Thursday, November 21, 2013

Why is the great beyond, beyond comprehension for many?

We are all going to the “great beyond” one day. Death is not an if, it’s a when. No one can escape death, and it seems that few people want to be reminded of it. Even fewer want to sit down, discuss and plan for it.



So why is the great beyond, beyond the comprehension of most people? Why do people fear death so much that even the most organized of us fail to prepare for the inevitable? Do we have these conversations with our family and close friends? If not, why not?

Decide now or it will be decided for you.

Most of us are ill at ease with the subject of our own passing, and that unease becomes obvious to those we love. Our own demise is a subject that is seldom discussed in any depth in our society. Those of us who attend religious services find that this topic may be addressed once in a while, but in a religious context. That’s not sufficient and we need to discuss our mortality and prepare for our death in the same manner that we arrange other significant life events.




Decisions that can be made now in a calm, logistical manner will take on a life of their own if neglected. Procrastination now will cause major dissension among the family members when someone dies. Did the deceased want to be buried or cremated? Who should be notified of the death? How should the obituary be written? What about social media and bank accounts? Who gets the cat?

Start a new tradition. Share the gift of information.

Don’t let grieving family members and friends become overwhelmed with dozens of crucial decisions during a time of great emotional distress. Prepare now.

This Thanksgiving, let’s start a new tradition. Let’s discuss our last wishes with those we love and listen to theirs in return. Let’s honor them in a way that they desire and let them know our last wishes. It’s a gift that we can give each other as we are thankful for another year of health and prosperity.

Create an online, electronic depositary for you and yours.

In taking this to the next level, why not create an electronic depositary to store vital records, and give our executors passwords and permission to access this information upon our passing. There are many websites that can assist you in storing this data.

Here’s some information that should be included:

  • A document which details burial or cremation preferences, choice of casket or urn, pallbearers, ceremony options, memorial services, military veteran honors, and individuals to be contacted before the funeral. 
  • Name(s) of person(s) appointed Power of Attorney and Health-care Power of Attorney and the Living Will. 
  • Executor’s contact information. 
  • Detailed list of assets and liabilities. 
  • Summary of insurance policies. 
  • Location of deeds, mortgage papers, vehicle registrations, loans and credit card information. 
  • Information about the decedent’s business and business contacts. 
  • Location of all legal documents. 
  • Digital Estate planning including all social media platforms with passwords and permissions to close these accounts. 
  • A summary of all intellectual properties and their locations ie; blogs and websites. 
Plan now, grieve later.
When it comes time to die, and we all will; make sure that all you have to do, is die. Get beyond the fear of death. Nothing is more certain than death, and nothing is more uncertain than the timing. If you can talk about end of life issues with your family now and discuss their hopes and fears about illness and dying, you will be giving them the greatest gift possible upon their passing and yours.

The Source

Funeral fund

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