The following is excerpted from the booklet Let The Choice Be Mine-A Personal Guide to Planning Your Own Funeral

"We plan and perpare for most of the events of our lifetime.  Yet few of us prepare for the final event of our lives, our funeral.

Making funeral arrangements can be over-whelming and grief is numbing.  Clear and rational choices are difficult to make.  When a death occurs there are over 50 decisions that will have to be made within approximtely 24 hours. Planning ahead will spare your family the added burden, both financial and emotional, of having to make these decisions on your behalf.

The ultimate gift to those we leave behind is to make our wishes known, in writing.

More family disputes disputes arise following a death than almost any other time in our lives. Emotions are at a peak and venting them occurs at inappropriate times.

If possible, pre-pay your funeral expenses, or have a designated life insurance policy for these expenses.  In the event of your death, the financial burden of your funeral expense can be devastating to the members of your family. Consult with your local funeral director to find out what expenses to expect and the berst way to take care of this obligation. Don't leave it to someone else."

Future blogs will inform and guide you for the necessary preparation.

Jerry