Columnists

Weddings and Funerals

Issue 43.16

These days, it seems like the only time extended families gather together is for one of two occasions:  a wedding or a funeral.  Both are very emotional occurrences on opposite ends of the spectrum.  Friends and family will usually do whatever they can to attend because they understand the importance of the affair.   In many ways, my occupation as a funeral director is similar to that of a wedding planner – we both help people plan for and manage a major event.

A joyful time such as a wedding is best celebrated with our loved ones.  Likewise, a sad event such as a funeral is much easier to shoulder when we share the experience with those who mean the most to us.   In the case of a wedding, the bride and groom may choose to elope, but family and friends generally tend to feel cheated because they missed out on an otherwise wonderful experience.  In my profession, I have often compared eloping to choosing direct burial or direct cremation and not including any type of memorial or funeral service – it gets the job done, but completely misses the importance and significance of the event.

I often hear people say things like, “I just want things to be simple and easy,” or, “I can’t deal with a service right now.”  From my experience, choosing to do the “easiest” thing during a difficult time usually complicates things in the long run.  For example, when some type of funeral or memorial service is not provided to extended family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers, these people generally don’t know how to go about paying their respects.  Weeks later they may bump into the deceased’s family members at the grocery store – hardly the ideal time or place to share tender feelings and bring up special memories!    Choosing to include a service with a cremation or burial is always an excellent decision.

Our mission at Serenity Funeral Home is to help you decide how to best honor your life or the life of your loved one.

Please stop by our office to obtain a copy of a free funeral pre-planning guide.  Serenity Funeral Home is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-2085, or visit us on-line at www.SerenityStG.com.           

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