Is there such a thing as a good funeral? After all, someone has died. We believe that a good funeral is a meaningful one. A life is commemorated, friends express their condolences, and a grieving family is comforted. The ceremony can take many forms, there is no right or wrong way to do it. There could be music and prayers, tears and laughter. At its conclusion, there is a general feeling that it was a fitting send off.
Acknowledge the reality of the death.
It is often hard to accept the death of a loved one, but a meaningful funeral service acknowledges the reality of the death.
Move toward the pain of the loss.
The funeral helps us express and embrace the pain of our grief enabling us to begin to heal.
Remember the person who died.
A meaningful funeral enables us to share memories of the person who died. This enables us to change from their physical presence to one based on memories.
Develop a new self-identity.
Loss of a loved one often changes our role. We may no longer be a husband, or a daughter, or a parent except in memory. The funeral serves as a “rite of passage” that begins the process of developing a new self-identity for the bereaved.
Search for meaning.
A funeral provides an opportunity to explore the meaning of life and death. This may help to reinforce our faith and provide comfort.
Receive ongoing support from others.
Our attendance at a funeral demonstrates support for the bereaved and provides a venue for them to accept support in their grief.