally involved," she told AAP.
"It was hard when you know the people who lived in the homes that you drove past and there was nothing left.
"This is a good chance to reflect on what happened and aids the grieving process."

"Victorian Bushfires" a speech by Kerry Cue

Victorian Bushfires by Kerry Cue

'Today we Australians put aside those matters that divide us and come together as one country, one people bound by our shared humanity, touched by the devastating scale of the Victorian Bushfire disaster and united in our grief.

Today we come together as a community, as neighbours, workmates, friends and family, to mourn for those Australians lost in bushfires of such unspeakable horror that children could die in places where they once used to play. We stand in silent contemplation of the reality that towns nestled in the Victorian bushland that were once busy with the bustle of everyday life could be no more. Marysville. King Lake. Many more. We all know their names now.

Today we come together to share the sorrow of ordinary Australians caught up in the path of random, pitiless destruction and to acknowledge the bone-aching hardship they face. We pay tribute to the self-less and unflinching dedication of the fire fighters and rescue workers and we reflect on the enormity of the job ahead of rebuilding lives and communities.

Our will to rebuild is forged from an unspoken love for this often harsh and unforgiving land. We Australians harbour a soul-deep sense of belonging to this our homeland, we just don't talk about it, but it is there. It sustains us in hard times. We are known around the world as a friendly and easy going people. We are recognised for our generosity. Aussies have big hearts. We may not always get it right. But we try and we keep trying.

Previous generations built this nation with callused hands, laboured sweat and sheer
determination. They experienced droughts and depressions, fires and wars, floods and epidemics. They endured. They did what they could. They helped one another. This is the essence of the Aussie spirit. No matter what the hardship, no matter what burden we have to bare, we shall endure. Sons and daughters of Australia have given their lives for their country, their community and even for strangers. Coming to the aide of others in need embodies the Aussie spirit.

The generations born in Australia after World War II have grown into adulthood in times of unparalleled prosperity. Sometimes we of the later generations, distracted by the electronic noise of MP3 players, mobile phones, car radios and text messages, rush passed one another. We have become, at times, a people disconnected. And it is easy to forget that this nation was founded on a commitment to the common good, the common wealth.

I want to say to the bushfire victims that we take you into our hearts. We are saddened and horrified and appalled by the mindless loss and relentless suffering inflicted on you. We will see you through the numb, black hours of your grief. We will provide shoulders for you to cry on. We will mourn with you, listen to your stories and lend you a hand to help you back on your feet.

To the rest of Australia, I say look at the faces in the family snaps of those lost in this tragedy. Grinning, shining youthful faces or stubbly-chinned and gruff, they represent all ages, all creeds, all backgrounds, all the colour and contrast that make up the people of Australia. They are us. And when you see a fire victim standing in the ash and rubble of their home with only a charred chimney remaining, you will know what it means to be an Australian. For that grim-faced Aussie has had everything they possess stripped from them. They have lost their home, their car, their clothes, their memories, their identity. They may have lost their family and their livelihood too.

When everything is lost, everything taken from you then you will realise all we have left is each other. That fire victim does not stand alone. We, the people, of Australia stand with them. And with the others. We are Australians. We don't wait to be asked. We get on with the job. We help one another other.

Kerry Cue: Canberra Times 18th February 2009 www.kerrycue.net

Organising a Funeral

Organising a funeral - information from the N.S.W. Office of Fair Trade

Funeral Clothes break from somber tradition by Carole Currie

There was a time when every woman had a funeral dress in her closet. It was black, of course, or at least navy blue and appropriately ordinary. Floral prints were out unless they were tiny flowers on a dark background. This outfit was definitely not a pants suit, and this dress was always worn with stockings.

Men, even those who never wore suits during ordinary times, had slick-looking black or navy blue suits for funerals and generally looked just as uncomfortable in them as they felt.
The church or funeral home was a sea of dark colors, and those who wore colors were noticed in a way most would not want to be noticed.
When I knew my father-in-law didn't have long to live and I had nothing suitable to wear, I bought a navy two-piece outfit for the funeral. I liked it and thought it looked nice, but afterwards, I didn't have the heart to wear it again and finally purged it from my closet.
As I write this, I am aware you may be thinking that is seems inappropriate and unfeeling to think of shopping for a dress when death is near, but I do not view it that way, for several reasons. For one, my father-in-law would have like the outfit and commented on it. For another, I think it speaks of acceptance of death and, in a way, preparation for it.
Now I have a blue pants suit of worsted wool with a little pin stripe that is my funeral suit for all but really hot weather. Now that pants suits are OK, it is always correct. It travels well, is appropriately dark and is comfortable.
If it's a family funeral, my cousin Sharon shows up wearing the exact same suit. Both tall and with short hair, we look like twin funeral home employees but with our dependable funeral suits, at least we have managed to avoid that terrible indecision of what to wear.
Like everything else, times have changed and that means the dark funeral dress tradition of days past is fading fast. For one thing, many funerals now are memorial services with an urn of ashes instead of a casket, and they may be scheduled days or even weeks after the death. Although congregations are no less in mourning, the fashion mood has changed a little.
Young women in sundresses, women in sweater sets or colorful jackets and men in shirtsleeves don't raise any eyebrows. No more boring beige or matronly mauve and not much black for these funeralgoers who focus not on what they wear but on the person they have come to honor and celebrate.
My mother was a woman who valued looking appropriate and fashionable all her life, even in her very last months. I spent evenings going through her clothes, organizing outfits and leaving things out for her to wear the next day so her outfits matched and she could hang on to that dignity. I still have a few of her sweaters and scarves and think of her when I wear them.
For the last two weeks of her life, we were aware that her life was coming to an end. There was plenty of time to prepare. She always noticed and often commented on what I was wearing. Strangely, though, I can't remember what I wore to her funeral, even though I know it would have been important to her.
It must have been my pinstriped funeral suit, probably a little boring for her taste.
This is the opinion of Carole Currie.

How to write a letter of condolence

The Soundtrack to Your Funeral - a thought provoking article

Good Funeral Guide - UK based blog

Funeral Consumers Alliance - a US group but with articles of interest in Australia

Why Everyone Deserves a Funeral.... The Importance of the Funeral Service

An article from the American Chronicle by Pam Vetter

Planning your own funeral

An article from the Bournemouth Echo

Shine on brightly

An article about memorial art, jewellery, urns etc. which honour the dead.

Speaking at a funeral

Music to shuffle off this mortal coil

http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-10-30/music/music-to-shuffle-off-this-mortal-coil

Movember

Article from UK Daily Mail about eco friendly funerals

Funeral Planning Guide from World Press

Pre Planning a Funeral - an American lawyer's view

Sometimes

Sometimes on our
journey through life
we meet people who leave
footprints on our mind
-they challenge us to see things differently
and to question our personal reality.

Sometimes on our
journey through life
we meet people who leave
footprints on our heart
they create a safe place for us
to open our hearts to feel loved and special
Then sometimes on our journey through life
we meet people who leave
footprints on our souls
-they share themselves with us so profoundly
that they touch the very essence of who we are
in that secret quiet place

Our loved one has left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts
and souls of many here to-day.
May we always remember the beauty of her/his love,
her/his kindness and the special way she/he touched our lives

.

from Khalil Gibran

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when your drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.