Saying goodbye is a difficult task for many, especially when the departure is permanent. Luckily, saying goodbye doesn’t have to be heartbreaking or painful and there are several different ways to say it. Some people use humor to ease the process while others may choose more sentimental goodbyes. Regardless of what type of goodbye you choose, it is always important to keep in mind the situation and the feelings of the person you are saying goodbye to.
To avoid any confusion or miscommunication during the funeral planning process, you can communicate effectively with your loved ones and the funeral directors by clearly stating your wishes. You can do this by preparing an advance directive, which is a document that details your end-of-life wishes. Ideally, this is a written plan that is kept with your estate planner or financial advisor and outlines your desires in the event of your death. Another option is to appoint an agent, which is a person that you trust and will follow your wishes in the event of your death. This individual should have priority over next-of-kin and should be someone that you can depend on to make decisions for you when you are no longer able. If you have decided to have a funeral, memorial service or celebration-of-life, you will need to discuss a variety of details, such as the time and place of the event, the burial site and any special arrangements. Additionally, you will need to share accurate biographical information with the funeral director to complete relevant paperwork and come to an agreement regarding the services and merchandise that you want.
It is also customary to call friends and family and invite them to the funeral services, as well as share any important details like where to send flowers or donations. This can be done using phone calls, email or social media. Once the funeral services have been completed, the officiant will signal that the service is over and ask for immediate family members and close friends to leave first. Afterwards, guests are welcome to remain and continue to pay their respects in whatever way they feel appropriate.
Although a funeral is an emotional experience, it can be an opportunity to heal and celebrate a life that was lived. By focusing on the memories, you can honor the person you are saying goodbye to and allow yourself to let go. Whether you light a candle, write a letter or add an artifact to an ancestral altar, the ritual of saying goodbye will help you navigate this difficult transition in your own way.
