Morbid I know but........

[missprim]

yesterday I went to a funeral of a friend (slightly younger than me) and she was cremated.
I'm not thinking of popping my clogs anytime soon,I hope, but perhaps I should be thinking of arrangements I need to make in case I die suddenly like my friend and haven't left instructions on how to dispose of my body.
Have you any thoughts on this? Would you prefer to be buried, cremated or would you leave your body to science?
Sorry again for this morbid subject.

[jno]

"Within my OHs ashes container are the kids teeth"

That should confuse future archaeologists. "Did 21st century humans grow new teeth every five years?"

[EvianBaby]

My Dad has set up some of these policies which pay out on his death to pay the costs. He's given my sister all the paperwork for it and basically gave instructions to get rid of him as cheap as she possibly can, no fuss and then pocket the change.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't much care as long as I'm treated with respect, and they make sure I've really died first.

[missprim]

Old Geezer I am so scared of being buried alive!!!

[Postdog]

I was forced to think about when I was due to have an operation that might have killed or incapacitated me. At least I can now go without worrying (it didn't kill me BTW but the threat is still there as I probably face another equally risky operation in the future.

It's just worth remembering that age isn't a factor in any of this. you can go anyyime.

[jno]

this was a common worry in the 19th century, missprim. Some people were buried with pieces of string tied round their fingers, leading up to the surface and attached to little bells they could ring.

If you don't fancy cremation you could try a safety coffin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_coffin

[daffy654]

Exactly postdog. I am 43 years old and due to genetic illness I am not expected to reach 50. I have also been forced to think about the funeral plan issue before most expect to.

[missprim]

jno I will insist on being buried with a fully charged mobile phone but then it would be just my luck to have no signal :-(

[missprim]

daffy I am so sorry to hear that, I can't imagine what that must feel like x

[naomi24]

A friend of mine, far too young to die, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given six months to live. She organised her own funeral, and left all her affairs in excellent order. When the sad day came, her family had practically nothing to do. Since then, we have constructed a 'Clog Popping' file, containing a note of our wishes, our wills, insurance policies, bank details, lists of people to be contacted, etc etc - and all because of that admirably brave lady.

[Ankou]

i'm with og.

although a floating funeral pyre set out into the middle of ullswater, followed by an archer sending a flamed arrow to me deathly shell would be quite nice.

[daffy654]

My oh wants a Viking funeral (burning boat) as well Ankou, not that he is likely to get one what with the UK health and safety laws etc. :)

[daffy654]

missprim, it doesn't bother me as much as it does my family.

[missprim]

naomi what an excellent idea. Think I will make a New Year Resolution to do this in 2012.

[Old_Geezer]

I understand you can avoid premature burial by requesting an autopsy in the event you appear to have died.

[Ankou]

oh, well being cut open so as to avoid being burnt to an ash is hopeful.

not sure about the autopsy process, but i hope they don't buzzsaw the top off the top of your head first like in csi. that woiuld cause a right cerfuffle if you was alive.

[237SJ]

I recently told one of my best friends that I want my ashes scattered offshore in Barbados. She got all excited and (rather too) enthusiastically volunteered to do the job. I would probably get someone at the solicitors to do it (assuming we all live to a good age). I would leave an amount for a holiday for two and they could do the deed. I would make it clear that the solicitor isn`t having the holiday, but the lowest paid person in the office or the cleaner.

[missprim]

Absolutely Ankou!

[DTCwordfan]

A floating pyre on the River Ganges would be good - guess I will have to settle to one on the Fal Estuary. Should keep the tourists happy.

[DTCwordfan]

sorry to hear that, daffy.....