Summary: The median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is about $8,300, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
Gifts that please, surprise, are useful, and don’t break the bank are hard to come by.
So, here’s one that no one will see coming. What if you could give the gift of being prepared? You can.
All you have to do is call the funeral home and get on the schedule to speak to the preneed person/advance funeral planner. Just get all your questions answered. Get a plan written and on file at the funeral home. That way everyone knows who to call, what to do, and maybe even how it’s all going to be paid for when the time comes.
Does your family need this gift? Here’s a test. When you order a pizza does everyone want the same toppings? If your family takes a bit to decide or you always order half this and half that, a funeral plan will be a terrific gift. If your family is blended, then absolutely this is a perfect gift. If yours is a second marriage, for sure they’ll all appreciate this gift one day. Even if your kids are all equally successful, agree on everything, and belong to the same church, they will still love this gift!
No one will expect your gift of a completed funeral plan. No one will need the receipt to return your gift. Your gift will not be too big, too small, too out of style, or re-gifted. It will absolutely be used someday. It will be appreciated.
www.snyderfuneralhome.com
There are a million ways to say thank you. Great or small they all have value.
Decide to always just say thank you whenever you see a person in uniform.
When you see a person in uniform at the coffee shop or fast food restaurant pick up their tab if you can.
At the airport trade your first class or comfort seat for their standard seat
If you have a neighbor who is deployed offer to play catch with the kids or mow the lawn. Ask how you can help
Send a care package by contacting
Operation Gratitude
Donate your old cell phone
Drive a Veteran to their doctor appointments (contact the hospital services coordinator at the local VA hospital)
Write a letter
Volunteer at a VA hospital
If you run a business hire a veteran –
Hire Heroes USA
Donate dollars or time to train service dogs for veterans –
Patriot Paws
or
Puppy Jake Foundation
Build a house for a veteran –
Building Homes for Heroes
Big dollars or only a few dollars, lots of time or only a little time, where there is a will there is a way to say thank you to those who serve in our military.
www.snyderfuneralhome.com
The Funeral Home is the best resource for understanding veterans death benefits.
“I was very surprised at my reaction. Seeing John in his casket wasn’t something I was looking forward to. His daughter (from his first marriage) really wanted an open casket. So, I agreed. Mostly just to remain on good terms with my stepdaughter. He looked so peaceful. He had a Mona Lisa smile. I am so glad I didn’t stick to what he and I had talked about. The opportunity for that last good good-bye ended up meaning the world to me… and his daughter.”
Many long-standing funeral practices, like viewing the deceased, are undervalued today. Perhaps we should think again? Maybe go slowly? Allow for individual family members to say goodbye in a way that is most meaningful to them.
There is a value to “seeing” the deceased. If you doubt that value think about what happens when there is a sudden, unexpected death. Body recovery is high on everyone’s list. Seeing is believing. Some family members may find an opportunity to see the deceased helpful. Some, like the woman who wrote the opening quote, may be surprised at the comfort the opportunity to see the person they love at peace brings.
The funeral director is there to guide you. Ask questions. How can we give my grandson an opportunity to see his grandfather? What if some family do not wish to see dad? Mom didn’t want an open casket but some of us would like an opportunity to see her one last time. What can we do?
Funeral directors are always willing and able to allow for individual family differences. A daughter who prefers not to view the body and grandson who would very much appreciate an opportunity for a face to face farewell. One need not exclude the other. Funeral directors have solutions. When you meet with yours, be open. Share your family’s needs and ask questions.
www.snyderfuneralhome.com
A husband and father of four dies suddenly. He languishes in the morgue at the coroner’s office for weeks because no one knows what to do and no one is empowered to act. The only thing the kids and grandchildren can agree on is that their father did not want to spend a lot of money on a funeral.
Back in the day, before embalming was wide-spread, flowers surrounded the casket and perfumed the air. Today, it is no longer necessary to have flowers scent the air. And yet, there is something comforting about the presence of flowers at a funeral.
Choose a cremation provider. Decide on a “closing” ceremony. Choose a final resting place.
Death and taxes (seemingly unlikely bed fellows at first glance) are often linked together because they have long been considered unavoidable life events. Some even say they are the only two things that are certain in life. Neither is something people typically look forward to, but they are both events that are anticipated and can be prepared for in advance.
Let’s face it everyone will have one, a final resting place that is. The questions you should be asking are where is it? Can it be found in the future should a family member want to do so? Is the final resting place protected? Is it hallowed ground? Will the place endure?
