Planning for one's death

It sounds a bit morbid

yet...

With all the baby boomers reaching their 70s, one cannot avoid talking about, planning for one's earthly departure. 

As someone who nearly met with an untimely death a decade ago, I wanted to ensure I had made proper arrangements come the time in the future - the far future, thank you very much!  I also wanted a sense of control over the entire affair. 

It was an interesting process last spring, meeting with the professionals who help arrange remembrance services, who document what you want to be done with your "earthly remains" and help you decide on a final resting place.  

Two out of three ain't bad. 

I'm still struggling with the final resting place concept.  I want to decide on an option other than expecting my adult children to take turns keeping Mother's urn on the mantle - or tucked away in the linen closet.

Some folks are taking the care of deceased loved ones into their own hands, due to the corporatization of the funeral industry and their need to reconnect with the ritual of death.  According to one professional, "...it’s important for our humanity to rediscover this sacred rite of passage in ways that each person is comfortable with and is comforted by.". 

Death is a part of Life. 
 
Some of us want to lessen our ecological footprint even after leaving our earthly bodies.  A recent article cites the increasing number of cremations in Canada, the growing demand for "green" funerals, and the advertisement of eco-friendly burials to attract customers.

One of my darlings once joked that come the time, about putting my ashes in a pot and planting a tree in memorial. 
 
I kind of like that. 

During the planning process, one can also purchase travel insurance.  Yep, that's right.  You can pre-arrange for your remains to be returned home if you meet your demise while exploring the world. 

I like that too because once the kids are out on their own, Momma wants to travel more - and not just jaunts about town and city parks or bus trips through wine country.  

Let's see how well these guys live up to their promise if they have to bring me back from some deep jungle trek or a tour of the great pyramids of Egypt.  

On a slightly related note, I invite you to read an excerpt from my novel where young Sera Fletcher discovers a beautifully carved casket in her father's workshop.  It's called Life After Death.  

Thanks for dropping by.  Next time I'll have something a little more lively to offer.

T