Author Scott Greenberg's New Book Details the Importance of Making Final Wishes Known to Loved Ones

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Scott Greenberg likes to joke that before making his final exit he hopes that someone in a position to know – his doctor would suffice – certifies that he's really, well… dead.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150109/168081
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150109/168082

Beneath Greenberg's wit is a serious message urging folks to ensure nothing disruptive returns to haunt grieving survivors.

"People seldom stop to think until it's too late how complex the issue is of what's to be done with someone after they die," explained Greenberg, author of the award-winning book Oh My God, I'm Getting Older and So Is My Mom (2014 StarGroup Books).

"I discovered this at a support group of people whose loved ones had Alzheimer's disease. They'd gathered to discuss this morbid subject, and I was flabbergasted at the variety of responses to the question: What should be done with you when you die?"

The answers included:

• Be cremated, and separate my ashes for my children
• Bury me in the ground
• Bury me alongside my first husband (not my second)
• Scatter my ashes at sea
• Donate my organs
• Put me in a mausoleum
• Send my body up North to a family plot
  
  

"I didn't realize there were so many options, because like most people, I'd never thought about it," said Greenberg, a senior issues expert from South Florida. "I knew that because of the many possibilities, this topic was rife for family discord, so I devoted a book chapter to it."

Greenberg cautions people to clearly outline their wishes in advance to avoid conflicts like: "Dad wouldn't have wanted that." "Yes, that's exactly what he would've wanted." It can be even worse, he noted, if there are stepparents or half/step-siblings involved.

Here are some things Greenberg urges you to clarify:

• Do you want to be buried or cremated?
• If cremated, what should be done with your ashes?
• If buried, where? In the family plot? (If there's one, family needs to know that). In a mausoleum? A veteran's cemetery?
• Do you want to be buried next to deceased family members? Next to which ex? Toe-to-toe or side-by side?
• If you want be buried and your spouse wants to be cremated, should you be buried with your spouse's ashes?
• What if you and your spouse are from different religions? Can a non-Jewish spouse be buried in a Jewish cemetery?
• Do you want a headstone? What should it say?
• Do you want a funeral, a memorial service, a party or nothing at all?

"There's plenty to decide that you can take care of ahead of time," Greenberg noted. "Put your wishes in writing, ensuring everyone affected has a copy, and designate one person to handle the arrangements. Doing so will eliminate unpleasant surprises and stress on those you leave behind."

Oh, My God I'm Getting Older and So Is My Mom is available on Amazon.com.

The link to Scott's YouTube videos on the topics covered in his book https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDalIgE3LVd4xqmzAMWKeBA

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Star (561) 547-0667 Email

SOURCE Scott Greenberg