You’ve Been Asked to Speak at a Funeral. Now What?
Sometimes, the hardest part of a funeral isn’t the goodbye itself, it’s figuring out what to say. You’re standing in front of people who are grieving. You’re holding the memory of someone you love. And suddenly, the words don’t come as easily as you thought they might. I see it all the time.
Supporting Kids Through Grief and Goodbyes
As adults, we often try to shield children from grief. We worry the funeral will be too much. That they won’t understand. It might be better if they stay home, away from all the sadness. But here’s something I’ve seen again and again: Children are far more capable of handling loss than we sometimes give them credit for, especially when they’re gently included, supported, and heard. How we support children through a funeral matters.
“Do We Have to Wear Black?”, she asked.
When Morgan came to me to plan her dad’s funeral, she had a simple but powerful question: “Do we have to wear black?” It was quiet, almost hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed to ask. But in that one line, I could feel how much love and thought she was already pouring into this farewell.
The Journey of Grief is Yours
I’ve stood beside a lot of people in the hours, days, and weeks after someone has died. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Grief doesn’t follow a script. It doesn’t wear the same face for everyone. It doesn’t arrive on schedule.