Tips For Dealing With Your Spouse's Decision To Be Cremated
Posted on: 11 December 2017
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As you and your spouse age, it's a good idea to begin preplanning your funeral. Even if you hope to live many more years, having some plans put down on paper will make it easier for the surviving spouse in the event of one's passing, as well as your children, as they collectively work to organize your funeral. When it comes to choosing burial or cremation, not all spouses will agree on the preferred method. Perhaps you're a strong believer in being buried, while your spouse expresses a desire to be cremated. This difference of opinion doesn't need to lead to a conflict. Here are some tips to employ:
Understand The Person's Position
When you and your spouse prefer different post-death arrangements, you may feel sad because you like the idea of being buried together, for example. Instead of trying to tout the benefits of burial, it's worthwhile to ask to better understand your spouse's desire to be cremated. It's highly possible that he or she has done considerable research about the many benefits of this approach, from the fact that it can be cost-effective to the lighter impact that it has on the environment. Having this discussion can help you to appreciate your spouse's preferences.
Consider Your Own Wishes
It's also worthwhile to think about why you're leaning toward being buried. Perhaps this is something that your parents and other family members opted for, which has made you automatically think about going in this direction. If so, it's worth considering exactly what you're leaning toward being buried. For example, if it's more important for you to have your remains with those of your spouse, you might feel as though you're up for switching to cremation, and having your remains scattered together or kept together in an urn.
Find A Win-Win Situation
In some cases, your spouse will be adamant about being cremated, and you'll be firm on being buried. Try to look for a win-win situation to resolve this difference if it's bothering you. If your spouse dies first, don't disregard his or her wishes and arrange a burial instead of cremation, though. Instead, think about what you want to get out of the situation. For example, if you want your remains to be together, consider putting in your funeral preplanning document that you want your spouse's urn buried next to your casket or his or her remains scattered over your grave.
Contact a company like Romero Family Funeral Home Corp. for more information and assistance.