20/09/2026
On Thursday, I attended my aunt’s funeral.
It wasn’t local and I had absolutely nothing to do with the arrangements. For once, I wasn’t there as a funeral director. I was simply there as a nephew and a mourner.
Fortunately, that’s a position I don’t find myself in very often, but being on the other side gave me a chance to reflect on just how important a funeral can be.
The wicker coffin was dressed with beautiful roses. I listened to the lovely words my cousins spoke about their mum, the stories and memories of happy times, the hymns we sang together and the music that had been chosen for her. It all came together to make it feel incredibly personal.
And then, afterwards, we simply spent time together as a family.
I saw cousins, aunts and uncles who, unfortunately, I don’t see anywhere near as often as I should. We talked, reminisced, laughed, remembered and, most importantly, supported one another.
Despite the sadness that had brought us all together, it was a really lovely afternoon with family.
I suppose as we get older, we become increasingly aware that funerals are sometimes the occasions that bring extended families back together. We all say we should see each other more often, but life gets busy and somehow the years pass.
Yesterday reminded me that a funeral is about so much more than what happens during the service itself.
It gives us a moment to stop. To listen. To remember someone properly. To say goodbye together. To support one another.
It gives family and friends the opportunity to come together, share memories and reconnect.
I spend my working life helping families arrange funerals, but every now and again it’s important to experience one simply as a member of a family.
Yesterday was a reminder to me of just how much they matter.
Rest in peace, Aunty Kay. 🪻💜
Ben
-
Turnbull.
Serving our community since 1790
-
Visit - https://tinyurl.com/ntrjr25c
Rated 5-Star ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
