I’ve been aware for a long time that there are probably fewer days ahead of me than have already passed. So, my thoughts from time to time pass through some morbid territory.
I have a particular and vicious hatred of the funeral “industry”. These people are among the lowent forms of vermin, profiting entirely from the grief of people who have suffered a personal and terrible loss, striking at their moment of least resistance. Every product this “industry” sells is wasteful and unnecessary.
Penn and Teller, in their second season, did an episode of Bullshit! about the kinds of things that people are sold. Hermetically sealed caskets, upgraded upholstery, etc.
This site, once you get past the horrible design and loud flashing colors (as of this writing) has a lot of good information that should be known to anyone looking into a funeral.
When I die, I don’t expect to be impressed by the amount of money anyone spends on a funeral for me. Actually, I don’t expect to be impressed by much of anything, at that point. Funerals are for the living. As such, they shouldn’t be depressing, formal affairs. I much prefer the idea of a three-day wake where there are tears, laughter, and probably some pretty good booze.
The only thing I regret is that I’ll miss the party. C’est la mort.
You can call your local medical school campus, or even the largest one in your state, and inquire about body donation. Some schools will pay for body transport and others will not, find one that does. When you die, your body will go to the students to study anatomy, and then when they have learned all they can from your body, your body will be cremated and the remains sent to whoever you designate. This way you avoid the expense of a funeral and cremations costs (which are expensive) and you further the knowledge of the next generation of doctors.