Over the past few days, I’ve been reminded of why we have funerals. They are not solely a time to mourn that someone has died—they are a time to celebrate that someone has lived.
I had the honor of listening to a widower share story after story about his beloved wife, his best friend of 62 years. She was the mother to his children, the grandmother who delighted in spoiling her grandchildren, and the woman he adored. He spoke about how they met, their wedding, and even the separation they endured during the war.
As family and friends gathered, those stories continued—shared with laughter, tears, and smiles during visitation and before the service. Yes, there was sadness. Death had taken someone deeply loved and cherished. But only her physical presence was gone. Her spirit, her love, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Her husband reminded me that, through the memories of those who loved her, she continues to live.
Death is never easy, and the circumstances surrounding it can make it even more challenging. But funerals provide an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to a life well-lived.
Even for those who didn’t know her personally, attending her funeral was a way to connect with her through the love and memories shared by her family. Like me, they walked away feeling as though, in some way, they had known her.
Funerals remind us of the impact one life can have—and that love never truly dies.
~Greg Cannon
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