Albert Einstein, one of the best-known and most influential scientists, was born 145 years ago. He was awarded a Nobel Prize, founded the major concepts of Modern Physics, and made hundreds of scientific contributions that are so complex that most of us do not fully understand their meaning. He was, and still is, a part of pop culture. The name "Einstein" and depictions of his distinctive wild hair and wide-eyed look are often synonymous with "genius."

According to a 1939 article in The New Yorker he became so popular that he was often stopped on the street and asked for an explanation of "that theory.” He eventually figured out a creative way to end those conversations by replying “Pardon me, sorry! Always I am mistaken for Professor Einstein.”

Einstein changed how Physicists used time in theories. Among other things, "that theory" Einstein was incessantly asked about postulated a new way of thinking about space and time–as two aspects of a unified whole.

Funeral directors are also often asked about timing. Many ask, "How many days after the death of a loved one should a funeral take place"? We’re not sure how Einstein would have responded, but at Spring Grove we’ve been answering that question for decades.

Some religious guidelines dictate that services take place as soon as possible after a death starting with a purification ceremony or by praying and watching over the deceased. For other cultures, it is customary to wait a week or more. For many, there are no guidelines.

While natural instinct pushes us to have a funeral soon after a death occurs, we see a dramatic difference between families who rush to plan and complete a funeral in a few days and those who take more time to consider how to celebrate their loved ones’ lives.

With at least 100 details to coordinate, families who take the time to think through decisions are able to plan meaningful funerals and they themselves seem more relaxed.

Whether a funeral is planned in a day or a week, Spring Grove’s expert directors will help create a one-of-a-kind service that truly reflects the personality and interests of your loved one. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.”