Prepaying Cremation or Burial
It is much easier on survivors of the deceased if cremation or burial is prepaid in advance.
Recently I was looking into one of those payment plans that eventually cover the costs of ones own funeral.
For some reason, I could never see myself in a coffin stuck in the ground in some graveyard. It seems to serve no real purpose and more than anything is just an added expense. I’ve only stood at a graveside twice in my life and still don’t see the real purpose of being there. I think it is unnecessary and a terrible thing for the loved ones of the deceased to have to endure.
Of course I understand that there are religions that require the body of the deceased to remain intact, but for the majority, that is not an issue.
I for one will most certainly choose cremation over burial. For less than the cost of one of those big screen televison sets one can prepay the whole process in easy monthly installements. This takes the burden off those left behind. It saves them from the guilt trip of how much they should be spending on a coffin for dear old dad.
With cremation the costs are diminished considerably as compared to burial. You pay for the service room, an urn for the ashes, a minister and the actual cremation process. There really is no need for an ornate coffin worth a small fortune. When I attended my brothers funeral, he was cremated a few days before the actual service. The ashes were given to the family before even attending the memorial service. They were in a simple wooden container. This was done according to his wishes and in my mind was a wise choice for all concerned.
I really didn’t know what to expect as I’d never attended a cremation memorial service before. I had visions of his coffin and body being there at the service, but realized this is an option. I understand there can be a viewing room if there are those who care to see the person for one last time before the cremation takes place. As I didn’t arrange the service, I assume my brother didn’t want that and chose to be cremated without a viewing.
Regardless of what path is chosen, I believe it is in the best interests of all concerned that choice of cremation or burial be decided and paid for ‘before’ death and not left for the surviving family to take care of.
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