Craig Kramme from Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Service believes that we can underestimate the true import of rites that surround a funeral of a loved one.
He says that human beings have a need to acknowledge what the person meant to them and know that their loved one has been respectfully ‘laid to rest’.
“Funerals have changed. Families want to have their say in how the service will look and feel – and that’s a good thing,” Craig explains.
“They can be conducted in any way the family wishes, making today’s funerals more about the ‘individual’, with personal touches, and the sharing of meaningful, relevant truths that reflect the life that was lived and how that life mattered to others.”
Researchers and psychologists are clear in their message that participating in a funeral helps to counter the initial effects of grief – such as shock, numbness and disbelief.
As Craig says, funerals are about saying goodbye, and a farewell helps people cope.
“Funerals reinforce the reality that death has happened, and provide a safe and appropriate place to show and share our feelings with others.”
He also believes that while people are often grateful for someone’s life, they should perhaps be more real about how they truly feel.
“Farewells are an emotional time, so why shouldn’t we be upset when we are never going to see each other again?
“We shouldn’t underestimate how helpful a funeral can be in setting the foundations for ‘good grief’ or healthy grieving.
“You cannot avoid grief just because you don’t want to experience it, or you don’t want others to see you upset.”
Craig asserts that as human beings, we actually need to grieve.
“Funerals help us say I love you, I’m lonely without you, I’ll always remember you and you meant a lot to me.”
For more information about a Tuckers funeral, call 5221 4788 or visit www.tuckers.com.au.
