The viewing of my father's body is going to be on Thursday from 12pm until 6pm. I am not sure what the procedure is. We have no other relatives here in this state, a few of my friends and church members may stop by for thew viewing. My question is, am I supposed to sit their with the body for the entire 6 hours to greet people? Or do I just stay for a little while and then leave? Help please I am going through this all alone. My dad was the only relative I had in this state and now he is gone. I just want to bury him with dignity and respect.
2007-02-13 07:48:01 · 6 answers · asked by joyce 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Talk with the funeral director, that is what they are there for. Just as an idea, be there in the beginning and then near the end when people who have to work will attend. Six hours seems like a very long time. Sorry for your loss.
2007-02-13 07:55:49 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are his relative and you really should stay and greet people and let them speak with you. My grandmother just died and I stayed at the funeral home the entire time, which was only for 3 hours. I have never heard of a viewing/visitation going on for 6 hours. Usually the family arrives an hour earlier than the start of visitation and views the body privately and then friends and other family members, etc attend at the scheduled time. I am sorry you are going through this. This is the hardest part besides burying him. At the visitation you don't have to stand by the body like a guard, you can walk around the room so to speak and talk to everyone, be prepared for many stories about your father, you will be fine. You have my condolences during this difficult time.
2007-02-13 16:07:35 · answer #2 · answered by Premo Mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, my sympathies on your loss. Your father was lucky to have someone like you that only wants to do what is right.
There is no 'right' in this case. I would attend for a few minutes when the casket is opened at the viewing and perhaps stay a while. Then come back later at your choosing. Talk to the funeral director, also.
Please make sure that the funeral home has a visitor log at the viewing and funeral. It is a wonderful gesture on your part to try and send as many thank you's afterward after a period of mourning also.
May G-d bless.
2007-02-13 16:05:10 · answer #3 · answered by vgordon_90 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Folks that come are there twofold; to seek closure and pay
respects to the family of the deceased (also contributes to
closure for the family members) Handle as long as you can
of the 6 hours of greeting/escorting your dads friends to the
casket and conversing with the attendees, you'll find that some
people that knew your dad will be a comfort to you.
2007-02-13 15:58:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
sadly, since you are his only family here, it is up to you to greet the visitors. you may leave the room to take a break, have some coffee or whatever but it isn't appropriate to leave the funeral home. do you have a friend that could stay with you? it always helps to have someone to turn to if you get overwhelmed. or to help with details. am very sorry about your dad. god bless.
2007-02-13 19:06:12 · answer #5 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my aunt died ...we (her family) didnt even attend the viewing. For us the viewing was for folk who probaby werent going to attend the funeral the next day. Too many ceremonies is hard on families. While the family was together, we just weren't at the viewing. If you feel the need I would be there when they open his casket for viewing and come back when they close it. Whatever works for you is best.
2007-02-13 15:54:32 · answer #6 · answered by Mean Carleen 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋