Planning Ahead Isn’t Morbid — It’s a Kindness

Caleb Childress • July 11, 2025

Planning Ahead Isn’t Morbid — It’s a Kindness


A Gentle Reminder That Funeral Pre-Planning Is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Leave Behind

The words “funeral planning” don’t exactly bring comfort. For most people, the thought feels distant, somber, maybe even a little frightening. Why think about something so heavy while you're still very much alive?

But what if we reframe the way we look at it?

What if funeral planning isn't about death at all—but about love?


When Loss Comes, Grief Shouldn’t Be Buried in Decisions


Ask anyone who’s had to make funeral arrangements while grieving, and they’ll tell you: it’s overwhelming. You’re heartbroken, disoriented, trying to keep it together—and at the same time, you're making decisions about caskets, music, flowers, photos, obituary wording, and more.

In the middle of all that pain, most families are left asking:

  • “Would they have wanted cremation or burial?”
  • “Should this be a traditional service, or something more personal?”
  • “What would they want us to say about them?”

And often, the truth is: they don’t know.

That uncertainty can create stress, tension, and even guilt—during a time when what’s needed most is peace.


Pre-Planning = A Quiet Act of Love


Taking time to plan your own funeral—whether in full detail or just outlining a few wishes—isn’t morbid. It’s a gesture of love.

It says:

  • “I want to make this easier on you.”
  • “I want you to be able to grieve, not worry.”
  • “I want you to remember me, not second-guess my wishes.”

When the time comes, your family won’t be scrambling to figure out what you would have wanted. They’ll know. And that knowledge is one of the greatest comforts they can receive.


What Pre-Planning Actually Looks Like

You don’t have to plan everything at once. And you certainly don’t need to do it all alone.

Pre-planning can be as simple as writing down your preferences and keeping them in a safe place, or meeting with a funeral director to make arrangements in advance.

Here are a few things people often choose to include:

  • Burial or cremation preferences
  • Type of service (religious, spiritual, casual, military, etc.)
  • Music, readings, or people they’d like to speak
  • Clothing or keepsakes to include
  • Specific instructions for what not to do
  • Pre-payment (if desired), to ease financial strain

Even planning just a few of these details can offer tremendous peace of mind—not only for your loved ones, but for yourself.


You’re Still Living—So Why Talk About Death?

Because planning ahead doesn’t take anything away from life. In fact, many people find that once they make these decisions, they feel lighter. More free to focus on living, knowing that one day, the people they love most will have one less thing to worry about.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to take the first step.

Pre-planning your funeral isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being kind. It’s a way to care for your family beyond your lifetime—to leave them not just with memories, but with clarity, confidence, and the peace of knowing they honored you exactly the way you wanted.

 we’re here to help make that process simple, thoughtful, and personalized to you. Whether you’re ready to sit down and make a plan, or just want to learn more about your options, we’re here to listen—no pressure, no rush.


Because love doesn’t end when life does. And planning ahead is just one more way to say: “I love you. I’ve got this.”

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