Far from being "morbid" Olivia, I think the practice of taking out a "Memorial Plan" is an extremely sensible arrangement. Let me tell you a darkly-humorous story concerning this:Originally Posted by miss.piggy
Seriously Arthur, All Souls Day is one important public holiday in the Philippines. Sophie is right, most families use this date for family reunions, etc. I haven't been to any cemeteries in the Philippines for the last 7 years, but I tell you the atmosphere is really amazing.
Just like Sophie's family, my parents secured blocks for themselves in a memorial park near our ancestral house. it sounded morbid to me before, but i now fully appreciate it. they've also decided to insure themselves for funeral arrangements and coffins as well (now this is giving me goosebumps), but only pulled out because they've taken Pacific Plans which went belly up months ago.
I haven't really thought of my own death, as I will try to fight to live longer for my kids. But surely, I'll go there when the time comes. And I won't hesitate arranging everything as well before I bid adieu so as not to put more preasure to the love ones I am leaving behind.
Towards the end of my last [3 months'] stay in the Phils, I became increasingly impatient awaiting the arrival of my wife's Spousal Visa. Myrna being a native of Mindanao - and, rather than having to take a 3rd flight to Manila to pick-up her visa - we'd opted to pay the extra Php 300 to have it delivered by the 'To Go' Courier. One day, an official-looking motor cycle drew up outside the driveway of the elderly relatives with whom we were staying. "Come quickly", I called out to Myrna ... excitedly pointing to the well-dressed dispatch rider. Rushing out of the house, Myrna suddenly stopped in her tracks and burst out laughing:... "Ahhh!" ... she finally exclaimed ... doing her best to speak between giggles ... "That's NOT the Courier ... it's the man who comes to collect Manang's memorial insurance premium ... !
