Book excerpt: Whose funeral is it, anyway? Why, it's yours, of course! Death is one topic that many people feel dreadfully uncomfortable discussing. Planning a funeral, burial, or service for a loved one can be devastating. I believe that the attendees at a funeral, burial, or service deserve to learn about the life and character of the deceased. Wouldn't you want everyone who attended your funeral, burial, or services to know what an amazing person you were? Wouldn't you like them to walk away with more than just tears and sadness? How about if they learned more about your hobbies and interests? What if they discovered that you rescued animals, loved children, loved a particular sport, or enjoyed books, traveling, and classical music? What about the awards you received, the offices you held, the organizations in which you were affiliated. I believe that if your service was personalized, family and guests who attended might have a more intimate experience and leave with an everlasting impression of you and your life. That's why I've created My Funeral, My Way: A Journal for Those Who Would Like to Assist in Planning Their Own Funeral. REVIEWS "I found My Funeral, My Way to be a wonderful resource for families dealing with loss. How many times have I heard, "What would Mom have wanted?" or "What would Dad have wanted?" By keeping this journal, family members won't have to answer those questions, the questions are answered for them." -Carl Goldstein Goldsteins' Rosenberg Raphael-Sacks Inc. Funeral Home Southampton, PA "This book is a useful tool for aging individuals as well as en- tire families. As a nurse, I am often witness to uncertain med- ical outcomes among my patients. This book allows some sense of control at a time when many feel helpless. It is an ex- cellent resource for patients and a concept long overdue. I would recommend this book without hesitation." -Kathleen Bickings, RN "My Funeral, My Way is an amazing, easy-to-follow guide for people approaching later life or end of life, to record their gen- eral wishes succeeding death. It is extremely user friendly, and is written with a warm, welcoming tone which creates comfort. This could serve as a great initial conversation piece among mourning family members." -Amy Keiper-Shaw LCSW, QCSW, GC-C Manager of Family Services Chandler Hall Health Services 99 Barclay St. Newtown, PA About the Author Angela "Angel" Hope De Simone was born and raised in the far Northeast section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a family of fifteen. She's the youngest child in a baker's dozen-which includes five brothers and seven sisters, all of whom assisted in her upbringing. Ms. De Simone attended Pierce Junior College, located in Philadelphia, where she received her associ- ate's degree in business, and met her husband. After working in the business industry for over eight years, she decided to pursue her dream of helping others by becom- ing a licensed massage therapist. She has been practicing massage therapy for eighteen years. She currently resides in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Chicky, and two children, Alyssa and Domenic. Angel is a journal junkie-been keeping one since she was seven. In her free time she loves antiquing, and arts & crafts. Her specialty is carving inspirational words Angela Hope De Simone and sayings into chairs, mirrors, etc. She has an ETSY page where you can see and purchase her original art- work! Her favorite beach destination is "Cape May." And she is known in her circle of friends for her punctuality. Angel is a very spiritual person. She owns a sixteen-year- old cat, Belle, and Denise-a retired race dog, a grey- hound, that she personally rescued. Angel is also a big fan of 80's tunes. And, yes, you will find most of this trivia, that is unique to Angel, decorating the pages of her very own Funeral Journal. This is Angel De Simone's first book.