The clothing one wears needs to express the person's station in life, such as; an outdoorsman in a Woolrich shirt, a golfer in a golf shirt and slacks, a young person in a sports jersey, or a fireman with his fire hat by his side.

Items of meaning can be placed in the casket or room. In the past we've placed such things as; a fishing rod, baseball glove, golf clubs, balls and tees, quilts, bingo cards, stuffed animals, playing cards, cigars, candy and all sorts of hats.

Our memory board is used frequently, families bring in photos that incite pleasant memories of the person, and we place them on a magnetic board for display. We've found wonderful conversation comes out of this.

We offer a book for memories. This is a book placed in the viewing room, a space is provided for your name and a fond memory you hold of the deceased. I find these very healing in that the family, after the funeral, can read through these with a smile and a bit of laughter.

We advocate the use of appropriate music, appropriate to the funeral service and to the person whose life we're celebrating. In the past we've played classical, country, even rock and roll for a funeral. There have been many songs written that are very appropriate, even emotional.

Funerals have historically been very sad events. Remembering the sickness, pain and loneliness endured, feeling sad for ourselves because of our loss, how will we get by without this person. But on the other side of that coin - why shouldn't we celebrate that person's life, how lucky we were to have such a person in our lives, one we can remember with a smile and warmth in our heart. Yes, they are gone physically but might always be by your side, if possibly, we make the funeral experience a little more personal and unique and not so cookie cutter.