Planning your funeral is an act of love towards the family

Sure enough, on the other side of the kitchen, there was a huge tray of chocolate chip cookies. His wife slapped his hand and shouted, “DON’T TOUCH THESE – THEY’RE FOR THE FUNERAL!”

It’s a humorous story about a serious subject. Most of the funerals I officiate at had no prior planning. Many people try to avoid the whole subject.

I hoped to be the exception of those who have to plan for their death. My wife, Debbie, and I decided that we needed to make our own arrangements so as not to impose many decisions on our children.

Debbie and I knew we wanted to be buried with a place between us for our son Paul. Paul is 31 now. Most of you remember that Paul has Down syndrome. We knew Paul would want to know exactly where we would be buried one day so he could come visit us.

We also knew it would be helpful for him to have a body present at the funeral. Paul attends many funerals. Funerals are very important to Paul to honor and remember others.

So we reluctantly began to make arrangements. Selection of coffins and many details. We found a place we all loved at a local cemetery in Lincoln. It included a former area called the House of the Friendless. They had reserved part of the cemetery for children who were at risk of dying in an orphanage. Few people needed this area, so we bought unused plots. I liked the idea of ​​being buried where orphaned children were.

I know from experience how difficult it is to make many decisions without knowing for sure what your loved one wanted. I also know that it is difficult to face decisions to make for yourself. But it’s a true blessing to know that your loved one received what they wanted.

We have heard this in the Bible; we must “love our neighbor”. Sometimes people forget to do loving things for their own family. I think the term “neighbors” includes your own family, right?

Are you as loving as possible to your family? The idea of ​​having to plan a funeral is very difficult for some people, but it is one of the most thoughtful things we can do. If you plan far enough in advance, you might be able to enjoy some fresh chocolate chip cookies before you leave.

Prayer: Our Lord, if you are with us as our guide, we know that we will have no problem in our journey from this world to the next. Amen.