Should You Have A Viewing Or A Visitation?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a viewing and a visitation?

During a viewing, the deceased's body is present;
During a visitation the body is not present, but rather an urn or picture is displayed.

Personalize The Viewing Of Your Loved One

Having a wake and funeral helps start the healing process after the loss of a loved one. It gives the family a peaceful image of their loved one to remember instead of the last few days in the hospital or nursing home.

Many people comment on how good they look. This is a not a silly comment since the person is at peace and is not fighting the hard battle of survival that they may have been experiencing just a few days before.

This final viewing gives your family, friends, and neighbors a time to gather to support one another in this time of loss by telling funny or touching stories that they remember and hold dear.

You are encouraged to bring in pictures, favorite objects, military uniforms, and personal possessions that help everyone remember the importance of a life that was lived for any type of service.

Visitation And Services Can Help The Grieving Process

The viewing and funeral or memorial service gives your family time to gather and support each other. It gives friends and neighbors the time to come and support your family with funny and touching stories of the past.

Without any services, each family member is left to deal with the loss of a person they loved very dearly, all alone. You will not have the hug or kiss of a family friend or support of other relatives.

I encourage you to discuss this with your spouse and children in depth before making a final decision. The funeral or memorial service is an important step in dealing with your loss of a very special person in their life.

Avoiding this step may cause the people that you love most to be deprived of the healing effects of having a funeral and the support of family and friends.