Story-telling was the heart and soul of my Mom's memorial service. She not only didn't want a minister presiding, but she wanted ONLY her immediate family (only three of us) to be there. We did sing one song because it was her favorite, but then we just sat there and told stories - I also had written a poem which I read. It was a very intimate gathering and intensely personal.

My Dad's service as a very large full military-honors type funeral service. It was absolutely wonderful and certainly he deserved it after being a career Air Force officer.....but it's my Mom's tiny little memorial service that was more "real" I think....and it's because of the story-telling/personal touch.