Sunday

Going Shopping



Everyone likes going shopping on occasion, though I must admit I generally find things online and then target the store where I can find the item, blast in and get it then I'm gone or I'll order it online and have it delivered saving a couple hours of driving.  But this shopping trip required my presence.

I've never done funeral arrangements for anyone, but now I've done it for myself. Sort of odd feeling shopping for the final arrangements for oneself. Since the plan is to transition from the farm at my sisters house I chose the local funeral home in Atlanta Illinois. They are close so it won't be a long drive for the pickup and I'm supporting the local business community. I met with the funeral director who knew I was shopping for cremation services. He went through all the options about services he offered and I settled on a basic package of services including the pickup, obituarys (for family), a stack of death certificates, and of course the cremation. No urn, no service, nothing else since the ashes will end up back in Arizona and New Mexico and a service is planned for the local Episcopal church in Lincoln Il.

During the meeting the director collected a bunch of personal information for the obituary (which suggests I should write my own) and then it was on to fees. The total cost was very reasonable, a little less than $2200.00, for the whole thing, so I began signing paperwork. All the funds are insured and placed in escrow until services are rendered so I'm covered.. The director then said I could write a check and I responded “no way, I'm paying cash”. With a shocked look on his face he looked to my sister who just shrugged and I began counting out bills. I did not realize how flustered I had him when as recounting the cash he fumbled around for change. All he had in his wallet was a 20 dollar bill so I got a 8 dollar discount. I got the impression it was an uncommon event, a pre-payer who used cash, and should make a good story in funeral directors circles. Although in speaking with a friend I found out she also has prepaid all the final expenses for her earth suit once she is gone, so while I learned something new, I'm clearly not the only one who has thought about this aspect of death (what to do with the earth suit).

So another checkoff on my list. I should also say that this journey involves a lot more work than I anticipated especially detail work, especially paperwork. One would think that such a natural process would be easier to navigate.

As an aside, I'm amazed at how I can go from feeling great one moment and like shit the next especially if I've fallen behind on the pain medication.  I'm slowing learning to set the alarm on my phone to keep on schedule with medications, especially at night.  Though I tend to wake up to wake up when the meds are wearing off and I'm learning to keep a dose on the bed stand so I don.t have to get up.

6 comments:

  1. Wow B. It's rather difficult to comment but thank you for sharing. It is rather thought provoking. Sending a big hug to you.

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    1. Thank you Statia, no need to comment. The point of all this is just provide some first hand information on a topic we as a society don't really talk about and have divorced our selves from. But it is a journey everyone makes and from my perspective the more the information the better.

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  2. Sounds like you are getting things done! When I pass not sure where I will be so paying for it ahead of time will help the person or persons I have helping after I am gone, the funeral home will get my body to a place for cremation and mail it to them! Some of my ashes will be put with my daughter in Wi. And the rest will go to Baja and maybe the Chiricahua's. Sorta depends if they follow threw, but enough money so they can!

    So I would think it was easier for me than you! As your health is not good 😢 Hugs Bruce

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    1. We can only do so much and then we have to leave it up to others, but making it as easy as possible for others means our wishes will more likely be carried out.

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  3. Our friend Brad Berry, with his out of town brother who stayed here a month, also made his own arrangements, down to the song we sang;
    your cost sounds great! funny story about paying cash and astounding the funeral director!

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    1. Thanks Pat, I keep a supply of cash on hand for emergencies and this qualified.

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