Issue 3.17
Several years ago, my father’s good friend passed away. This friend had made the noble decision to have his body donated to science; however, the wife of the deceased opted to forgo any type of memorial service. My father was saddened by this decision because he deeply wanted to pay his respects to the deceased and to his family. Without a service to attend, he felt awkward and unsure of how and when to express his feelings.
It is tremendously important for most families to remember their loved one with a tribute or service. Funeral services facilitate the sharing of memories between family and friends. They also channel broad community support, allowing friends and neighbors to pay their respects to the family. Finally, funeral services are a catalyst to the healing process. Joining with others to remember the deceased evokes memories that will later help the bereaved adjust to the reality of the loss.
Long gone are the days of traditional, one-size-fits-all funerals. Many people choose to be cremated or to donate their body to science. Regardless of the choice, it is important to remember that a memorial service, tribute, celebration of life, or other gathering can still be held for family and friends. A service should be a tailor-made event that reflects the personality, significance, and value of the deceased. Services can be simple or elaborate, religious or secular, traditional or contemporary.
A new year has just begun, and perhaps you have made the resolution to put your affairs in order by pre-planning your final wishes. Pre-planning is an important endeavor. Documenting your wishes will ensure that your service is personalized. Keep in mind that your family and friends deserve the opportunity to remember you in a manner befitting your personality and style.
Our mission at Serenity Funeral Home is to help you decide how to best honor your life or the life of your loved one. We offer affordable prices due to a simple philosophy – keep overhead low so the savings can be passed on to the public. We never compromise value or quality.
Please stop by our office to obtain a copy of a free funeral pre-planning guide. Serenity Funeral Home is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-2085, or visit us on-line at www.SerenityStG.com.