JA, thank you for that perspective.
We had all known for years that Mom wanted to be cremated, so we were all fully prepared for the fact that there would be no casket, no corpse.
The brand-new associate pastor at Mom's church gave the eulogy. She didn't know Mom, as Mom had not been able to attend church for some time due to her severe arthritis and some other diabetes-related issues. But this pastor interviewed several of my siblings and long-time members of the church, and wrote the eulogy based upon that. It was the most beautiful service I think I have ever witnessed (not just a funeral, but the most beautiful of any church service.) I was surprised at just how comforting it was. I also knew that Mom was well-loved, but I was not prepared for it to literally be a standing-room only service, with people standing in the aisles, and down the hallway straining to hear.
This incredible eulogy, I suppose, served the same purpose for me that the open casket does for others.
Mom's health had declined, but her death was unexpected. I was lucky, I had spoken to her on the phone just one night before, and had a last chance to say "I love you."
A word of advice to anyone who has someone they care about: don't miss your chance; if you love someone, tell them. Never allow yourself to have that one regret.
We had all known for years that Mom wanted to be cremated, so we were all fully prepared for the fact that there would be no casket, no corpse.
The brand-new associate pastor at Mom's church gave the eulogy. She didn't know Mom, as Mom had not been able to attend church for some time due to her severe arthritis and some other diabetes-related issues. But this pastor interviewed several of my siblings and long-time members of the church, and wrote the eulogy based upon that. It was the most beautiful service I think I have ever witnessed (not just a funeral, but the most beautiful of any church service.) I was surprised at just how comforting it was. I also knew that Mom was well-loved, but I was not prepared for it to literally be a standing-room only service, with people standing in the aisles, and down the hallway straining to hear.
This incredible eulogy, I suppose, served the same purpose for me that the open casket does for others.
Mom's health had declined, but her death was unexpected. I was lucky, I had spoken to her on the phone just one night before, and had a last chance to say "I love you."
A word of advice to anyone who has someone they care about: don't miss your chance; if you love someone, tell them. Never allow yourself to have that one regret.