thoughtful- Take more pictures. When they're gone, you need something to remember them by, and the more you have the better.
- Start saving money now. Funerals cost more than you think they will - a lot more. Pre-pay if you can afford it. It will be worth it.
- Send money to the family. (Closely related to #2.) Flowers are nice, but a huge waste of money. If they list a charity, give the family money and let them decide what to do with it.
- Call on the family after the funeral. Offers of food and company are welcome, but it gets to be too much all at once. Give them some room to breathe, let them take some time, and check in on them in a month, two months, even six months. They will need help and company then just as much as they need it now.
The services were nice, but a lot more difficult than I thought they would be. Mom is going to need a lot of time. It hasn't even really hit me yet. Much to do, much to do...
