Former Nova 106.9 news director and now ABC rural reporter, Lisa Herbert, has written a book for those who want to influence their own farewell.
What will happen when you die? It’s one of those questions people of all ages tend to avoid.
But these days, there are more things to consider than whether you want to be buried or cremated; like who you want invited to your funeral (not that guy!), and how your family will gain access to your Facebook and other social media pages (where did she keep her passwords?) after you pass on.
The Tamworth-based journalist and radio presenter on ABC New England North West, has just published The Bottom Drawer Book to make the conversation a little less confronting. Featuring comical illustrations and humourous text, the book offers thought-provoking questions about death and provides space for readers to leave their own ideas and plans.
“Then when you go there’ll be no squabbling over how much to spend on your casket, who’ll tell stories at your funeral or which footy jumper you’ll be buried in,” says Herbert.
She started writing the book after stumbling across a cardboard coffin during a suburban street fair.
“Who knew you could get your own photos and artwork printed on an environmentally-friendly casket? It’s something I want to be buried in, so I started writing down ideas for my own funeral. Sixty-nine pages later I had a book!”
If you’ve ever wanted to know…
- What is the most popular item people request in their coffins?
- Details about the ever increasing types of farewells
- The ins and outs of a natural burial, where there are no headstones and your burial site is marked with GPs co-ordinates!
- Managing your digital afterlife such as websites and emails accounts
“Sure, death can be a dark topic but it doesn’t have to be,” says Lisa Herbert. “The Bottom Drawer Book is your after death action plan. Your ideas, plans, and your life’s reflections will sit quietly in its pages until they’re needed.”
The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan by Lisa Herbert – $16.95.
http://www.thebottomdrawerbook.com.au
This is a book that should be in every bottom drawer...having recently had both parents die within 15 months, I would love to have had more guidance about what they wanted in their funeral services, who to stay in contact with, and any special messages or little gifts for friends and loved ones. Well done Lisa on tackling such an important issue.