Funerals are a time to mourn and remember the person who passed away. Family and friends gather all around to support each other. A lot of times during a funeral, you don't know how some people are related to you or the deceased. When you are getting ready, you don't know what to wear or if what you are wearing is appropriate. Then, there is the whole business of what you should be doing during the funeral.
Here are 10 things that will be going through your mind during a funeral:
1. "Who are you?"
You know your immediate family and your family friends, but sometimes you don't know those distant cousins. Random people will walk in, you will be confused about how they know the deceased one. I would often look at my mother for confirmation of who they are.
2. "I should have worn more comfortable footwear."
Remember to wear comfortable shoes. You are going to be up, down, and walking about and some shoes are just not made for walking. As cute as they are, just remember that this isn't about you anyway. Wear comfortable shoes or if you bought new shows, definitely break them in beforehand.
3. "Get ready to say hello a bunch of times."
You will be surprised with how many people can show up to a funeral. You have to say hello to everyone and sometimes it is exhausting. Don't be cranky, keep a polite smile on your face, and do your part to say hello. It is your family and they are grieving, saying hello is a small part to help them.
4. "Get ready for a lot of tears."
Tears are inevitable. Some people will start crying randomly, and there is no need to be alarmed. Grief can come in many forms and most importantly, in different waves. Either get someone who can comfort them or comfort them yourselves.
5. "What is going on?"
Funerals are long and during that period of waiting for the service to start, you don't quite know what to do. I don't even know what to do. My advice is to hold long enough conversations until the service starts or just sit in your seat. It is an odd period.
6. "I hope I didn't forget my umbrella."
Most of the time, it will drizzle. Every time I went to a burial, it would drizzle just a bit. Keep an umbrella in the car, just in case.
7. "Don't wear those heels to a burial."
You are in the grass, and sometimes the dirt under grass is wet. You are going to sink. There is a tarp and carpet, but sometimes you don't get that nice spot. Don't wear heels or even suede if you care about your shoes getting messed up. Some graves are very deep in the cemetery.
8. Plan your sleep
You are going to be exhausted. Emotionally, mentally, physically. Make sure to grab some Z's the night before the funeral and before the burial. You are going to be around a lot of sad people and you are going to be surrounded all day long.
9. "Where are my tissues?"
Always have tissues with you. People around you are going to need them and let me tell you, they run out fast. Put some boxes in your car and make sure to keep one with you at all times.
10. "Be prepared for family drama."
I don't know why people love to start drama at the most inconvenient times. Even if it isn't outright calling someone out, you can see the looks and hear the little whispers. Try not to get in the middle of it. Sometimes, it can be for the worse.
