Suggestions really appreciated.

[JollyTired]

I'd like to help my sister arrange a funeral for her dear 7 week old son and would really appreciate any suggestions about how to make it as special as possible. Thank you.

Firstly my condolences on this very sad occassion. Some ideas - making a funeral service booklet that has a photograph of the baby and inside some readings and the hymns and prayers etc - when I did this for my eldest sons funeral I also put other poems/readings that weren't part of the funeral but that I found comforting. I used music that was personal to us for the entrance and leaving of the church. I also had the service recorded as there were times when I wanted to replay what had been said in church and I did a reading myself - although this isn't for everyone and sometimes it may be easier for another person other than immediate family to do this (my son was ill for quite a few years and so I had more time to prepare for when it actually happened). I also had some nice books that I left at the wake that people could write personal condolences in - they can be comforting to read. I presume someone has already suggested hand & foot prints and lock of hair (if applicable)? all the best xxx

Thank you so much for your suggestions KAT - they're very much appreciated especially as you've gone through such a sad time yourself. It's such an emotional time that it's hard to think of things to make it a really special occasion and to truly celebrate his short precious life. Thank you again. X

You're very welcome. You are right it is such a difficult and emotional time for all of you and it's great that you are trying to support your sister so much - it is really hard to be supportive as it is so hard to say/do the right thing and I think a lot of people shy away from the parents as they don't really know how to act or behave around them. Do you mind me asking if this was an only child or are there siblings? And also was it sudden (I realise there won't have been a long period of illness with the precious little one being so young) or was there an underlying illness that was known about? All the best xxx