I've often had customers ask me about “living funeralsâ€. This is an event where a person (usually terminally ill), attends a service which celebrates his or her life, and allows them to socialize with their loved ones while they are still living. The event is sometimes called a “life celebration†or a “living funeral or memorial†that focuses on honoring the person’s life, and not focusing on death. Family and friends gather and usually there is a “ceremony†that honors the person's life and achievements. Many friends and family members speak, and tell stories of the memories of that person. It is a beautiful event when done properly.
There really aren’t any clear cut rules for planning living funerals or memorials. If you are considering having a service of this type, try to get a feel for how the honoree would react to such a service. Ask other family members whether they will be comfortable with this kind of event. Many family members may be reluctant to have a service like this because they fear it gives the impression that they have “given up hope†and are “anticipating their loved one's demise.
When my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I decided that a family reunion was long overdue. My dad had 12 brothers and sisters, so this was a huge undertaking. I let everyone know that his cancer was terminal, so almost everyone rearranged their schedule to attend. During the event, I set aside about 30 minutes to have a ceremony to honor my dad’s life, with all of his family members present. It was an AMAZING event. The “family reunion†was my dad’s “living funeralâ€. It was the best thing I could have ever done! When my dad passed, not even 4 months later, he left this earth knowing how many people loved him. He was able to get his “flowers while he was livingâ€. We also recorded the service, so my mother was able to watch video and remember my dad with his friends and family after he passed.
If you have a loved one who is terminally ill in your family, consider planning an event where that person can see all of his friends and family. If you are uncomfortable with the term “living funeral or memorialâ€, then call the service by another name. If there is an upcoming birthday, anniversary or any other event where friends and family can attend, then plan a “living memorial†during that celebration. Read a life sketch, show a photo slide show, play music, have friends tell of memories and and read poems. Honor your loved one before he or she dies. You will be glad you did!
Also See:
Funeral Planning
Funeral Program Template
Funeral Planning Checklist
