How do you deal with funerals and death in general? Do you sing "Circle of Life" or do you fight it tooth and nail?--Al

-- Al Schroeder (al.schroeder@nashville.com), December 09, 1999

Answers

Thanks for the kind words, Sunshyn. Yeah, we'll make it.--Al

-- Al Schroeder (al.schroeder@nashville.com), December 10, 1999.

I actually go to funerals. I won't say I "enjoy" them, exactly, although I do like to attend, whenever possible. (My mom went to funerals for entertainment when she was a little kid -- there was nothing else to do in their small town!) I like a funeral that's done tastefully and that reflects the life of the person being celebrated. I DON'T like "viewings," but I've gotten to the point where I can go up and look, usually. Sometimes, though, I abstain. This time of year is difficult for me, because my dad passed away five days before Christmas (several years ago). Mom and I always make a trip to the cemetery to make sure he has poinsettias. I find it healing to visit the cemetery. Barb should go as often as she wants. We go to my dad's niche several times a year (he's in a wall), and we always take silk flowers to reflect whatever season it is. We try to make it for Father's Day and his birthday, too. Mom will be in the same niche after she passes, and I'm sure I'll continue to visit. My kids think we're morbid. But I like going to the cemetery -- it's peaceful and serene. Death? It's just another birth. It's hard on us, the ones who are left behind. But it's only the closing of a chapter, not the end of a book. Hang in there, Al -- you're doing fine and I'm proud of how you appear to be handling this.

Sunshyn

-- Sunshyn (sunshyndream@aol.com), December 10, 1999.