So, been to any good FUNERALS lately?

The only actual interring I have been to -- the funeral ceremony occured earlier, and I was unable to attend -- was that of my paternal grandmother, who had been cremated. Myself, my dad, the gravedigger and a family friend who is an Anglican priest were the attendees. It was a quiet, slightly windy day in June in Hollister, California. I remember both the sadness and the peace -- that felt right, as I wished her goodbye.

http://southsidecallbox.com/images/gerry03.jpg

i suggested they go out that night and continue the tradition. i didn't stay long enough to find out if they did, but it woulda been great had they did.

xpost. cool photo

May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us
and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

But I must say this. At least funerals and wakes have changed for the better, if that could possibly be true. Not too long ago, they were just melancholy affairs with very little said outside of a strict religious context. These days, there are a lot more personal elements regarding the deceased. Photos, anecdotes and music that you wouldn't have heard, say 15 or 20 years ago.

Again, sorry.

according to the rabbi i was the joy of my grandma's life. i wasn't expecting to hear that. i almost wish i hadn't.

When the grandma I mentioned above died, I felt an overwhelming need to make sure something was said by me at the funeral, though as mentioned I couldn't make the service, so I sent something up which my mom read, and which apparently went over very well. But I don't think I could have done it myself anyway, were I there. It takes a strength I'm not sure I have.

Grandad's was spoiled by the familial tensions (married 3 times, 1st and 3rd families at odds with each other. and he died intestate so it's only going to get worse)

and Peel's last week. didn't realise until reading it in the paper how rare a celebrity funeral being open to the public is, mostly they are memorial services not the actual funeral. but am grateful the family let us 'intrude'.

meant to start a 'plan your own funeral' thread because there's got to be a better way of seeing these people off than stuffy old religious services and 'All Things Bright And Beautiful'. in short, people need to put the Fun back in Funeral. (though i guess that's what wakes are for)

My condolences to you, JBR.

Most of the funerals I've been to were really grim. Always bad weather at Bushey cemetary and especially in Glasgow (my dad's family are from there). A decent rabbi/minister/whatever really makes a difference. Me and my mum had the giggles when the rabbi cocked up some details of my grandmother's life at her funeral. Nervous tension mainly.

Other than that, it was OK I suppose, but boy do people suck.

Funerals are definitely not fun. But I'd be hard pressed to call them "bad", in general.