Review By Bev Ethington MerryWeather

For some reason my husband and I have discussed the subject of death in detail now for the last decade of our marriage. Perhaps it is to give ourselves some comic relief as we increasingly attend more funerals than weddings these days. So we've been planning ours for awhile. I remember my father always said that funerals were for the living, to which one could add that they are also for the 'one' who once lived.

When the Sun Goes Down discusses not just the options of the funeral itself but also the many details from the time of death on. The author brings up the question of embalming; the type of casket which could be made from anything from cardboard to the traditional wood, to green burials. She also states that there are classes you can take so you can 'do it yourself' by making your own casket. Betty also describes methods of disposing of the remains, one such method is Alkaline Hydrolysis which is a process of using lye to dissolve the body, something new which many have not heard about but is perhaps one of the more environmentally desirable means to an end. Then there are different types of service and service accessories such as flowers, photos, videos and even props such as displaying Dad's favorite fishing rod, Mom's favorite handmade quilt. Throughout the book Betty adds quotes and epitaphs, even photos of unique headstones to help give the reader some respite.

Included in When the Sun Goes Down is a section with references to help you with any research you may want to do. There is also a guide for book club discussions which may provide a way of how to bring up the subject with your loved ones. Most importantly, a personal funeral planner is provided so you can write down your ideas and wishes for your own funeral.

By preparing the details and providing your loved ones with what your wishes are you are really giving them a gift. They will feel comfortable in the choices made because they are your choices. Instead of worrying about funeral arrangements they will be able to focus on their grief which is an important step for healing and will being them closer to the day they can remember when and smile. When the Sun Goes Down is an important guide and a 5 star read for Planning for the Funeral of Your Life.

About the Author

Betty Breuhaus researched When the Sun Goes Down extensively in the library at Mt. Ida College, New England's foremost institution for funeral service education. Numerous interviews with funeral directors, ministers, and certified celebrants followed. She also attended a Life Appreciation course for funeral directors led by Bill Bates, and earned a Certified Celebrant certificate from a training led by Doug Manning of In-Sight Institute. Just sharing stories with family and friends turned out to be heartening and inspirational. The path had an interesting tangent when she found that the planning process itself garnered great insights and fresh perspectives on life's great joys.

When the Sun Goes Down: Planning the Funeral of Your Life (Publisher Works, Inc./ 2008) by Betty Breuhaus

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