Personalizing A Service
The following are questions that may provide a starting point in the process of personalizing memorial events.
What did the person like to do? Often people have hobbies that become more than just a casual pastime. Their activity could have been as much a part of who they were as their smile. Why not showcase that important part of their life during the memorial events? Display her favorite canoe paddle, his ball glove, hockey pads or products from their shop.
Speak about the person’s passion for the hobby. What he like to do, what you did together. Share memorable moments that you shared together (funny or sad). Did he hunt, fish, collect something. You knew him in a way that probably most of the other persons at the memorialization event did not. Encapsulate that facet of his life that you are aware of, what he meant to you.
What was the person like as an individual? One way to enhance a memorialization event is by bringing a piece of the person’s personality to life. Consider what made that person special, what made them who they were? Then find ways to incorporate their individuality into the memorialization events. Speak about what made him unique.
What was the person like as a professional? Many people take great pride in their career. Perhaps they dedicated a lifetime to a profession that transformed into more than just a job. If this holds true for your loved one, you may want to consider ways to include their professional life into their memorialization events. Speak about his profession and his passion for his career.
Was the person spiritual? Through organized religion or personal beliefs, most people have some sense of spirituality in their life. Often those values form the very core of who the person was in life. Therefore, you may feel it is important to incorporate the individual’s sense of spirituality into their memorialization events. Speak about his spirituality.
Was the person proud of their heritage? Did the person for whom these memorial events are being planned exude his or her heritage. Did everyone who spoke with that person come away knowing that they had just met a first generation German-American? Did every conversation some how get around to “When I was in my ancestral home in England”? Maybe he would go around with a shamrock on his collar or a “Hug Me - I’m Danish” button pinned inside of his coat to display when the opportunity presented itself. This fervor is something that must be included into memorialization events for persons who’s every breath was about their heritage. Maybe the flag of the ancestral homeland should be displayed, maybe you should create keepsakes with the national emblem on them. If viewing is part of the plan, maybe this person should be dressed in their native costume.
These are some ideas that should get the creative juices flowing. Contact us for help in incorporating your ideas into memorialization events.
