I don't know what it is about the month of June, but this is the second one in a row for me to bury a grandmother. My two grandmothers lived well into their 90s and even spent the last few decades of their lives in the same senior living complex. While I will miss both of them, I am confident that they are enjoying heaven after living as Christians.
As I posted last June, I like to compare American traditions with Nigerian ones. I’m told that funeral specifics vary between communities, tribes, cultures, and religions. A lot depends on if the deceased person is an adult, young man, baby, or religious person, and the cause of death. For example, last fall I was in an African village when gunshots erupted. After I dropped to the ground, Dr. Chris reassured me that the shots went into the air as a tribute to the village chief because of his honored position.
While there will not be the sound of gunshots (God-willing!) at my grandmother's funeral, the church bell will toll 96 times (one for each year of her life on this earth).
(Photo is me with my grandmothers a few years ago. The one on the left passed away last week and the one on the right passed away last year.)
I'm so sorry you had to lose two precious women in your life only a year apart. It is wonderful they lived such long and healthy lives, but it is hard to lose them just the same. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteAs far as funeral traditions, I've found even the differences in families are wide. On one side of my family, we usually have a big party. The other is much more somber. (I prefer the celebration myself).
Marie B