August 30, 2023

Funeral Songs: Lauren’s list

By the second half of 1997, we’d lost Princess Diana, Biggie Smalls, and my grandmother. In 2004, my grandfather died. My oldest sister, Angela (a vocalist), had a recording of her singing Amazing Grace that was played at both funerals.

On June 8, 2008, my mother called to tell me a drunk driver had killed my older sister and her boyfriend. Another funeral, another playing of Amazing Grace. In an act of rebellion (a tiny homage to my brilliantly defiant sister), I went to Walmart and bought Natalie Grant’s then-latest CD to play instead. But having never listened to any song other than In Better Hands, it wasn’t quite appropriate either.

Then in February 2012, my stepdad died suddenly of a heart attack. The man had a fabulous vinyl collection – Eagles, Santana, Credence Clearwater Revival. Guess what we played? Hint: It wasn’t any of those, nor Natalie Grant.

To say death has significantly impacted my life is an understatement. Planning for a death you’re prepared for is hard enough. Watching my mother arrange two unexpectedly in four years was gut-wrenching. And while she did her best, it didn’t feel like them. As a former music teacher, to me, there’s nothing more important than music. It’s universal. It’s emotional. And at a funeral, it’s a unifying medium that joins mourners and speaks to them as a celebration of the ones they lost.

I have a constant soundtrack playing in my head. I even have funeral tracks picked out – a bit basic and a bit indie… just like me. Blame it on the losses I’ve had, my ADHD, or 14 years spent involved in music. It’s probably a combination of all three. Regardless, I know what I want played at my funeral. And sorry, Angela, it’s not Amazing Grace.

Band of Horses: The Funeral

Beethoven: 7th Symphony, 2nd movement

The Avett Brothers: No Hard Feelings

Mt. Wolf: Heavenbound

Rihanna: Lift Me Up

Jeff Buckley: Hallelujah

Jacob Banks: Found

Leon Bridges: River

Sam Smith // John Legend: Lay Me Down

OneRepublic: I Lived

Disturbed: The Sound of Silence

Mumford & Sons: Awake My Soul

Jose Gonzalez: Heartbeats

The Boxer Rebellion: Pull Yourself Together

Bon Iver: Holocene

Phosphorescent: Song for Zula

Sleeping At Last: Saturn

Andrea Bocelli: Con Te Partirò

Elton John: Candle In The Wind

Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Norman Greenbaum: Spirit In The Sky

What songs do you want played? How do you want to be remembered? And how would your loved ones know if you don’t keep them somewhere? A My AfterLife account can keep this list and answer all the pertinent questions loved ones would want to know in order to celebrate you as you want. Get started today.

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Father's Day Gift Guide: Perfect Gifts for Every Type of Dad

June 16, 2024

Father's Day is upon us, and finding the perfect gift to show your appreciation can be challenging. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of thoughtful and unique gifts tailored for different types of fathers. Whether your dad is an adventurer, a tech enthusiast, or a sentimental soul, there’s something here for everyone. For the Adventure-Seeking Dad: GoPro HERO12 Black Capture every thrilling moment with the GoPro HERO12 Black . This versatile action camera is perfect for dads who love hiking, biking, surfing, or any other outdoor activity. With its stunning new HDR (High Dynamic Range) 5.3K and 4K video, upgraded HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, 2x longer runtime, and durable design, he can relive his adventures in vivid detail. For the Tech-Savvy Dad: Apple Watch Series 9 The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic gift for dads who are always on the cutting edge of technology. Its larger and more durable display, enhanced fitness tracking, and seamless integration with other Apple devices make it perfect for staying connected and healthy. Plus, it has various customizable bands that can suit any style. For the BBQ Master Dad: Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill Upgrade your dad's grilling game with the Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Gril l. This high-tech grill uses wood pellets to infuse food with rich, smoky flavor, and its WiFIRE technology allows him to control the grill from his smartphone. It's perfect for dads who love to cook and entertain. For the Sentimental Dad: My Afterlife Digital Legacy and Time Capsule If your dad cherishes family memories and values the importance of preserving his legacy, My Afterlife is the ideal gift. This innovative platform allows him to collect and store memories, stories, and vital information, turning them into treasured heirlooms for future generations. Its features for storing DNR, wills, and other essential documents ensure that loved ones can easily find important information when necessary. It's a heartfelt way to celebrate his life and legacy. For the Handy Dad: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit Every handy dad needs reliable tools, and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit is a top choice. This comprehensive set includes a drill/driver, impact driver, batteries, and a charger, all housed in a sturdy carrying case. It’s perfect for tackling any home improvement project. For the Fitness Enthusiast Dad: Theragun PRO Percussive Therapy Device Help your dad recover faster and relieve muscle tension with the Theragun PRO . This powerful percussive therapy device offers deep muscle treatment, making it an excellent gift for dads serious about their fitness. It's perfect for targeted relief with customizable speed settings and ergonomic design. For the Bookworm Dad: Kindle Paperwhite The Kindle Paperwhite is a fantastic gift for dads who love to read. Its high-resolution display reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight, and it’s waterproof, making it perfect for reading at the beach or by the pool. The latest generation – Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) – includes an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, a 6.8“ display, and up to 10 weeks of battery life, making it a reader’s dream come true. For the Music Lover Dad: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Give your dad the gift of superior sound quality with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones . These noise-canceling headphones provide a balanced audio performance and exceptional comfort, perfect for enjoying his favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks without distractions. This Father’s Day, celebrate your dad with a gift that matches his interests and passions. Whether preserving precious memories with My Afterlife or enhancing his favorite hobbies with top-of-the-line gadgets, these thoughtful gifts will make him feel special.