Preplanning Done

Before my diagnosis, I thought I was invincible to any real major illness since all my life, I had lived such a healthy lifestyle having never smoked, never did drugs and was just always busy happily running around full of energy taking care of my kids.  I always thought, in terms of life expectancy that according to statistics, that women outlive men.  Never did the thought of preparing for the worse came across my mind at all.  I always thought I'd always be around for a long time to watch my kids grow into mature, successful adults.

Well, sadly, life doesn't always pan out exactly what we plan it out to be and unexpected things do suddenly happen. So, for the last few weeks, with gut wrenching sad and terrifying strength, I've been busy at work, dilligently preplanning my own end of life services and arrangements. Bravely I set aside my feelings of pain and hurt and put on a strong foot to boldly plan out every detail.  

My goal in doing all of this ahead of time is simple; to ease the burden, grief, confusion and to make this difficult time as easy as it can possibly be for my family as well as making sure I do not pass onto them any hefty financial price tag. Funeral services as I having just learned and researched, can be extremely quite expensive. There are also many details, prices, coordination and decisions to make.

So here are my final plans and arrangements that I have contracted on just in case anything happens. I see this preplanning as insurance and peace of mind; it's there when my family needs it.  I put alot of effort, research, made personal visits and decisively hand picked out these two places specifically because their location fits my personality, and offers services that fit my needs.

I remain faithfully ever hopeful that I will be here for a long time.  So, please continue to pray for us and for my continued recovery.

1. Prior to cremation, Willow Glen Funeral home professional services will ensure coordination of Buddhist ministers to do private "pillow top" viewing and prayers for small family gathering.

2. Willow Glen Funeral home will do all administrative permits and transport so that Cremation is done at Oak Hill.

3. Memorial Services to be held at Willow Glen Funeral Home http://www.willowglenfuneralhome.com/ to celebrate life.  The memorial service will also include Buddhist ministers from San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.

4. Picture slideshow to be done. Music will be "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton.
5. Vegetarian food and light refreshments will be served. Family/friends will have need to order this and for pickup and deliver to Willow Glen. Family/friends will deliver eulogy, recite poems, and share stories.

6. Final resting placement of cremation urn at Oak Hill in San Jose, CA, which a Buddhist minister will be present to do final prayers prior to burial. I've selected the garden setting and to be place on the dirt ground since this placement is with "nature" and all its beauty. There is even music that serenely plays in this garden.

7. It would be nice for family/friends to gather for dinner.