A funeral is an event - a pause in our "normal" routines - where family and friends gather to mourn the death of a loved one and remember a life well-lived. This event allows the surviving family members and friends an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about the death of an important person in their lives.
Some people view a funeral as something to be avoided and try their best to side-step any responsibility for planning an appropriate remembrance and/or avoid participating in the mourning process. However, there are several benefits to attending a funeral service for someone you love. They include:
provides a safe environment for expressing thoughts and feelings about your loved one
provides an opportunity to reflect on your loved one's life
provides a time for family and friends to say goodbye to their loved one's physical presence
provides a support system for grieving survivors
provides an opportunity to honor a well-lived life
We are not so concerned with whether a family chooses a traditional funeral service or a cremation service. However, we are concerned that whatever service arrangements are made include an opportunity for the surviving family members and friends to pause, gather and remember this important person in their lives.