- ** Going Out in Style by Susan Opalka is about creating a
celebration-of-life event for you or someone you love that is positive,
meaningful and personal. An event that reflects you, your personality;
the things you love.
Going Out in Style is a collection of stories focused on
celebrating the uniqueness of the individual who has passed with an
event reflecting who they were in life. The how-to guide, along with the
ideas from the stories, will help anyone plan their own send-off or
celebration-of-life event, whether it be a service, a party, whatever.
Going Out in Style is author Susan Opalka's book about the shift
from traditional solemn memorial services to a whole new paradigm of
positive and personal "send-off celebrations."
This significant shift speaks to all ages with a collection of unique
stories demonstrating how individuals have gone out in style - their own
personal style.
Inspirational and informative, Going Out in Styleincludes a
step-by-step how-to guide to create your own Celebration of Life with
easy-to-follow templates and examples.
Going Out in Style represents and documents a major trend that is
taking place in our society today.
Actually, it's more than a major trend.
It's a significant culture shift.
It's a shift from the traditional, solemn, serious memorial services, to
a whole new paradigm of positive and personal "send-off celebrations."
It's about wearing big hats
Black golf balls
Fishing lure earrings
Sweet potato curly fries
A horned toad
And chocolate!
- Going Out in Style is a collection of unique, joyful, and
heart-warming stories that demonstrate how individuals have gone out in
style -- their own personal style!
But it's not just about elders:
It's about 11 year-old Nicky and his Zombie birthday party,
A kindergartener named Maya,
And Pualani, a high school student.
It's about stories that represent all ages.
Book Reviews:
"I read it from start to finish in one sitting, each story resonating
with the joy of life lived, and the unique celebration of the individual
by their loved ones. These send-offs will make you laugh, cry, and think
-- how do I want to go out in style?" Patti Wade, contributing author,
Chicken Soup for the Soul
"As an Art Therapist, Grief and Bereavement Counselor, and Counselor
trainer, I continually witnessed the ways in which the utilization of
ritual can be key to helping people honor the lives of those whom they
had loved and lost. This book explores the need to give voice to
personal loss, and it is filled with moving portraits of individuals
striving to celebrate the essences of those whom they still continue to
miss after death. Through these heartfelt examinations, the book also
highlights the creative and expressive ways in which each person has
chosen to share his or her own story. These personal accounts embrace
the intricacies of life, love, loss, and remembrance and provide an
initial glimpse into the subsequent journey to healing. This must-read
is a celebratory gift; it is caring and respectful and is filled with a
sense of joyous inspiration. Gail F. Jarson, M.A., Retired from Art
Therapy and Counseling
"The way we honor and celebrate the life of someone who has died is
taking on new and very individual forms. Boomers are not content with
the rote services of our parents and are looking to participate in how
our loved ones send us off. Going Out in Style is a joy-filled
expression of how some of us have custom built highly personal tributes.
It is a wonderful read and a trove of inspiration for those of us who
are getting closer to the finish line. Marian Lindholtz, M.I.M.
Professional Writer
