Reflections from a Local Simplicity Funeral Director
By Michelle Freeman
As a funeral director, I’ve had the privilege of supporting local families through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Having spent more than four years serving the Laurieton community, one thing continues to surprise me: many people never have conversations about their wishes for the future. Understandably, it’s not something most of us enjoy discussing, but when those conversations don’t happen, loved ones are often left making important decisions at an already emotional time.
August is Dying to Know Month – an initiative that encourages Australians to talk openly about end-of-life wishes, not to dwell on death, but to make life easier for the people we care about most.
Over the years, families have often told me, “I wish we’d known that sooner.” Here are some of the lessons they’ve shared:
- Knowing what to do when someone dies. Understanding the practical steps, from making the first phone call to managing paperwork and estate matters, can reduce stress.
- Having the conversation early. While it may feel uncomfortable, discussing your wishes now is often far easier than leaving family members to make decisions later.
- The only way to cure grief is to do your grieving. There is no shortcut through loss. Grief is a natural response to love, and while it can be painful, allowing yourself the time and space to grieve is important.
- Planning ahead can be a gift. Pre-paying a funeral can ease both financial pressure and emotional burden, giving families one less thing to worry about.
To obtain a free funeral planner and start the conversation with your loved ones, contact Guardian Plan on 1800 220 888 or visit Simplicity Funerals (part of the Guardian Plan network) for a free quote.