Death is just a new start

We got the call yesterday (Sunday) that my former father in law had passed away.  This is my daughter's grandfather so we went to say goodbye and for me to pay my respects.  This got me thinking and planning the whole 2 hour car trip about being prepared even if its a subject few people want to deal with.

The death of a loved one be it spouse or parent can be devastating to everyone and rock you out of your comfort zone.  Grief can be so strong knowing how to deal with everything can be the furthest think from your mind.  But having an idea of what to do can really make a difference in this dark time.

 1.  Calling the funeral home/mortuary.  If your loved one died at home or in a hospital the body has to be released to the mortuary before anything else can be done.  You have to sign paperwork to allow the mortuary to claim the body from the morgue.  Plus you can make arrangements for the funeral at the same time saving a trip to the mortuary.  If your loved one was in the service, call the Veterans Administration.  They can assist in the final arrangements.  Each case is different, but they can help to a degree.

2.  Order the death certificates.  You will need these for everything and a photocopy will not cut it.  Order 10-20 copies.  Trust me, you will need them.  These can be ordered from the funeral director so order them while you are signing the release of the body.  Most will offer a bulk discount.

3.  Close and cancel all accounts.  Once the funeral and memorial are over you will need to gather all your loved ones account documentation and get to work.   This is where the death certificates will be needed.  Any insurance policies need to be cancelled.  As will all creditors will need to be contacted.  Not all debt disappears with death but the creditors will need to know of the death.  Some will offer a reduced debt/payment for bereavement.  Bank accounts/titles will need to be changed to the name of the beneficiaries. 

4.  Make sure you remember the good times you had with your loved one.  Those memories will help you deal with the grief of the loss.

Death can be sad and cause deep heart ache but at the same time it can be a new start.  It can be a chance for you to take that step to change things in your own life and to make sure your own loved ones are not at a loss when you pass.  It is a time to live, love and laugh.