When making final arrangements for someone who has passed away, there are a lot of details that require attention. These duties generally fall to family members of the deceased and may be handled by a single person, or the responsibilities may be distributed to make it easier. One such task is writing an appropriate epitaph for the gravestone.
This is the information that is inscribed on the gravestone, or commemorative plaque, of one who has passed away. The main purpose for it is to tell visitors a little something about the person interred on that spot. This tribute can be created in numerous different styles all depending on the author and the personality of the honoree.
There are some things that practically each grave marker will have in common. Nearly all will contain the person’s full name and the dates that encompassed their life. Though a good many individual’s choose to stop at just that basic information, others will opt to say a little extra by including statements, sentiments or personal remarks.
These additional statements are quite often short sentiments about how much the individual will be missed, how special they were or wishes for a peaceful afterlife. They might list their familial positions such as child, sibling, parent or spouse, or it may be a record of their time in the military or other organization. Spiritual scripture is also very commonly used.
Some individuals choose to write their own inscription prior to their death. This allows them to ensure that they get exactly what they want on their stone and gives them the freedom to be creative. Those with a keen sense of humor often take this opportunity to make a witty final remark or write an entertaining remark that will bring smiles to visitors for years to come.
Another approach many people take when composing their inscription is to leave a final bit of advice to those who read their marker. They may warn against taking life for granted or suggest that the living make the most of every moment. There are no limitations as to what one might choose to place on their stone.