I've considered your requests for the funeral, and while they appear to be very caring suggestions, I'm afraid there may be some problems.
First of all, I don't think this service will be able to proceed as planned in two days. Due to the unfortunate nature of your relative's death, we won't be able to have the body prepared by the day after tomorrow.
There are other issues as well. It will take some time to order the flowers and have them arranged according to your specifications. And the casket must also be ordered and will take some time to get here.
I've also had some difficulty locating a bagpipe player to perform at the ceremony. Again, this will take longer than the allotted two days.
And finally, my most serious concern involves the ceremonial fire you wish to include in the ceremony. I understand the fire is part of your family history, but unfortunately, a fire inside the chapel is against fire code and therefore illegal.
Perhaps we could consider having a fire outdoors, after the initial service. I think it would make a lovely and unique addition to the already interesting ceremony.
Nancy Stirling is the executive administrator of a funeral service association. "Being able to understand and communicate, not only verbally, but through writing" is definitely important, she says.