“You have given your children a gift that Mom and Dad never gave us.” I overheard this conversation in the cemetery office, one sister to another, after one had finalized her pre-need burial arrangements.
In 25 years of cemetery ministry, I have helped thousands of families complete these arrangements. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s very, very hard.
When someone dies without pre-need arrangements, he or she leaves an enormous burden for the family. Someone, a spouse, child, friend or relative, will decide which cemetery and what type of cemetery lot or mausoleum crypt, and the size and style of memorial, often unaware of any wishes the deceased may have had. I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard “I wish I knew what Dad would have wanted.”
It’s not easy to do, because in order to make these arrangements, you must face your own mortality. No one wants to think about his or her death. Purchasing cemetery space is one more provision you can make for a time when your family must go on without you. Prearrangement relieves your family of difficult decisions and protects your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions in the midst of their grief.
Our staff is here to help you, on behalf of the Church. Thank you for taking the time to review this important information.
-Rick Touchette, Director