Why is it that we wait until after someone is dead to tell how much they meant to us?

Question

At funerals, people always gather around and share stories and comments on the deceased's life. Especially in terms of how much that person touched them. Wouldn't it be more effective to tell the deceased this before they die?

Answer 1

Have you ever noticed too how once someone dies everyone all of a sudden was their best friend. I can't stand it. I don't understand this. Oh well!
As for your question, people probably aren't expecting the person to die. We should all tell our loved ones though how much they mean to us on a regular basis, so when they do pass, they will die knowing they were loved.

Answer 2

I think the reason that people say these things at funerals is to comfort the bereaved. A relative who I called my "aunt" died 2 weeks ago, and I shared good stories and funny stories about her.
I think the deceased person knew how you felt about them. The best way to honor them is to continue to share stories about them with their loved ones.

Answer 3

I'd know. I just lost my grandmother last Sunday. It was a shocker. Her funeral was two days ago. It was very sad. I am glad I spent time with her when I could.

Answer 4

Because we don't realize it until they're gone. While they're here we usually take them for granted:(