The Burning Issue

In discussion with some family members, there was no option apart from burial; when I started to discuss the issue further, the conversation was cut short - they had made up their minds and that was that. This is quite a common experience, whether believers or not. As will be discussed, I care not how I am disposed of, but as of writing this, my main 'preference' would be cremation - no funeral procession (cortege) or costly entourage with all the trimmings. No flowers, no wearing black and no glum faces. Not much to ask! Perhaps a service of remembrance - but only after my remains have been disposed of. (This would not then be classed as a 'funeral', for I would not be present) I know for many our final send-off is a matter of choice. Some choose long before their passing, some just prior to passing, some do not get the chance, or cultural traditions take over proceedings. Whilst there are a few other options I mainly consider burial and cremation. This book may not be an easy read for some: some may have recently lost someone, or they may have been considering this issue for some time. I find this subject a little like the 'big C' used to be - 'shh, don't mention the 'c' word'; now we talk about cancer quite openly, and considering that most of us will die of either cancer or heart disease it is good to discuss it with the aim of doing something about it. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot we can do about death - we either die or we don't, don't we?