10 Reasons To Go To a Funeral
Thinking About Skipping One? Maybe Reconsider.
If you're struggling with whether or not to go to a funeral, the right answer will almost always be yes. Unless you're ill, have incredibly complicated family dynamics, or there's a dangerous weather situation standing in the way, you'll rarely regret your decision to attend. Funerals support the family members of the deceased, provide closure, and allow the community to pay their respects. Funerals are for the living, and here are some reasons you should consider attending that funeral that you just cannot commit to:
- That person's life mattered and they were loved. Show up and let the family know you were one of the people who agreed with that.
2. By being present, the family will know you care about them. Simply showing up is a gift.
3. You may not even consider that you're grieving, and by attending the funeral, you're healing. It's for you too.
4. Every funeral is different and you may actually enjoy it. Some funerals are incredibly sad and others are celebrations of life. Give it a chance.
5. One reason you don't want to go is because you are avoiding the inevitable in having to think about your own mortality. But you may get some inspiration to plan your own funeral by attending this one.
6. Put the family first. They need their friends in their time of need. Are you a true friend? Can you see outside yourself and your own needs? Yes you can, because they would do the same for you.
7. It will feel wonderful for the family members of the deceased to be surrounded by people who care and made such an effort to be there. You will feel equally wonderful to be a part of that group.
8. Even if you may not say it as eloquently, when you show up to a funeral, you are telling the family that you acknowledge their pain, their loss, and the importance of their loved one.
9. If you think your presence won't matter, you can never have enough support in times like these. Unless it's a private service, everyone is invited to a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life.
10. Ultimately, if you're on the fence - go. If you have been estranged for a while - go. If you've never even met - you can still go. The family will be grateful you were thinking of them.
Have you ever been on the fence about going to a funeral? What decision did you make and was it the right one?
