Cremation Options

Some request direct cremation, eliminating “all the bother of funeral services” for family members. Funeral services and celebrations aren’t provided for the deceased; they’re there to help support and comfort the living. Direct disposal of cremated remains or scattering without a service or memorialization of any kind can cause emotional problems for survivors. With no celebration and permanent resting place, problems arise from inadequate grieving. Take time to consider family and friends.In suffering a loss, the traditional rites of passage and memorialization can be beneficial in helping individuals on their grief journey. When the practice of cremation is accomplished with human dignity and recognition, it will:

• help the grieving
• alleviate guilt
• contribute to emotional stability
• create peace of mind

Some family members are disturbed at the thought of death itself, much less cremation, which many perceive as a cold and uninvolved process. They may resist your wishes when the time comes. It’s best to address your wishes with your family now. You can put their unease to rest, and have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be carried out.

Crematories are operated by dedicated people with great respect for the deceased. Restrictions on cremation are different from state to state, even from one cemetery to the next. Depending on the final resting place you choose, requirements may include an urn, urn vault, and other items. Making your choices now can help your family down the road.

Whether or not an open casket is part of the celebration is an individual family choice. The main reason that we have any “viewing” is because that allows people to have a physical presence to focus on when saying their goodbyes. Since most people are very visually inclined by nature, it seems to help them to see the person for the death to be “real” to them and allows them to better focus to begin to tidy up the loose ends that they have with this person. A funeral helps people begin to complete their relationship with the person who died, and sometimes seeing the body helps.