Funeral services have been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. They may differ by culture, nationality or religion, but they represent a common thread that is woven through humankind that outwardly expresses an inner desire to honor and remember the lives of those who we hold dear.
We know from our more than 100 years of experience that when friends, relatives and acquaintances attend a funeral, it helps bring comfort and solace to those who have suffered a loss. But what does it mean for those who attend?
Florence Issacs, an author on death etiquette and contributing writer to Legacy.com discovered recently after attending a funeral for one of her relatives that her being there was not only comforting for the grieving family, but it benefited herself as well.
According to Issacs, by simply attending a funeral service, it can help you:
- Bring back memories that nourish and strengthen you. The value of memories only grows in this age of technology and text messages.
- Reconnect with people you haven’t seen in and may have completely lost touch with. There can also be wonder and peace in hearing how others experienced the person whose life is being celebrated.
- Enrich your own view of yourself. Seeing friends and relatives of all ages that you haven’t seen in a while can bring great satisfaction. You may even have to something to contribute to them, be it wisdom, affection or experience.
- Focus on what is important to all of us. This includes who we are and where we came from.
What about attending a funeral service is meaningful to you?