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Coping with a Funeral
When the death of a loved one occurs, regardless or whether it was expected or not, you
will find yourself having to deal with a great number of people. Some you will know
closely, others may be complete strangers, all claiming some kind of relationship to the
deceased.
Whilst grieving for your loved one, you may find yourself not wanting contact with
anybody other than those to whom you are closest, and having to deal with so many
people can be very difficult. It’s important to understand how to handle them.
Relatives and Close Friends
Those who were close to the deceased need to be contacted before the funeral. When you
break the news, remember that they will also need the chance to express their grief and
this must be respected, no matter how deeply distressed you are feeling yourself.
Sometimes it can be difficult, if not impossible, to trace certain family members. Do not
feel guilty if you’ve not been able to contact them.
Some of those who you will need to contact, may be people who you do not know
personally. If they come to the funeral and you have not been able to speak to them
properly, it would be a good idea to write or telephone them later, to thank them for
attending.
The Small Funeral
Perhaps you have decided on a small funeral, either through your own personal
preference, or because the deceased made their own preference clear. Perhaps the
financial side of the funeral will force you to this decision. Make this clear and stick to
your decision.
You may find that some friends or relatives insist on attending even after you have
explained this to them. Be polite but firm. Explain that you appreciate their wish to
attend, but that it is a family decision to enforce such a restriction. If they still insist, they
are simply being insensitive and you may have to take a different approach. You might
tell them that the date of the funeral has not yet been decided and leave things at that.
Whatever you do, don’t allow anyone to emotionally blackmail you into changing your
decision. And don’t feel guilty if you needed to lie. They are being insensitive, and you
are simply trying to deal with matters as best you can.
Polite Conversation
Unless the funeral is very small, it will probably be impossible for you to speak to all of
the people who attend. Don’t even try. Most people will understand that you are not
going to feel like making polite conversation. You will find that those will any degree of
sensitivity, will simply approach you, kiss your cheek/shake your hand, and offer their
condolences. They will not expect more than you are able to offer.
The Wake
Most people organize some form of refreshment after the funeral. This can be a good way
of accepting condolences from those you were unable to speak with during the actual
service. By offering refreshments, you are showing that you are willing to share your
grief with those who are also suffering through their own loss.
Enlist the help of a friend or two. You may feel that you will be able to cope, but having
support close by will be very helpful should you find that you are feeling too upset to
appear.
The Will
It’s an unfortunate fact that funerals can often bring out the worst in people. Some of the
most long-lasting family arguments have started at a funeral, with squabbles over who
should get what. You may find yourself surprised at just who is able to throw themselves
into such arguments, even though they are in the midst of their own grief.
You may find yourself being quizzed at the graveside. People can be very clever in their
approach, offering condolences and then adding the innocent question of what the
deceased has left to whom. You may also find yourself the target of malicious comments
regarding your “improved financial situation.” There can be more hidden rivalry within
families than most of us imagine.
You must not allow yourself to be drawn into arguments. Pretend to ignore any unwanted
comments and questions. If they persist, simply explain that you are far too upset to think
about such matters at the moment and that if they have a right to know the contents of the
will, they will be contacted in due course.
In the case of a will having never been made, and where there is any disagreement
regarding who has the right to what, explain that you will appoint a solicitor to handle the
estate, and explain, as above, that they will be contacted in due course.
The Following Days
Some people find themselves terribly alone in the days following the funeral, whereas
others feel that they never have any time to themselves to grieve. Remember that others
cannot read your mind anymore than you can read theirs, and they are simply doing what
they believe is to be right.
If they choose to stay away, they are probably doing so out of respect for your privacy. If
they choose to spend as much time as possible with you, this will be because they fear for
your ability to cope alone. Explain to them what your needs are. If you need people
around you, phone some friends and ask them to visit. If you need to be alone, explain
this politely and ask if you may phone them should you need their company. You will
find that most people are very accommodating as long as they understand your needs.
The loss of a loved one is never easy and nobody will ever expect it to be. For some, the
funeral seems to pass as just a hazy memory, for which they feel guilt at not remembering
the details of this last farewell. Remember, that it is the memories you have of the person
when alive that are important, and it is these which will remain clear to you in the future.
During deep grief it can be very difficult to grasp details of what is happening around us,
but this does not mean you didn’t care. Quite the opposite in fact.
Sharon Jacobsen writes insightful and often humorous articles about
families, relationships, and everyday life. She can be contacted at:
sharonjacobsen@onetel.net.uk
© Reprinted with permission from Sharon Jacobsen
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