Sunday, February 04, 2007
letter from today
I had to go to a funeral home today. I went alone, and always I find this--funeral home visitations, going alone-- difficult. At the last moment I thought of a mutual acquaintance and thought we might go together, but really, it was too late, already during visitation hours. I thought of a lot of reasons not to go, I have a cold, it's cold outside, I don't want to go alone (I didn't know the deceased, but rather, a family member). Of course, I did go, I am glad I did, my visit was appreciated. My friend thanked me for coming and said sometimes she doesn't feel like a person, she's under a rock between work and family responsibilities. I told her she was a person. I said she should consider it official. I'm glad I went, today, to the funeral home, alone.
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5 comments:
Beth, this is really beautiful. Thank you for posting it.
I know what you mean about funeral homes, although I've not yet had to go to one alone. (I've only had to go a few times, thankfully.) I'm sure your friend appreciated your presence and wisdom.
You're right about the Jane Austen Book Club, too. I think you pinpointed something that I felt as I read--distance. I wonder if there was more distance because the author introduced too many "main" characters?
I had to go to a funeral home alone last October, over a two hour drive. I dreaded it, but I am glad I went. I did not realize how much I needed the comfort of my relatives, and I like to think I helped them, too, by being there. Still, there is something peculiar about standing around a dead body and talking as if it is not there, don't you think? We are all a bit warped. A bit in denial. Teagrapple
Hi Beth.
Beth, I found your front porch via GannetGirl via Katherine E, who got me interested in blogging. I'm glad I could read today's piece. I'm warmed by your visit to the funeral home. I am slowly learning to go to funeral homes and hospitals, breaking an enduring voice from my childhood about "not bothering people." It's taken me a long time to learn that showing concern is NOT bothering. Thank you for helping me with this lesson some more.
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