The reality of death needs to be accepted no only on an intellectual
basis, but on an emotional level as well. This is the foundation for
funerals in which a family decides a funeral should be preceded by
an open-casket visitation. Research has shown this process has a
marked, positive effect on the grieving process, helping the healing
begin.
Why have a Funeral Service?
A funeral is for the living. It provides the setting and
opportunity to celebrate a life that has been lived. When
someone dies, it is always a difficult time, emotions run high.
We may feel anger, confusion, or even emotionally numb. It is
often difficult to know what to say or how to begin to deal with
our loss, or how to say good-bye.
A funeral service is a way to bring caring
people together. It is a gathering where friends and family can lend
support and begin the healing process. Nothing can fill the
emptiness one feels after the death of someone close, but the
healing begins sooner when people we care about are near.
A funeral allows mourners to express their grief and share it with
others. It stimulates conversation about the deceased, which is an
important first step toward accepting what has happened. In fact,
many people who avoided the funeral of a loved one expressed much
more difficulty in dealing with their grief.
