Value in Funeral Service
July 20th, 2010
Funerals are an important ritual that can actually start the healing process. Even if the deceased has chosen cremation there can still be a viewing and visitation/service before the cremation. Funerals are not for the benefit of the deceased, but for the ones who are left behind. They allow family and friends to begin to deal with their loss by sharing their thoughts and feelings. Their support offers continuity and hope to the mourners. It creates a safe haven for the loved ones to express their grief and share memories, honoring and validating the life of the deceased.
In these times where the trend leans towards wanting to get things over with quickly, and wanting to avoid mourning, we forget that avoiding a funeral is not going to shield us from our grief. Hearing stories about how a loved one touched other lives can be a great comfort as we accept our loss.
When we care about someone who passed away or their family members, we need to show our support by physically being there, to let them know that they are not alone in their grief.
