Perspective and Preparation

Always have a journal - by your bed, at table, in car, in purse, to write down info as you think of it. IT IS SO VALUABLE TO look back at thoughts, concerns, and ideas we have - especially in the midst of grief brain fog. (side note, pen and paper are more valuable in processing than on the note pad via phone- its a fact!!! so WRITE as much as you can on paper)Here are SOME things to keep in mind as you prepare for funeral of a loved one, or even to do for your own (make sure someone knows where you will keep this information). Look at a few funeral homes, they have lists, poetry, memoirs, and you can look at HOW others wrote their memorials out. Use those as a guide to writing the one you need to. The funeral homes can give you price lists of things like: cost of birth and death certificates, and be sure to get at LEAST 5-10 minimum ! !!!! they cost, but it's better to have too many than have to go to the county and wait in line - its a huge inconvenience. Some states will give a flat amount (around $250) for widows. But you have to do this at the Social Security office with in the first week or two. Other wise you loose the benefit. Take it! it may not seem like much, but that pays for your gas, if nothing else! Have the memorial cards written with all the details of your loved one, their parents name, spouse, date of birth and death, children, the job they did, volunteering, You want it to be professional, the hobbies, and such along with donations given to xyz in luei of flowers. What music to be played, digital or prints of photos, who will sing, will memorial be at church or funeral home; who brings food or catering, who can watch the kids during the memorial service / funeral. You can ask the funeral director or look for these lists on the websites of funeral homes, (visit a few because they are all VERY different). Prepare as much as you can before hand if possible. and do this for your own, making sure someone knows where your notes are ...