The
value of a funeral
Not unlike
weddings or graduations, a funeral brings
together families and friends and encourages them
to share their thoughts and feelings.
A funeral
consists of the preparation of our loved one, viewing or visitation, a funeral or graveside
service and finally bereavement support.
Funerals include
the following benefits:
- provides a
support system for the bereaved.
- helps the
bereaved understand death is final and
reinforces the fact that death is a part
of life.
- encourages
the embracing and expressing of pain.
- reaffirms
one's relationship with the person who
died.
- offers a
time to remember the person who died
through the sharing of memories with
others.
- offers a
time and place to talk about the life and
death of the deceased.
- provides a
time to say good-bye.
The
importance of viewing or visitation
Viewing is the
best way for a loved one to accept the death.
Without viewing or visitation there is a chance
that denial will set in. Allowing ourselves,
though sometime difficult, to view a spouse,
parent or grandparent is a large step towards the
healing process..
If one avoids
viewing or visitation then it is our imagination
and the mental picture that it draws of our loved
one. That mental image, in most cases, is more
destructive than good.
Some people feel
awkward at a funeral - What should I say or do?
Do or say what comes naturally. Remember it isn't
important what is said or done but that you are
there.
Bereavement
Support Services
Many funeral
homes employ trained professionals in
bereavement. These counsellors are truly caring
individuals dedicated to assisting the bereaved
families in any way possible. The value of this
service alone is worth planning a funeral.
Because not only do we protect our loved one from
making difficult decisions at the time of death
but we provide them with a support structure to
help them through the grieving process.
Today families
are questioning the value of a funeral. Society
is changing and it seems to be pushing the truly
important celebrations back. Remember the choice
of funeral service is a personal one. If you hear
a co-worker, a neighbor or friend expressing
their wishes not to have a funeral do not let
their opinions influence your own. Most close
families will opt for one type of a funeral or
another. In some instances the stories we hear of
the lack of funeral service definitely relates to
that particular family and their own family
issues.
Therefore make
the decision regarding your funeral planning with
your family and don't let any outside influences
sway you from making this important decision
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