Missed Viewing

[debodun]

A woman to whom I used to deliver meals passed away this week. Her viewing was yesterday afternoon. I had the church Bible study to attend and it was a long one - almost 3 hours (I guess because of the Easter theme). I thought I stop at the viewing on my way home. I got to the funeral parlor and everything was locked up and dark. I thought I didn't remember the time correctly. I checked the obit and I had gone to the wrong mortuary! Now it's too late.

 

[Tish]

Oh, no, I feel your pain.

 

[oldaunt]

I have never understood the morbidity of having to go look at the dead, nor spend huge amounts on big funerals.

 

[win231]

I have never understood the morbidity of having to go look at the dead, nor spend huge amounts on big funerals.

I don't either, though I have because that's what people expected of me.
Maybe because it's the last time they'll see them.......Sort of.

 

[Betty Boop]

I don't either, though I have because that's what people expected of me.
Maybe because it's the last time they'll see them.......Sort of.

I think you kind of got it right with this statement. People do expect you to pay your last respects and I think it is more for the family that is living that you are showing some support to them as well.

 

[oldaunt]

I think I would rather "pay my respects" by spending time whit the person while still alive. I'm sure THEY would prefer it also. Then, do like the Irish used to and have a wake to celebrate their memory. Then the living aren't carrying a large debt for the next several years. I'm going for cremation or composting and NO funeral.

 

[Sliverfox]

As a child growing up on farm where you might wander a dead, rotting critter,,made me decide I wanted cremated.

When I told my mother she tried to talk me out of it.

At this age I have told several family memebers what I want done.

 

[oldman]

If I go to a viewing, I seldom view the person in the casket. I extend my condolences to the family and leave. My wife is on the same page as me on this, but sometimes she talks too much.

 

[win231]

As a child growing up on farm where you might wander a dead, rotting critter,,made me decide I wanted cremated.

When I told my mother she tried to talk me out of it.

At this age I have told several family memebers what I want done.

Unless it is prearranged with a funeral home, family members can do whatever they want.
My parents had everything prearranged, but my sister didn't like our father's choice of casket; she thought it was too plain. Naturally, the funeral director was delighted to sell us a more-expensive one. After 30 minutes of arguing with my sister, she finally agreed with me - that changing what he wanted would be disrespecting his last wish.

 

[debodun]

I've arranged for direct burial - no funeral or viewing. I don't want people gawking at my dead body. I've informed my executor that if any remaining family members want to have a memorial afterwards, knock yourself out.

 

[jimintoronto]

As a child growing up on farm where you might wander a dead, rotting critter,,made me decide I wanted cremated.

When I told my mother she tried to talk me out of it.

At this age I have told several family memebers what I want done.

Silverfox. Be sure to act NOW to prepay for your cremation. By prepaying the entire cost ( which will be WAY cheaper than a traditional funeral and burial ) you will be ensuring that you wishes will be respected. I recently prepaid for my cremation here in Toronto. The entire cost of all of the services came to $1,800. When I die, all my Wife has to do is call the Aftercare office, tell them my name , and they do everything from there onwards. Even if I live a further 20 years, the price will be the same, and the money I paid will be held in a interest bearing trust account, and any balance left over will be paid into my estate. JimB.