Ten Freedoms for Creating Meaningful Funerals

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.,
Director, Center for Loss & Life Transition,
Fort Collins, Colorado

I You have the freedom to make use of the funeral ritual.

II You have the freedom to plan a funeral that will meet the unique needs of your family.

III You have the freedom to ask friends and family members to be involved in the funeral.

IV You have the freedom to view the body before and during the funeral if this custom is appropriate for your culture and faith.

V You have the freedom to embrace your pain during the funeral.

VI You have the freedom to plan a funeral that will reflect your spirituality.

VII You have the freedom to search for meaning before, during and after the funeral.

VIII You have the freedom to make use of memory during the funeral.

IX You have the freedom to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits.

X You have the freedom to move toward your grief and heal.