Viewing How to Make Planning a Future Memorial Service SimpleHow to Make Planning a Future Memorial Service Simple
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Finding out the answers to a few questions will make a parent's memorial service more meaningful for both you and your parent. This article discusses seven things you should ask your parents to make planning a future memorial service simple. By Karin Gunderson Though it is not always an easy subject to broach, finding out the answers to the following seven questions will make a parent's memorial service more meaningful to you and your parent. As an added benefit, that sad week will be a lot less stressful. Below are the questions you should ask: 1. Do you have any favorite songs or congregational hymns you would like included in your service? (If they need to look at a church hymnal, call the church and ask to borrow one for a couple of days. Make sure to return it before Sunday.) Most people do not have a clue what music their parents would prefer and often regret not knowing when the time comes to plan a memorial service. Once you know the answer to this question, you can find recordings online, or even better, ask if they have a particular soloist they would like to perform any of the pieces. 2. Do you have any favorite Bible verses, or verses from your religious books that you would like included in your service? If their eyesight is getting poor, you may want to read through any underlined passages in their Bible or spiritual documents and let them choose which to include in their service. 3. Do you have a favorite poem or reading you would like included in the service? If they know they like a particular author, or particular book, buy it online or check it out from the library so they can take their time and decide what would be most meaningful. 4a. What are some of your favorite memories from your lifetime? Incorporate several of the stories into the eulogy. It is very difficult with fresh grief and the exhaustion that accompanies it, to write a eulogy, but the majority of a eulogy can be written well in advance of death, because it is a history of the person's life (most of which has happened already!) 4b. What are some of your memories that make you laugh? Adding a little humor to a memorial service or celebration of life offers a much-needed break from the heaviness of the day. (Think of the memories you have that would make the congregation smile!) 5. What relatives and friends do you specifically want us to contact, that might not find out about your memorial service otherwise? Get this information in your memorial-service-planning folder. 6. What would you tell your family and friends if you could leave them with an encouraging word? One of the most meaningful and touching things I have ever seen done, was, before her death, a woman video-taped herself talking to everyone who would be at her funeral. No loved one was to view it until the funeral. Her message was incredibly precious to everyone in attendance and it was a piece of herself that her children and grandchildren will treasure forever. 7. Would you please go through your pictures and pick out your favorite ones of both family and friends? Have your parent separate these into two stacks: 1. friends 2. family Now you are ready to put together a video for the memorial service or picture memorial boards (or both). I took my parents' favorite photos, scanned them onto their computer, and made a slide presentation that plays every time they open the computer. They keep the computer on constantly because they love seeing the old pictures of their parents and siblings, as well as pictures of their friends and their homes throughout the years. Ask these seven questions of your parents before their health deteriorates. It will make the inevitable process of putting together a memorial service, funeral, or celebration of life service infinitely easier when that difficult day arrives. About the Author: Karin Gunderson's voice and harp have brought peace to thousands of hospice patients. If you, or someone you know, fears death or is grieving a loved one with a terminal illness or grieving a loved one who has died, consider visiting http://OvercomeFearOfDeath.com or http://HealYourGriefSite.com, where you will find encouraging true stories and a free forum to share your thoughts, feelings, stories, and prayer requests. We look forward to serving you. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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