When my husband’s grandfather died, he was the first person close to me to pass away. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, in a daze, while neighbors gathered and brought sympathy meals and food. So much wonderful comfort food to show their love and support.
Recently, my own father passed away, and I was surprised by how much there was to do, to think about and to decide in a very quick amount of time. Speaking with others whose parents passed away, I realized this is a common problem.
However, some adult children I spoke with worked with their parents planning the funeral before death. They remembered this time almost fondly, with a mixture of laughter and tears.
Pre-planning a funeral can offer a time to bring a family closer together. Sharing the choices of music, readings and food can be a moment of connection. Even if the funeral cannot be pre-planned, it would be nice to have to resources to choose from in one place and to share these choices with a community and with family.
The gathering of community in times of need touched me and I will remember it forever. I hope to bring some of that sense of community and caring to help in funeral planning.
Hopefully, Funeral Potatoes can act like its namesake, and offer comfort and sustenance in times of need.