We recognise that for most people, thinking about, let alone talking about, death, is a scary subject. Most of us would like to continue to believe that we are going to live forever; the problem is there is mounting evidence suggesting that this is not  realistic!

Of course we know that one day will will die, it is the only thing we can be sure about. Somehow though, talking about death and the funeral time which lays inevitably ahead, always seems like a good job for tomorrow.

If tomorrow comes sooner than we expect, well that will then become someone else's problem. The trouble is, 'someone else' is not likely to be just anybody ... it is going to be someone who loves and cares for you. Most probably your closest family.

And when people die, those who mourn, are in a place of absolute grief. Usually they are in shock.

Even if death is anticipated, following a terminal illness perhaps, the reality of the moment is shocking, and when people are in shock, they do not operate well. Decision making becomes unreliable, thoughts and practical issues are swamped beneath a blanket of memories and carried in an emotional rollercoaster.

It is common for people to completely forget even the most simple of details about the life of the deceased. They feel overwhelmed with the choices, torn between the need to represent the wishes of the deceased and confusion as to what they actually are.

With pre planning your funeral you can make those choices now. You decide what music you would like, which flowers, who can take the service and where .. you can even choose your casket.

There is even a facility to put money aside to pay for the funeral, in a registered pre paid funeral fund.

By making the decision to pre plan your funeral, you will be making a positive difference for your family at the time of their greatest need. It will truly be the best gift you could ever give them.

We at Jason Morrison Funeral Services, can spend time with you and record your wishes. Additionally, should you wish, we can arrange for Nicola, our qualified funeral celebrant, to come and talk to you. She will put together a picture of you in a way which will fully reflect your life with details that perhaps only you know.

As we are members of the Funeral Directors of New Zealand Association, we can also provide you with a kit;  'My Life, My Funeral' which answers questions and offers you a form to complete outlining your choices.

Either way, the decision to Pre plan your service is an excellent one, and one we can guarantee, your family will thank you for.