It has been quite awhile since I posted a blog entry. Life has gotten ahead of me in the form of a crashed hard drive and in the middle of all that, death has also paid a visit.
As anyone can tell you, death comes to all things that live at one time or another. In this case, my 84 year old cousin passed away. Her funeral was a celebration of her life and we all had the chance to formally say good-bye. This formal leave taking is the true purpose of funerals.
Of course, as we age there are increasing numbers of funerals to attend as our elders begin to die and then as we get even older, our contemporaries will die as well. It is important to help our aging parents to participate in this solemn ritual that is a part of all life. If they have any difficulties in getting to the place of the services, take the time to provide transportation. Most places are accessible and will find ways to get people in no matter what the challenges may be.
These occasions will offer the opportunity to learn what your aging relatives may want if you don't yet know. I am not advocating that you ask directly but if you listen you may pick up a clue or two. My first thought at my cousin's funeral was that she had been cremated because there was no casket and a recent photo was displayed at the altar. As it turns out, she had made arrangements ahead of time to contribute further to society by donating her body to science. Her choice stimulated plenty of conversation at the "victory feast" luncheon that was held after the services. Plenty of people were very open about what they had in mind.
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