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What is a funeral?
A funeral is the gathering of family and friends who come together
to honor the memory of a loved one who has died. Funerals are
a critical part of adjusting to a loss. Similar to rituals which
mark other milestones in life- such as baptisms, weddings, and
graduations, funerals are a time for friends and family to gather
to celebrate the life of a loved one and even share their feelings
concerning the loss. Remembering a person and sharing these memories
in a personal way can be very healing. Funerals are an important
ritual for every life by their affirmation about our basic beliefs.
What is embalming?
The cells of the human body begin decomposition immediately after
death. Embalming is the process of sanitizing and chemically treating
the body of the deceased. This process stops decomposition of
the body and restores an acceptable physical appearance, which
is often necessary to allow family members time to gather for
funeral services. When there is to be a viewing of the body, either
public or by the family, embalming restores a more healthful physical
appearance. This preparation helps modify and remove signs of
accidents or disease.
Should Children Attend the Funeral?
The death of a loved one can be a very confusing experience for
children. Attending a funeral may be helpful if explained to a
child, and also allows them to share the emotional experience
with the family. However, it should not be insisted upon them.
Talk with children about death and what will be involved in the
funeral and use your own judgment as to whether or not attending
will be helpful or hurtful to their adjustment to the loss.What
kind of Death Benefits are available?When a loved one dies, survivors
may be eligible for benefits from Social Security or the Veterans
Administration. The qualifications for Social Security benefits
depend on age, marital status, number of dependents, and whether
the deceased contributed to Social Security. The funeral director
can assist you in determining what benefits are available to you
and how to receive them. Benefits from the Veteran's Administration
are available to any honorably discharged individual, surviving
spouse, and children of the veteran. These benefits include the
American flag, a grave marker, and in some cases military honors.
What do Funeral Directors do?
The primary role of a funeral director is to assist and serve
people experiencing the death of a loved one. The director is
there to assist the family in many ways and relieves the family
of many details. They transport the body to the funeral home,
arrange visitations an funeral service, and release information
to the proper authorities for a death certificate. The funeral
home places obituary notices in the newspaper and helps fill out
forms for Social Security survivors benefits, Veterans benefits,
and life insurance. The director is responsible for the preparing
the body of the deceased for the service and making certain that
its presentation fulfills the family's wishes. The director is
the primary organizer the day of the funeral and takes care of
the logistics for the family.
Traditional Funeral Services
A traditional service varies from family to family and their differing
beliefs in religion and ceremony. Most often, a typical funeral
is compiled of many different elements. A gathering of family
and community is held at a church or funeral home, most often
with the casketed body present. The family may choose for the
casket to be open or closed, and there is a general type of service,
however subject to change depending upon the wishes of the family.
The burial occurs after the funeral, or in some cases there is
a cremation. Regardless of the type of service, acknowledging
the death of a loved one can be important to the future adjustment
of the survivors.
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