Let's chat about celebrations.Yesterday I attended a celebration of life for a man I never knew. I knew his sister and wanted to support her.
We are a loss denying society. We focus on getting things and acquiring stuff but we rarely talk about loss and death.
Clients are embarrassed when they start to cry remembering the death of someone close. There is this silly "rule" that after 3 months, we are supposed to be over the grief. This is very wrong.
I tell my clients that once you have experienced a death, you will always feel the wave of emotion and grief. Sometimes it will feel like a ripple and other times, like a tidal wave. What to do? Ride the wave.
The man's name was Albert and I got to know him yesterday. I saw a slide show of his childhood and growing up years. He was an avid sky diver and jumped around the world.(all his sky diving buddies were there in formation). He once worked as a trader at the TSE and he practiced Buddhism. His sister told us he was kind and gentle man.
Since I know my daughter reads my blog, here is my request.I have decided when it is my time to cross over, there will be no funeral broo-ha-ha ( as Mom would say) Nope not for me. Quick service with immediate family and then about 2 weeks later a giant party. Caterers, music, drinks the works. I like the idea of celebrating a life. Thanks Jeanne.
Now...as someone once told me"every day above ground is a good day"- go and enjoy!
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I hear you loud and clear, Mom. No broo-ha-ha.
ReplyDeleteI happen to love funerals. They are a chance to see people we love, share in our grief, and (I agree with you here) celebrate the life of the one we lost. There is usually food, drink, and laughter, despite the pain. They give me a reason to show those who are hurting that I am there for them --the living-- in any way I can be there.