Funeral Ceremony Planning Service
Two things are certain in life, so we've been told, and the other thing is taxes!
More than twenty years ago, I was helping as a Junior Steward in the Cooking Section of my local Show. One of the older ladies arrived and when I asked how she was, she said that she was very satisfied as now she could die happy. That wasn't the response I'd expected and for a little while I wasn't sure how to reply.
I soon learned that this lovely lady had spent more than a couple of hours of the previous weekend planning her funeral service. She wasn't ill, didn't feel sick, but had been worrying for quite some time that if she died unexpectedly no-one would know how she would like her funeral service to be conducted. Now she had it all written down for her family and these busy farmers wouldn't have to spend time trying to work out what to do, what should be said and even more importantly, who should be asked to present readings and, best of all, her eulogy was written for them.
Her favourite Readings and Bible passages were named, the hymns and sacred music she loved was noted and her story was recorded along with the names of people she'd like to have involved in her funeral service. She's still alive and well but, importantly to her, this little folder of essential information is there waiting quietly for her family to refer to and use when the time comes.
I've never forgotten the peace of mind this gave my friend all those years ago. And that's why I now want to offer this service to people who might be worried about their funeral ceremony which, hopefully, will still be many years ahead of them.
My Four Seasons Life Celebrancy Funeral Plan offers you the opportunity of planning or designing your own funeral ceremony. This will save your family trying to remember details like where you went to school, where you first started work, the interesting things you did and your achievements throughout your life while they are grieving and trying to comfort each other.
When you contact me about my Funeral Planning Service, the very first thing I offer is total discretion and confidentiality. At a mutually convenient time, I'll visit you or you're welcome to come to my reception office in Echuca. Together we discuss the kind of funeral ceremony you'd like to have.
We'll plan the songs, hymns or sacred music and the order in which they'll be played. We'll identify the Readings, whether they're Bible passages, from classical literature or poetry, or good old Australian bush poetry. If it's special to you then why not include it in your service?
Then we look at drafting your eulogy. Just how would you like your family and friends to remember you at this time?
Yes, they will be grieving, they will be sad, they will be missing you, and they will want to comfort each other. But they'll also want to remember you - the real you as you are now in day-to-day life. So we'll include some funny incidents from along the way, as well as how you lived your life. Your favourite things - sport, recipes, music, celebrations, pets, holidays, and your recollections of a life well lived.
I also include a digital photo, taken during our appointment, in your folder for use when needed. You'll receive a complete draft with the opportunity to change some of the details and arrangements if you'd like to.
My funeral ceremony planning service offers you and your family peace of mind. However, it does not plan your entire funeral, although these details can be included. Whether you'd prefer your funeral to be held at the graveside, in a chapel, or in the comfort of your local church is all up to you. If you'd like to leave instructions for the wake of the century or just a quiet cuppa for your family and friends, again that's up to you. Or, if you'd simply like to take your leave, have a few meaningful words said between your family and friends and then get them to go fishing while the other formalities get underway, again that's up to you.
After we've planned your funeral ceremony, you will receive:
A presentation folder with your detailed Funeral Ceremony Service and colour photo. A larger A4 photo is available as an optional extra.
My fee for this service is very reasonable, and discounts* apply for those with appropriate cards, including Gold Card, Seniors, Health Card and I offer a primary producer's discount for drought declared areas.
I also offer a discount for two or more funeral plans. This applies not just to couples, but if your brothers and sisters are interested in this service or if you have a neighbour or friend who'd also like the peace of mind this service offers then I'm happy to include them and work with them at the same time.
Importantly, this is an obligation free service.
Your family is not obliged to contact me to conduct the funeral service when the time comes.
For more information, contact me on fourseasonsceleb@hotkey.net.au or 0488 655 791
* In January, 2011, after seeing so much of our beautiful country and our people experience so much devestation and heartbreak from the raging floods of Queensland to the slower, insidious floods along the Murray River Valley, a discount for my funeral planning service is available for people from these areas.
Sudden and Unexpected Death
This is not a topic we like to discuss openly, yet occasionally someone we know and love can be taken from us, or leave, without notice. I offer a genuine and compassionate funeral planning service including ceremony attendance and service presentation for families and friends who experience this kind of tragedy. Please contact me if needed on 0488 655 791.