THE CLOSING OF THE CASKET

If you’ve been to an open casket funeral, you will find that the most moving moments of the ceremony is the closing of the casket and the lowering of the casket in the cemetery. These seem to be the final, final good-byes. This is usually when the whole family is put into tears and a feeling of loss is hanging over the assembly. The pain can be softened if we look at these moments in a different light.  Consider it not “the end” but “the beginning!” The beginning of a new journey, surrounded by friends and family that have gone before them.  It can be considered an adventure that we will all embark on sooner or later. Rejoice at the closing of the casket fore this is what the deceased would rather see at their funeral. I sometimes wonder if some journeys are not put on hold due to the emotional state of the loved ones left behind. Some spirits may feel they cannot leave until they have the emotional consent from family and friends, postponing their journey and where they are needed until a later time. I believe we die because our spirit is needed in another place, we have work to accomplish on the other side. So next time an open casket funeral is on your agenda, rejoice to the closing of the casket and the beginning of the journey and send them off with a smile and a knowing that they are needed in another realm.