Simply mention the word "funeral" and it can evoke a wide variety of emotions. For many, the likely response is sadness as the memory of losing a loved one is the first thing that comes to mind. For others, the reaction is one of fear because they have never attended a funeral and know that one day they will be forced to confront this reality.

Many persons are likely to respond with a combination of feelings ranging from sorrow to peace of mind. While the sadness is for the aforementioned reason, the source of their comfort could be from the fond memories of a well-planned, personalized funeral that honored their loved one's life and legacy. 

Whether you or your loved one are members of a formal religion, are spiritual but not religious, or have other beliefs, a funeral is a unique way of honoring a person’s life and can be a great source of comfort to those survivors who are grieving the loss.

Be assured that your NFDA funeral director is ready to help you understand the value of the funeral. He or she will inform, educate and help you understand all of your options so that you may plan a funeral that is fitting to the unique life that was lived.

The Funeral
Helps confirm the reality and finality of death.
Provides a climate for mourning and the expression of grief.
Allows the sorrows of one to become the sorrows of many.
Is one of the few times love is given and not expected in return.
Is a vehicle for the community to pay its respects.
Encourages the affirmation of religious faith.
Is a declaration that a life that has been lived as well as a sociological statement that a death has occurred.
~The Funeral from Ancient Egypt to Present Day America

The funeral provides family members and friends an environment to offer comfort, support to one another and share their thoughts and feelings about the life of the deceased. It can be a formal, structured event based on religious ritual, a less formal gathering in a special place, or perhaps something else in between. A primary importance of the funeral lies in honoring the life lived and allowing the surviving family and friends to share in their loss and gain support from one another.

The ritual of attending a funeral service deliver many benefits including:

• Providing a social support system for the grieving family and friends.
  
• Helping those grieving to understand death is final and that death is part of life.
  
• Integrating the grieving family back into the community.
  
• Easing the transition to a new life after the death of a loved one.
  
• Providing a safe haven for embracing and expressing emotions.
  
• Reaffirming one’s relationship with the person who died.
  
• Providing a time to honor the person's life and to say good-bye.