Funeral Etiquette
Everyone should observe proper etiquette during a funeral. A death in the family or of a friend can bring out the best and the worst in people. And while you might mean, some things should be left unsaid when visiting a funeral or the home of those in mourning.
Visitors should refrain from saying things that might offend the family of the deceased. Saying that “it was time for him to go,” “he lived long enough,” “it could have been worse,” and things like this can bring more grief to those left behind.
Parents who lost a child will not want to be reminded that their offspring died ahead of them. Nor is it comforting for them to hear that it was God’s will. “You can have another one,” should definitely be avoided as well. A child who died can never be simply replaced by another.
It is proper funeral etiquette to remain mum with regards to the timing, appearances, and theology of the deceased. The death of a loved one is never a good thing, under any circumstances. Keep in mind it’s never “the right time to die,” and no one has “lived long enough” from the viewpoint of those close to them.
Speaking about religion and God’s will is against good funeral etiquette as well. This topic should be left for the professionals, such as the priests and ministers. This is usually the common mistake majority of those of us are guilty of violating proper funeral etiquette.
What a friend can truly offer is his or her sincerity, support, and comfort, during a time of grief. He should anticipate the needs of each individual. The grieving process can be unique with each family member. It is an important part of funeral etiquette to allow the grieving parties to speak their minds out. Your role is to listen to them. They themselves might even say some things that should be normally be avoided, but it is their right to do so. They are struggling in finding answers for their loss. A friend should be there and be supporting. But the most important thing to do is listen. Keep your ears open.
The next thing to do with regards to funeral etiquette is to validate what the loved one has done for the deceased. Tell them how they cared and persevered during the hard times. A person might look strong on the outside but inside he might be grieving heavily. It helps him to be reminded of the good things he did while his loved one was still alive.
Proper funeral etiquette must be observed both at a funeral, and in the homes of those in mourning. Pay attention to those who are grieving, and learn how to approach each individual. The grieving process can be short or long. It depends on how the person takes it.
Sympathy Gifts
It’s not only on happy occasions where you can give someone a gift. Sympathy gifts are given during sad times, such as when a loved one has met with an accident, been fired from his or her job, or lost someone close. Sometimes words can’t truly express what you really try to say. In times like these, a simple gift box to say you care, during their troubled times can mean a lot to them.
We are experiencing a global recession and some of your friends may have recently lost their jobs. You can show them that you are there for them with a simple sympathy gift. Taking some time out of your busy schedule and giving them something can greatly impact their morale.
For someone who has recently been laid off, giving something that will help meet their needs can be a blessing. Free groceries or gasoline are good choices for someone struggling with finances. But if someone is not really financially affected by the loss of job, a fun gift can do. A night out can cheer the person up.
An example of a sympathy gift is a gourmet basket. It might say something like “get well soon,” or “we sympathize for your lost more than words can say,” or the like. Sympathy gift baskets
Each sympathy gift can be unique, but finding the right one can sometimes be tedious. The choices are endless, with many selections to choose from. Custom-designed sympathy gifts can make a person feel rested and comfortable. It can lift their spirits in troubled times.
Families of the recently deceased sometimes request that people donate to the family’s chosen charity, instead of giving them bereavement or sympathy gifts. For them, the money given to a charitable institution can be put into better use than flowers which will be placed in the garbage weeks after the funeral. Plus a family can be overwhelmed with the volume of flowers sent to them during a bereavement period. But this is not always the case and it depends on the circumstances.
Sympathy gifts can be given to anyone. It can be a relative, a friend, a colleague, or even just an acquaintance. And it can definitely bring a smile back to their face. It gives them the feeling that they’re not alone in their time of sadness or hardship, and is an excellent way of showing support without the struggle of trying to find the right words.
My Saddest Day
It all started when in at five past midnight
Now I am lying stiff and cold
Deep in troubled dreamless sleep.
Cotton wool stuffed in my nostrils,
I cannot breathe.
A rag tightening my jaws together,
I cannot protest.
My feet bound together,
Surely there is no escape this time round.
Granny chose they dress me up in my favourite suit,
But this time there will be no return journey.
My brothers have put me in a box,
I am on display in the Living Room.
Living Room, what am I doing in the room of the living?
But they cannot hear me,
Because I cannot speak.
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