Funerals

The mother of a friend from work died Monday. The funeral was today. It was at a Catholic church and they had a Catholic Mass. It surprised me how many standard procedures they followed and how everyone knew what to do and say at the right time. At first, my critical side flared up with thoughts that it was all religion without reality. As I watched more closely however, I found many people were truly devoted to the process they followed.

One woman and her husband were like lay support for the priest. They helped him with preparations for communion and lighting an incense burner of some sort - I really don't know all of what was happening. It was clear however, that this man and his wife were very serious about their role.

The priest at one point said that the woman who died was saved by her baptism but later indicate she was saved by having taken the Eucharist (Communion) and in the end he asked us to pray for her sins that she might be saved. That seemed a little sad that there should be so much confusion about the means of salvation.

An older woman spoke in the beginning about the lady who died, she apparently was a close friend or relative. After she concluded her comments however, she said, "Well wherever Rose is going, we don't know where, we will always keep her with us in our hearts". That was sad too because this woman participated in the service and appeared to be a practicing member of the church but didn't have any conviction about where her friend or she would go upon death.

We just picked up our newly created Wills this Monday. I had actually drafted a set for my wife and I myself since the only requirement is that they be witnesses and notarized. However, my attorney convinced me his advice would be worth the $350 he would charge to draft the necessary documents and it would ensure a smooth transition of our stuff to whomever gets it.

We need to make a list of specific things we want to go to specific people. For example, one of our daughters-in-law requested our china when we are gone so that will be the first item on the list. I think it will be more important to detail our wishes for what our funeral should look like. I know I won't be there but it gets confusing for those left behind when they have to decide stuff like, burial or cremation, open casket or closed, flowers or balloons?