Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and they are warm and comfortable. Read more
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently, I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper’s cemetery in the Kentucky back country. Read more
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month.The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could, so she dictated these words: Read more
While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning voices of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently his five year old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that a proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton wool, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased.
The minister’s son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said: ‘Glory be unto the Father, and unto the Son, and into the hole he goes.’ (Unto the Holy Ghost)
I want this story told at my funeral.
Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
Remain close to the Great Spirit, in all that you do.
Show great respect for your fellow beings.
(Especially respect yourself).
Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.
Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
Do what you know to be right.
(But be careful not to fall into self-righteousness).
Look after the well being of mind and body.
Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
Be truthful and honest at all times.
(Especially be truthful and honest with yourself).
Take full responsibility for your actions.
I used this recently within a pagan funeral ceremony where the deceased felt a deep connection with Native American culture.
R.I.P. Sadly on June 25th Buttercup died. Buttercup was a dearly loved mouse belonging to my 7 year old grand daughter. Katie wrapped the tiny body tenderly in tissues and placed her remains in a box, the grave was dug and a cross crafted using wood from a nearby tree.
A solemn procession formed and was led by Katie holding the box containing Buttercup, her sister Juliet followed and behind their mother. In formation they walked solemnly towards the grave at the end of the garden. Suddenly Katie stopped. ”But we haven’t chosen any music” she exclaimed. Following a rapid discussion between the girls they agreed on ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!’
Heat oven to 180 C 350 F or gas mark 4. Line two baking trays with non stick baking paper. Mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon and bicarbonate of soda in a large bowl. Cut butter into chunks. Rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Break the eggs into a small bowl and mix in the syrup. Add it to the flour. Stir everything together and squeeze into a smooth dough. Roll out until it is as thick as your little finger. Cut dough into coffin shapes using a template and place onto the trays. Bake for 12-15 minutes until dark golden. Leave biscuits on the tray for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool before decorating. Enjoy!
Kathy says:
“I found Jean’ s workshop totally inspirational.”
Laura says:
“How I wish I had known about all the choices available to me when my husband died.”
Martin says:
“I used to dread the idea of dying but having thought about and planned my own funeral I feel far more at ease with the inevitable.”
Sophie and Jack say:
“When our baby died Jean helped us arrange his funeral. The ideas she gave us and the suggestions she made couldn’t change the grim situation but helped to soften the sharp edges and lighten our load.”
Mary says:
“With no immediate family I have had to take responsibility for my own life and now my death. Having planned my funeral I feel a burden has been lifted, freeing me to live my final years to the full.”
There are many reasons to plan your own funeral. I’ve identified 10 reasons and I’d like to know what you think too.
Visit the Home Page to see the 10 reasons why it is a good idea to arrange your funeral or memorial celebration pre-need and please share your thoughts too.