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What You Should Learn When Drafting An Epitaph
Setting up funeral arrangements is a job that entails a long list of details. These are usually left to a responsible member of the deceased's family or various tasks may be assigned to several individuals for less stress on one mourner. A key part of this duty is composing an epitaph worthy of the person it will represent.
This is a brief statement or phrase, sometimes a poem or prose, that is inscribed on an individual's headstone or commemorative plaque. It says something about the person it represents. There are several different forms this tribute can take, mostly dependent on the deceased's personality, life choices and who is writing it.
Nearly every grave marker starts out with the same basic identifying information. They state with the deceased's name and the date of their birth followed by when they passed away. Some people choose to stop there, but many opt to include additional statements, sentiments or facts that either describe the individual, or speak to their life or personality.
Traditionally, these inscriptions are short, touching sentiments stating what the individual meant to those who loved them or wishing them a peaceful rest. Sometimes they attest to what a loving spouse, parent, child or sibling they were, or mention their time in military service. Another popular choice is to use their favorite religious scripture.
A lot of people are choosing to design their own headstone. The primary benefit to this is that they can be sure that their last impression will be one they are comfortable leaving. It allows a bit of freedom, for example, for a person who was known for their sense of humor to be entertaining and witty with their final remarks.
Others may take this opportunity to provide a last bit of sage advice to all who visit their stone. This may be a suggestion to live life fully or any other lesson they might have learned while alive. There are no real rules when it comes to what one can have inscribed on their grave marker.
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