Funeral Services

“Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I, and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way

which you always used.

Put no difference in your tone,

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed

at the little jokes we enjoyed

Together. Play, smile, think of me,

 and if you want to, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect,

Without the trace without a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was,

there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind

because I am out of sight?

I am with my ancestors, I am waiting for you,

Or an interval, somewhere very near,

Just around the corner.

Don’t worry I now rest, all is well, all is well.

I am at peace!”

This is a ceremony of love and respect for the beloved, and  the family and friends who grieve their loss. Death in a number of ways unites us, and brings families and friends back together, reminding us that we are not eternal on this world. It is a time that demands that each one of us put aside our toil, our cares and pleasures to unite ourselves with everyone, mourners all, who share in the commonality of love and friendship.

It is a time of reflection on the life of the Beloved, good and bad, all which made up the true character of the Beloved. It is a time of sadness when all come together for ALL concerned. Putting aside differences and honoring the Passing of the Beloved and their family and friends. For now another door opens as the other closes.