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Throughout the 30 years that
I have spent in the funeral
service field, it is the
ever-so-often occurrence,
the unfortunate passing of a
child or grandchild that
opens a floodgate of
emotions. The impact of the
loss affects everyone
involved, igniting and
emphasizing the critical
stages of grief
characterized by shock,
despair, anger, denial, and
helplessness, which
eventually leads way to
realization and acceptance.
On top of all the emotional
baggage, we the death-care
professionals must toss the
economic and financial needs
of the sad event.
I must say that on a career
reflection, dealing with
dollars at that inopportune
time in one’s life creates a
magnitude of challenges as a
sincere service provider. A
true public servant searches
endlessly for the Golden
Fleece, the tools, that
magic wand to wave, and make
every trying situation
better for all. What
possible blanket of comfort
can a mortician wrap his
family in to shun them from
the wrath of an untimely
death? The answer is not
that easy but for many
cutting-edge funeral
directors, an option to make
it easier on the worst day
of someone’s life is at
hand!
Introducing the Child –
Grandchild Protection
Program. A responsibility to
inform families and to
educate the community lies
within this writing. Could
it be that by planning and
paying for one’s own funeral
or cremation service, a
family protection feature is
built right in? Absolutely,
dollar-for-dollar funeral
service and merchandise
coverage for every natural
child or grandchild of the
purchasing planner under the
age of 18 years, unmarried,
and living at home!
So what’s the catch? Just
another ploy or promotional
attempt by a salesperson, I
think not! To create an
“umbrella of security” by
planning for one’s own
demise is the most loving
thing you can do for your
family. So when I am posed
with the questions, “Why
should I plan and pay for a
funeral or cremation
service?” The answer is, for
your own peace of mind and
assurances that the most
difficult day in your life
or the life of loved ones
might be a little easier. A
protection that is better to
have and not need than to
need and not have!
Not all funeral homes offer
such a progressive feature
to pre-paid plans. However,
if they did, it might just
become the reason you’ll
call for an arrangement
appointment!
Rob Ferguson is a PA
Licensed Funeral Director
and Past President of the
Westmoreland Indiana
Armstrong County Funeral
Directors Association. He
can be reached at
fergfh@verizon.net.
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