Acceptance
Denial is one of the five stages of grief. Many individuals struggle to accept and acknowledge the death of a loved one. Since funerals are a visual representation of death, attending can help bring acceptance that a loved one has passed. If a casket has been chosen for the service, the closing of it and lowering it into the ground can provide a sense of finality and help you move toward acceptance. If cremation is chosen, you can still experience this same closure through the memorial services and using a picture of your loved one in place of the casket.
Honoring your loved one
Funerals provide an opportunity to honor your loved one. Giving or hearing a eulogy allows you to share in the life and accomplishments of the person you love. Those in attendance can share their own memories, allowing everyone to reflect on the life of the person who has passed. In honoring the life of someone who is no longer living, people can begin to associate the person with beloved memories instead of the difficulties of their passing.
Community compassion
Funerals often bring together family, friends and the community. Having those you love dearly with you through the grieving process is important, and funerals serve as a significant step in that process. Sharing grief helps you see that you are not alone in your sadness and allows others to support you through this difficult time.
Funerals act as a safe place to grieve, honor your loved one and make the transition toward closure and healing. At Strouf Funeral Home, we are prepared to help you plan a funeral service that respects and honors the life of your loved one. We welcome you to contact us with any questions or explore the many different resources available on our website.