My late mom's funeral service went very smoothly. Some of us got to the funeral home about 45 minutes early. We brought pictures and a usb stick loaded with family photos which were set up in the viewing room where the open coffin lay. My nephew wanted to rehearse his piano piece in the chapel, and we had brought some timbits (bit-sized doughnuts from Tim Hortons) to go with the coffee provided in the reception room.
It wasn't long before the guests started arriving. Close family and friends were in attendance, in fact it was a pleasure to see many of my best friends arrive. It wasn't long before the chapel which seated at least 100 people was full.
The chaplain gave a very personal eulogy, despite the fact that he never knew my mom. He had come by my sister's house one evening to learn more about my mom and our family. It would be a non-denominational ceremony although we are Catholic. My cousin read a scripture, followed by my young nephew. Next my daughter gave a lovely speech which had humourous bits about the family. Then my niece gave a touching speech about her fondest memories of her grandma. Before closing one of my nephews played a wonderful classical piece on the electronic piano which garnered applause. He is really talented.
After the service our family hosted a luncheon at a restaurant for some guests. Funerals are not cheap, much like some weddings. In retrospect it was a beautiful way to say goodbye to mom, with all her children in attendance. I have 3 younger sisters and a brother who is the youngest of us. My mom had 11 grandchildren. We had not all been together in some ten years.
