Living Funeral
How do you feel about a rare human tradition known as a "Living Funeral"? In this setting a human, who knows death is near by diagnosis of a doctor, gathers everyone for a service that involves a eulogy among other things that would often be seen at a funeral service save for the actual burial. In this the human is said to be able to know beforehand the thoughts of those who will miss him/her and thus all that needs to happen next is the actual burial upon death.
This is a silly tradition designed for the dying to know what others think of him. But everyone knows that near death no one is going to be completely honest, telling only the good parts of his or her life. Perhaps its more of a benefit to the dying so that they can feel like they are moving on peacefully and feel like they have accomplished something in their lifetime.
Name: Phil
Comments: Who, in conversation with someone they love, tells the other of their negatives and weaknesses? Why should it be any different at a funeral, living or traditional? Additionally, the idea of a funeral is that of a celebration of one's life, and though unfortunate choices and decision oftentimes are remarked upon, people want to remember the good, the selfless, and the love brought by the departed. Don't mistake being honest about someone's life with choosing to celebrate that which made that person so lovable and conversely what will make that person dearly missed.
Name: Lisa
Comments: My brother died of ALS. Towards the end, he didn't understand why his friends weren't visiting (it was too hard for them to see him deteriorate like this). Emotionally, it took a toll on him. It would have been great to have a living funeral for him! He loved to reminisce about the past and his loved ones. It would have been our last gift to him!
Lisa you are so right many who die of a disease are left alone as their "friends" can not bear to watch it. I think a living ceremony does have its merits for the loved ones and the dieing.
Sorry Konquerer I think you missed the boat on this one it is not for the person to know what others think of him it is a chance to say good bye.
I have had family die suddenly and of slow cancer. I have an Aunt slipping into the last stags of Alzheimers she loves my boys playing with her dogs, I try to see that she has that time with them to do so.
When we leave she says good bye as a finial because she knows one day she will not remember them. I now she will still enjoy seeing them as she has a kind heart. It s all about emotions and closure. I think some items could be dropped to make it into a nicer fun time with the friends and family but really it is about those who are at a greater distance saying bye and doing so in a large group has a heart warming effect. It comforts the one passing.
We did a similar thing for my Grandfather on my moms side. It was just a huge party but it did mean much to him as he loved family around him. My youngest had just been born and we hoofed it to see him, He passed the next day in peace. There was close to 280 signature in the guest book that day. At the funeral only 56 as many had already done their closure and had to get to work. I would not trade that one day for any thing else.
I still can here him laughing that day between naps. So I ask which way would you prefer if it were you? Sure your sick but you still love and feel.
I still see his smile upon holding my boy and he grinned and said to my wife you might want to put this one back is the sun he might not be done seems he needs more colour. A joke because my wife is only person n his family with a good tan besides him.
My Aunts Own son does not visit much as he can not take it that she does not recognize him some times. I encourage him greatly to do so more often it might hurt but it is for her not him. How many fevers did she nurse, diapers she changed, heart breaks healed? Now how could you turn your back to them?