Living Funerals

In his book ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’  author Mitch Albom describes how his old college professor Morrie Schwartz decided to hold his own funeral.

Morrie, who was slowly dying from a progressive nervous system disease, felt saddened after attending a colleague's funeral as he thought it a terrible waste that she didn't get to hear all the wonderful things people said about her.

​

Morrie decided to hold a ‘Living Funeral’ for himself and invited a group of close friends and family to share with him. Together they laughed, together they cried and together they said goodbye.

Living funerals are an area of interest to me that I am looking to develop.  I feel that so much fear surrounds death. It is seen as a mystery that nobody dares discuss, but what if those who are dying could be more involved?  

​

It is not uncommon for people to plan their own funerals. They want to add their own choices, put their own unique stamp on them and ensure they reflect who they truly are. They also want the chance to say “goodbye” to those they love. But what if this could be done whilst still alive?

​

If a person knows that they don't have much time left to live, perhaps due to terminal illness or old age, they may wish to consider having a  living funeral.

​

Living funerals can, if you wish,  follow a similar pattern to a regular funeral except the person is there to share in the moment and hear all of the wonderful things their loved ones have to say. 

Families and friends can share stories and memories of the person who is nearing death and the person who is dying can talk about their life and those who have shared it.

​

The goal of a living funeral is to celebrate life, give thanks, express love and bring a sense of closure to all attending.

Living funerals can take place in your home or garden, in a hospice, in a local community hall, or any place of significance to the person, such as a favourite beach. Music can be played or sung, poetry read, keepsakes created and shared. 

Memory boxes can be filled with mementos such as photographs, jewellery, a favourite shared tipple or anything that symbolises a memory or special connection. Cards can be given with words that will bring comfort to the dying in their final days and help create a lasting gift for the loved ones left behind.

​

With love, laughter, tears, sensitivity and open hearts, death does not need to be frightening. The dying can rest gently in their final days wrapped in the knowledge that nothing is left unsaid, hearts have been healed and that they are truly loved. 

​

If this is something you would like to consider  or find out more details then I would love to hear from you. We can have a chat and arrange to meet if you wish,  to talk through your ideas.

​

‘Tuesdays with Morrie’, 

M. Albom (1997)

Sphere, London