I know that most of my post have been on the lighter side, most with a hint of humor and sarcasm, but this next one, is serious. This is not meant to be funny or sarcastic in anyway.
Even though I am nearly 19, I have found myself in two different funeral homes in my life. The first time was the death of my Great Grandmother, the latter was of a 19 year friend that I have known most of my life. As I walked from room to room of the funeral home, seeing his family, fellow friends, and fiance… I sadly realized that I had not known him as well as I should have. He was someone I’ve known for many years. I have played soccer with him since before middle school, and known and chatted with him throughout middle and high school, but sadly he was not one of the people I hung out with on a regular basis, but I know he was generally a king person. Ironic how someones death will make you think of your life and how they were a part of it. Although I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked, I still had the decency to show him the respect he deserved. I would like to say the same about everyone else, but I can’t, therefore, I’m developing a few guidelines for people to follow when going to viewings or funerals.
1. Don’t be an asshole, dress up and show respect. Wearing khaki pants and a football jersey is in no way acceptable. We don’t ask too much of you, just that you give a few moments out of your day, to look decent and show your respects. All you really have to do is dress like your attending church or a formal party/dance. Jean shorts and tennis shoes… come on…
2. Show your respect to the family, let them know that your there for them and your prayers are with them. You’d be surprised how much a simple hug will do for them, let alone your presence.
3. Don’t be a douchebag, when your at the funeral, focus on the funeral. While silence may be uncomfortable, and talking of or about the deceased may make you sad, talking about what your going to be doing this weekend, or whose party your going to crash is unacceptable and you should be slapped silly. All the family asks is a few moments of your time and attention, that’s not much considering they just lost someone very dear to them.
That’s it for now, but if you follow these few guidelines, it will make funeral a little easier for you and the family and friends of the deceased.
- The Former Latter
Filed under: Funeral, Guidelines
