Finding Closure When Someone Has Been Cremated
Finding closure when we have lost a loved one can be difficult. Many cultures have intricate rituals when someone passes. These rituals give the grievers a chance to say goodbye, honour their loved one’s life, and provide a sense of closure. All these things are important elements of a healthy grieving process. Without them, the reality of what has happened can be much slower to sink in and the grieving process is delayed. Western culture has the ritual of the funeral service with a viewing, followed by a graveside burial. However, with cremation gaining popularity in recent years, many people miss out on these rituals and the closure they can bring. How do you say goodbye when your loved one is cremated?
Viewings
Having the opportunity to see your loved one after they have passed away can be very important, especially if the death was unexpected. Even if you did see your loved one right after they passed away, that experience is sometimes challenging when the circumstances are not the best. Viewing at a funeral home can provide a much more peaceful experience and the time and space to say your goodbyes. Although viewings are much more common with burials, they can also be done before a cremation. The viewing can either be a private family viewing, or your loved one can be present at the funeral service, with cremation taking place afterward.