Funerals

There has been a topic on my mind lately that continues to present itself in my life, more as I get older that I feel the need to address…finally and that topic is funerals.

Funerals are as much a part of life and death in our society as weddings, baptisms, and births.

I have found that through the years, and with the proper influence growing up, that going to funerals and visitations are necessary.

I know that no one, and I mean no one (except the occasional psyho or funeral director (not to be one and the same) “likes” funerals.

Not once in my 28 years have I heard, “Woo hoo, I’ve got a viewing tonight, and a funeral tomorrow….”

This would be from the mouth of a crazy person.

Over the years I have lost a number of family members, friends, and those that I didn’t know but had reason to attend for support of

someone.

I’ve heard excuses over and over, time and time again, from (a particular EX boyfriend) that he or they didn’t like funerals therefore refused to go. That is simply unacceptable today.

I had one of these epiphanies just last week when I attended a reception of family and friends for a lady that I possibly knew from the small town in which we live, but just didn’t recall by name.

It was Monday of last week and rushing out of my house to be at work on time, I noticed my neighbors dressed to the ‘nines,’ and vacantly noticed and wondered if they might be receiving an award or headed to an important meeting or something else requiring formal dress.

Once I got to work I found that an obituary had been submitted and put two and two together, realizing that it was not something great that they were dressed for, but rather a visitation of friends as the mother of my neighbor had passed.

I then realized that my neighborly “good morning” greeting was to three people—my neighbor and her sister who were both outside when I left. They also had a younger male with them.

It never occurred to me that neither of the latter lived next door, but I had met the sister previously when I first bought my house.

I found out that the visitation was indeed that morning at 9:30 a.m. and made a mental note that if I wasn’t too busy I’d drop in.

I drove my Mama to the County Commission meeting which began at 9 and she too encouraged me to go to the viewing, as I wavered. I told her that I would go then, but it was too early so I went back to the office and began work.

I have to admit that sitting at my desk my mind tossed the question of rather or not to go, over and over, with not going being my decision.

There was just no way that I could get worked up to go to the funeral home.

As I sat and looked at the time on my computer, I decided that if the shoe were on the other foot, I’d like them to be there for me.

I ended up going to the visitation and spoke with my neighbor and her sister. I got introduced to their brother and his wife.

I’ll have you all know that I left that place feeling as if it was going to be a good week. The reception that I received for simply showing up made me wonder why I had ever hesitated.