Questions on cremation, part 1

When I'm out doing presentations on my book Undertakings
of an Undertaker, more and more people are asking a stream
of questions about cremation; the process, the logistics,
the ups and downs. I've found out also that in most of my
presentations, less than half of those usually in attendance do
NOT have a personal relationship with a funeral director.

My question back is why not? We all have a family doctor, a
dentist, maybe an accountant or tax person, maybe a vet...
why not a funeral director? It makes sense to have a relationship
ahead of time instead of waiting till you actually need one.

Most of the questions I get at presentations are about cremation.

Three decades ago, about 4% of those in the country chose
cremation... it is now at about 50%...yes 50%!

More people want this form of disposition, but most are not
sure why... they just seem to be leaning that way.

So with these next few posts, we'll talk about it. And there is
a lot to be considered.

First; you need to talk to someone in your family about your
wish for this to happen. At the time of death is not a good
time to sit around an arrangement table and try to sort all of
it out. I've seen families almost in 'feuds' if you will about
whether a member of a family is going to be cremated.

If you want it for yourself...write it down...let your family
know your wishes...do NOT put it in your will... sometimes
it's weeks later that a will is read.

Most all funeral homes now have a pre-arrangement form
which will help you put things in order before the time of
death... pick up one of these forms and put your wishes in
black and white. Simple.

Now; the process. On a death certificate, all of your
pertinent information is listed. One blank will say,
Final place of disposition. In New York, if you are
to be buried, the name of the cemetery will be listed
here. If you are going to be cremated, the name of
the crematory/town/city will be listed. In New York,
the state considers this is where your final remains
ends up... regardless of whether the ashes will be
buried somewhere else or not.

Now if you've decided it's for you....then what?
Will your ashes (cremains) be buried? Do you
want them scattered? Maybe separated in different
containers, etc? Oh, my... much to consider here..

Will talk about all of this in the next post, in a couple
of days...so come back for it. And if you have
friends who might be helped by all of this... tell
them to jump on here at
myundertakings.blogspot.com
And any questions can also be posted in the comment
section below each post...so by all means use it
if you like.  See you soon. SS