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We all love in very different ways: Preserving the family relationship while planning a funeral

Published: March 20, 2020
by Allen McMullen

You are with someone with whom you share some history. Maybe it’s a brother, sister, or a childhood friend. You are talking about an event from the “old days” and you suddenly realize you all remember the event a little differently. Most of us have had this experience. Our relationships work in a similar fashion. The way we love, like the way we remember, is unique to each of us.

A man’s children know him as Dad. Each child knows and loves a slightly different Dad. His wife knows and loves him in yet a different way. A wife may know fears, strengths, hopes, and dreams children never saw. They all love, but in such different ways. Though not a bad thing, it can add to the stress a family experiences during a death and subsequence funeral planning.

So how do you preserve your family relationship and plan a funeral that provides comfort for each family member?

  1. Establish a common goal. For example: “We want a funeral that reflects Mom’s life, her love for us and our love for her.” 
  2. Understand someone has the final say. This is usually the person who is financially and legally responsible. 
  3. Agree to listen to each other. REALLY listen with purpose. Listen to understand a point of view, not with the singular intent of getting to the good part where you get to say what you want. Seek input from a variety of close family members or friends. Don’t forget the little ones. Ask them about grandma. What did they love to do with her? Do they have a special memory or story? 
  4. Let go. Realize everything is not going to be as you would choose. Give a little or maybe even a lot. 
  5. Ask for a time out when you need it. Your first reaction to someone’s idea may be tempered with a little time and thought. 
  6. Use your questions: Tell me more about that? Why is ______ important to you? 
  7. Take the advice of Stephen Covey from The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,“Seek first to understand and then be understood.”

Emotions are raw when families are mourning a death. Tread lightly and be kind. Remember you may want to have Thanksgiving dinner with these people in a few months!

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory has provided funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services to families in Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas since 1987. Their handicap-accessible facility at 3874 Gentian Boulevard features a spacious chapel, viewing rooms, a family lounge, and a large parking lot. In addition to providing assistance for those with immediate need, McMullen Funeral Home also offers advance planning packages and after care resources to ease grief and navigate life after the funeral service is over.
 
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McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory
|
3874 Gentian Blvd
| Columbus, GA 31907
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Tel: 1-706-569-8015
| Fax: 1-706-569-5504

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You are welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.

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