I got an idea...
You know, there are midwives that come into the home and help with "home births"...
I'm wondering if I couldn't do something along that line, except doing a "home funeral" type thing.
Now don't scoff...think about it...
I came upon this thinking that if anything ever happened to one of my loved ones, I wouldn't want to have one of the traditional type of funerals...I sure wouldn't want them embalmed and I wouldn't want them placed in a casket that's fancier and almost as expensive as a car! I think a simple wooden box with a nice comforter in it would be just fine.
And I'd want them at home until they are buried. No stranger flipping them around and such. Just me, or other family members.
They could lay in their own bed while friends came by to "pay respects" or had a wake and a rosary (like Suziq's) and then be taken to the cemetery in a very relaxed manner.
Home funerals were the norm for most of history...
I wonder how I'd get started doing something like this? I know not all people would find this type of burial appealing, but I do...and maybe I'm not alone?
Please don't laugh at me!! ;-)
Check the laws, your state might have all sorts of restrictive funeral laws. It sounds like an interesting idea but it's probably not permitted.
I've been around death and funeral homes enough that bodies don't bother me. But I still wouldn't want to watch or participate in the embalming process.
I dunno 2J. Might be a "market" for that. Certainly would have to consider health regulations, etc. I just dunno.
I've recently told the wife that I'm pretty sure I want to be cremated. She's committed to leaving everything "usable" of hers to science (the medical hospital here).
So I figger since we won't be side by side "together" that cremation is a real option.
Once I'm gone, I don't want the boys to have to live with the guilt of not "visiting" my grave. I understand some folks need to do that, and it's fine. But I get pangs of guilt everytime I go home and don't go to the cemetary to "visit" my dad.
I don't want my boys to have to feel that way.
What an interesting idea, 2J. I'm sure there are some families to whom it would appeal. I don't know if you would run afoul of local Board of Health ordinances, though. It's something you could check out!
I'm wondering if I couldn't do something along that line, except doing a "home funeral" type thing. Now don't scoff...think about it...
I actually also have an interest in funerals done better... I've had a lot of experience with death and dying, and I've seen and been more satisfied with some of it than other parts. I understand the desire, I think.
I came upon this thinking that if anything ever happened to one of my loved ones, I wouldn't want to have one of the traditional type of funerals...I sure wouldn't want them embalmed...
State and local regs on embalming are everything... As well as requirements of the cemeteries. There is an allowance to bury unembalmed bodies, I think traditional Jewish funerals there is no fancy casket and no embalming, but the burial must take place ~right away~.
..and I wouldn't want them placed in a casket that's fancier and almost as expensive as a car! I think a simple wooden box with a nice comforter in it would be just fine.
Again, I agree with you on the cost of caskets, and also the room they take up. Some cemeteries and some local restrictions will require a concrete liner depending on the local situation. All those things add to the costs. The cemetery my family is at/will go to, they are more relaxed than most. I think cremation is the way to go. No embalming, and burial or dispersal of ashes is not regulated ~really~. We buried the urn under a marker, unlined and we could and did enjoy doing that ourselves.
And I'd want them at home until they are buried. No stranger flipping them around and such. Just me, or other family members. They could lay in their own bed while friends came by to "pay respects" or had a wake and a rosary (like Suziq's) and then be taken to the cemetery in a very relaxed manner. Home funerals were the norm for most of history...
This you really don't want. They may have done that throughout history, but they also buried them the same day. Some of the things you fear, like your body being moved around by strangers, is really better for your family than asking them to move you themselves and have you in the house when you are starting to turn. Suck it up, you won't care if you're the dead one.
I think it is an interesting idea 2J.