Planning a funeral or memorial service is an incredibly emotional experience. It is an integral part of the healing process and it will be a day that you remember for the rest of your life.
There are so many decisions to make and it can be very overwhelming. Choosing whether to bury your child or have them cremated is a very personal one. Having your child buried in a cemetery will mean that you will always have a place to visit when you feel you want to be close to them. Especially on their birthday and anniversary. Having your child cremated means that you are able to keep their ashes in your home. You have the decision on whether you would like to scatter them or not. Nowadays you are even able to have some of their ashes placed within a piece of jewellery.
Planning their memorial service may be exhausting. Ask family and friends to help if you need it.
Here are a few ideas for your childs special day.
Choose a special song to be played. Make sure you listen to the song carefully before you make a decision on it. Read all of the lyrics. There is an amazing song called Starchild by Lucinda Drayton, you may want to have a listen to that.
Some other pieces that you could play throughout the service are:
- Romantic Flight from How To Train Your Dragon
- Now We Are Free from Gladiator
- Bella’s Lullaby from Twilight
- My Name Is Lincoln from The Island
Choose a special outfit for your child to wear.
You could have them wrapped in a special blanket.
Place a special toy with your child.
Write them a letter.
If you have other children do not be afraid to involve them in the service. They may want to write a letter or draw a picture for their sibling and have it placed with them in their casket.
Have a close friend or family member read out a poem.
Have a balloon release wherever the service is.
You might like to think about having a candlelight service. These are generally held at sunset. The parents light the first candle and everybody who is attending comes up to lights a candle too. This is such a warm, even magical way to say good bye to your precious child.
Wishing you the deepest love and sympathy at this time in your life.
When you are sorrowful look again into your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
The Prophet – Khalil Gibran
