The practice of memorializing those who have gone before us dates back to the dawn of mankind.
Although traditions and rituals have evolved, paying tribute to a loved one is just as important today as it was centuries ago. Now that cremation has surpassed traditional burials as the preferred funerary option, memorial services are becoming more prevalent.
A memorial service is a ceremony or a celebratory event that honors and remembers a loved one. Typically, the person has been cremated and a framed photograph or urn replaces the body as the focal point of the service.
In this article I will share the benefits of memorial services and discuss the positive impact they have on not only the bereaved, but everyone in attendance.
If in fact you have found yourself pondering the question, “Why should I have a memorial service?”, this article will provide some clarity.
Confront the Reality of Death
Before the healing process can begin we must acknowledge that our loved one will no longer have a physical presence in our life.
Memorial services give us the opportunity to say goodbye and gain closure. They enable us to sort our thoughts and come to terms with the fact that our lives will be forever altered.
Families who have memorial services tend to have an easier road to recovery than those who do not.
Denying oneself and others the chance to say farewell can lead to a lack of closure and can create long term feelings of regret.
Receive Condolences
Memorial services provide a platform for family and friends to convey their sympathies at a place and time when mourners are expecting to receive consolation.
The warm embraces and encouraging words that are extended to the bereaved provide comfort when it is needed the most.
Those left behind are also able to witness other people whose lives were impacted by the deceased interact with one another. This lifts their spirits and is a reminder of how much their loved one meant to others.
By making the decision to have a memorial service you are lessening the likelihood that you will receive unexpected condolences while out shopping, at work, or at your place of worship. Minimizing such encounters will prevent you from expressing raw emotion at inopportune times.
Establish a Support System
End of life services of all types are where family members can identify individuals they can rely on and start to form a support system.
The love and compassion shown to the bereaved allows them to realize they are not walking alone in grief and that they will have help navigating their new normal.
If you choose to have a memorial service for your loved one don’t be surprised if an old friend asks you to lunch, a relative you haven’t seen in a while says to give them a call, or someone who has suffered a recent loss gives you advice based on their own experience.
Honor a Life
Whether it is by means of a simple ceremony or an elaborate event, everyone deserves to be honored and remembered in some way.
Memorial services tend to be less formal and centered more around celebrating a life well-lived than a conventional funeral.
They center around highlighting the deceased’s unique personality as well as their personal and professional achievements.
Some of the same elements of a traditional funeral are often incorporated into memorial services.
Playing remembrance videos, displaying photos, and showcasing personal mementos create positive mental images that guests will take away with them and remember for years to come.
There are no rules when it comes to planning end-of-life ceremonies. A family can have a celebrant speak at the event rather than a member of clergy. Or they can have their funeral director help them plan a service at an off-site location.
Promote Healthy Grieving
Gathering in a safe setting to engage in meaningful conversation and openly grieve amongst family and friends helps put those who had a special connection with the departed on a path toward healthy healing.
At a time when we are searching for hope, uniting with others reassures us that the deceased’s legacy will live on through those left behind.
And despite an underlying presence of sadness, some degree of joy will be found in telling stories and reminiscing about the past. Many people find that laughter can be the best medicine for a heavy heart.
Reflection
Memorial services are as much for the living as they are for the deceased.
It’s only natural to find ourselves reflecting on what matters most in our own lives and thinking about how we want to be commemorated.
Many people find that the ideal time to prearrange their own final sendoff is shortly after planning or attending one.
They have a better understanding of their personal preferences and wish to take some of the future burden off of others at the time of their own passing.
A Loving Decision
Grief is the price we pay for love. Memorial services allow us to channel our grief so we can transition into a new life without the departed.
Hopefully this article has helped answer the question of “why should I have a memorial service” for you.
Everyone has a story, and their story needs to be shared. If you have lost someone that you would have done anything for in life, the best thing you can do for them in death is pay tribute to their life.
When preparing for a memorial service, be sure to consider what types of questions you should ask a reputable funeral home like Camino del Sol.
One Response
I like that you pointed out that gathering in a safe place and having meaningful conversations will help a family grieve. With that in mind, we should find a funeral director that would make us feel comfortable since it will help us feel that we are taken care of in case we have to say goodbye to my grandmother. She hasn’t really been responding well for the past hours, so I want to be prepared at least for my mom who will be greatly affected.