A Meaningful Goodbye
Having a conversation about the end of life.

Have a conversation with your family about your end-of-life wishes while you are healthy. No one wants to have that discussion… but if you do, you’ll be giving your loved ones a tremendous gift, since they won’t have to guess what your wishes would have been, and it takes the onus of responsibility off of them. –Jodi Picoult
A MEANINGFUL GOODBYE service can and should be as unique as the life that is being celebrated. Don’t feel that you have to have a cookie cutter type of service or that your ideas for a special ceremony are foolish. You shouldn’t feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Funeral directors are caring, dedicated professionals willing to help you make the arrangements that you want. In fact, personalizing a memorial service can be very therapeutic - it gives you and your family something to concentrate on as you relive memories. It’s also welcomed by family and friends attending a visitation or service because it gets them involved and provides a topic of conversation when they might otherwise not know what to say.
Below are a series of questions to consider when planning service that celebrates the life of a loved and creates healing moments for those who will always remember.
- What should guests see at the end-of-life memorial event? Items like favorite personal pictures or even favorite places. Prized possessions can be incorporated into the event as well.
- What should guests hear at the memorial event? Grandchildren laughing or singing. Of course, music can be traditional or popular. Favorite stories that can be shared.
- What should guests smell at the memorial event? From flowers and incense to favorite treats or recipes.
- For memorial guests who did not know the deceased, what is the one thing that I want them to know about my loved one?
The Hope Chest






