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Although cremation dates back to ancient times, it has only
recently become a more common choice throughout the United States and Canada.
Since you are thinking about cremation, you may want to know more about the many
options which are available to you. Whether you are currently in need, or
planning in advance for yourself or a family member, we hope this information
will help you in reaching your decisions on the various choices associated with
cremation.
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Cremation |
Why Cremation? - People
choose cremation for a variety of reasons.
Some do so based on environmental
considerations. Others have philosophical
or religious reasons. Still others choose
cremation because they feel it is simpler
and less complicated. Whatever the reason,
we're here to help you with any questions
you may have regarding cremation.
A Variety Of Options - Many
people believe that choosing cremation means
limiting your options. Actually, there are
a variety of options available with
cremation. Most families hold services,
which help the bereaved cope with the loss
of a loved one. Many people find that
opting for cremation gives them the
opportunity to create and personalize the
various service options for a more
meaningful experience. Cremation offers
families choices for final disposition of
the cremated remains. And with cremation
you have the opportunity to select form a
wide array of caskets and urns.
The Funeral Director's Role in
Cremation - Your funeral director
is available to answer any questions about
the cremation process or procedure and
provide you with guidance throughout the
entire planning process. He or she is there
to assist you with whatever products and
services you determine are appropriate and
desirable. In addition, the funeral
director can advise you on the final
disposition of the cremated remains.
Gatherings and Ceremonies -
The greatest
misunderstanding about cremation is the
belief that with cremation, there is no need
for services. However, a service or
memorial ceremony is an important step in
helping the bereaved overcome their grief,
and offers family and friends the
opportunity to honor a loved one.
Throughout the ages, people have relied on
the comforting rituals and ceremonies of
funeral and memorial services to help them
through their grief. The value of those
services hold true today for those who
choose cremation.
Gathering together for a service
acknowledges the grief of relatives and
friends by helping them feel included in the
grieving process. Gatherings also allow
loved ones to share stories, give eulogies
and otherwise reaffirm the value the
deceased person had in others' lives. And,
most important of all, these gatherings help
the immediate family begin the healing
process.
Types Of Services -
Services or ceremonies can precede or follow
the actual cremation. Prior to cremation,
there may be a gathering, which can be
either public or private, with an open or
closed casket.
When the service follows the cremation, a
receptacle (or urn) containing the cremated
remains may take a place of prominence.
Following the ceremony, the final
disposition of the cremated remains takes
place.
Ceremonies can be simple, contemporary,
religious or secular. Music, readings,
stories and poetry can be added to
personalize the event to both reflect on and
celebrate the life that was lived. Some
families arrange a memorial table with
personal items that reflect the personality,
accomplishments and interests of the
person's life, allowing others to share
positive and happy memories. Most services,
with the exception of some religious
ceremonies, can be held in the funeral
home. This enable the staff to assist with
the many details involved. |
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