It's been said that funeral services are for the living. They offer a chance for the deceased's loved ones to gather in honor of the one who has passed and perform rituals that help transition to life after death. Although funerals and memorials are emotional and often challenging experiences for many people, they are important to the grieving process. 

The Importance of Mourning & Grief 

Funeral services are an important ritual. Just as we celebrate the love of two people with a wedding or the passing of another year with a birthday or anniversary celebration, funerals are an acknowledgment of another life milestone. Without the ritual of a funeral, it's more difficult to acknowledge the reality of death and begin the mourning process. 

Often, people want to avoid acknowledging death and feelings of grief and sadness. Even though we may understand that someone has passed from a logical standpoint, without a formal ritual to say goodbye or celebrate their life, it's challenging to accept the loss emotionally. Instead of expressing grief outwardly or processing their feelings to reach acceptance, many people suppress their emotions or choose unhealthy methods to cope. Over time, suppressing grief can be detrimental to one's emotional and physical well-being.

How Funeral Services Help with Grief 

Funeral services support the grieving process by offering a safe place for mourners to express their feelings and receive support and comfort from others going through the same process. Sometimes just seeing how many people loved the deceased and how many lives they impacted can help bring comfort. 

A funeral service also pays tribute to the deceased, remembering their life and giving loved ones the chance to share memories and feelings. Acknowledging the life they lived also helps legitimize feelings of grief, and helps mourners begin to move forward. Often, funerals serve as a source of inspiration. 

By marking the significance of someone else's life, mourners may find purpose in their own lives and a reason to continue living. Although mourning doesn't stop when the funeral is over, the ritual of acknowledging the life and death of a loved one is the first step toward healing. 

Planning a funeral service can be a challenge when you're grieving. Get help honoring a loved one from the compassionate experts at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA. For more than 100 years, they have assisted families with every step of the funeral planning process. They also offer grief counseling to help you manage your feelings and the mourning process. They offer 24/7 service and a personalized approach to every family. Visit their website to learn more, or call (814) 724-1021 to speak with a funeral director.