By Alan Redman

The death of a loved one is a very trying time. It is also fraught with difficult decisions to make for close family members and friends. Even if the deceased has provided funeral expenses and plans for the forthcoming funeral service, there are still tough decisions to make and tasks to do – and all this at a time when the grief is so strong for remaining family and friends. Decisions include what to do about organising a cremation or burial service and how to choose between the two.

Having information about what funeral service options are available, and what is desired by the deceased and/or the remaining family can help a lot in coping with this trying time. There are many options now available and a wide range of different funeral services to choose. Many people are choosing to “go green” in these arrangements as well. There are methods of preserving the body that are biodegradable and do not contaminate the environment with dangerous fumes and chemicals.

When a body is cremated, it is done in a manner that is also “green”. With this method, burial space is small or non-existent. Many times the ashes (or cremains) are simply stored in a special urn at the family home and not buried at all, or they may be scattered in a meaningful place like a garden or certain location abroad for example.

Ceremonies surrounding the death of a loved one helps the surviving members of the family process the loss and begin the essential mourning process. The routines that mean something to them help them make sense of what is happening. Celebrating the memory of their loved one helps them to feel they are doing something. This also helps to give them a sense of empowerment.

For some people, having a loved one cremated is a difficult thing for the surviving family to deal with. They feel that the loved one is lost to them. There is comfort in knowing their remains are still intact and buried in a location that they can visit whenever they want. For others, cremation is no big deal, or may even be the preferred choice.

Cremation and burial services also give a sense of closure. Ceremonies related to the customs dealing with death serve as a comfort to survivors. This makes the methods and choices especially important and it certainly should not be taken lightly.

Specialists in the field of funeral services in Aurora and Joliet we provide families with all the support they need at such a sad and emotional time.