Life lessons at a funeral
April 15, 2015
My mother passed away in September 2014. She was only 56.
Preparations for her funeral involved deciding who would speak at the funeral service. Several of her friends and family members were approached about delivering a eulogy. I was one of three that accepted the offer to speak at the service.
Delivering a eulogy at my mother's funeral was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in my life.
After giving myself time to grieve and heal, I can now reflect back on the funeral and clearly see the life lessons that were contained in that day. These were the life lessons I took from that day:
Persevere. On a few occasions during my speech I was so emotional that I couldn't talk. When this happened I gave myself time to take a deep breath, regain my composure and then continue speaking. I battled with my emotions but made sure I completed the speech. When life is difficult you have to keep going and finish what you start.
Do it now. Witnessing the end of somebody's life caused many people at the funeral to examine their own life and look at what they have done or failed to do. Life is happening right now. The clock is ticking. Start living your best life today.
Face your fears. A family member told me that she wouldn't want to speak at a funeral mainly due to her fear of public speaking. Confidence builds when you overcome situations that scare you. Accept the challenge and win!
Smile. Telling a funny story about my mother made people smile and instantly changed the energy in the church. Turn off the news and watch a comedy.
"He who laughs, lasts." - Mary Pettibone Poole
Let go. Balloons were released into the air at the end of the service to symbolize letting go of my mother and to allow the grieving process to begin. What do you need to let go of in your own life? Let go of anger. Let go of the past. Let go of toxic relationships.
Preparations for her funeral involved deciding who would speak at the funeral service. Several of her friends and family members were approached about delivering a eulogy. I was one of three that accepted the offer to speak at the service.
Delivering a eulogy at my mother's funeral was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in my life.
After giving myself time to grieve and heal, I can now reflect back on the funeral and clearly see the life lessons that were contained in that day. These were the life lessons I took from that day:
Persevere. On a few occasions during my speech I was so emotional that I couldn't talk. When this happened I gave myself time to take a deep breath, regain my composure and then continue speaking. I battled with my emotions but made sure I completed the speech. When life is difficult you have to keep going and finish what you start.
Do it now. Witnessing the end of somebody's life caused many people at the funeral to examine their own life and look at what they have done or failed to do. Life is happening right now. The clock is ticking. Start living your best life today.
Face your fears. A family member told me that she wouldn't want to speak at a funeral mainly due to her fear of public speaking. Confidence builds when you overcome situations that scare you. Accept the challenge and win!
Smile. Telling a funny story about my mother made people smile and instantly changed the energy in the church. Turn off the news and watch a comedy.
"He who laughs, lasts." - Mary Pettibone Poole
Let go. Balloons were released into the air at the end of the service to symbolize letting go of my mother and to allow the grieving process to begin. What do you need to let go of in your own life? Let go of anger. Let go of the past. Let go of toxic relationships.
