Once more it bears keeping in mind that this great nation won't fall because of a foreign invasion, or a catastrophic natural disaster, or an act of terrorism, or even some economic calamity - all a mere bagatelle compared with the lurking threat to our lives, our democracy, our future. ...more

December 5, 2007

The first unconventional or non-traditional funeral we can remember attending was about 15 years ago. When we walked through the doors of the Catholic Church where it was being held, we were greeted by the familiar sounds of a Jimmy Buffett ballad. We knew the deceased well. The song and the artist were definitely his favorites. Many other Buffett singles could be heard preceding and immediately following the funeral liturgy. And the celebration at the family's home afterwards continued with a Margaritaville theme. What we didn't realize at the time was; that particular funeral and a few others like it were forerunners of things to come for aging boomers, their families and friends, funeral directors, and clergy of all denominations. As the New York Times said in July 2006, regarding The Boomer's Funeral, "It's My Funeral and I'll Serve Ice Cream If I Want To," – times and funerals have changed. ...more

November 9, 2007