“She lived a full life”
“He was the life of any party”
“She only wanted what’s best for us”
When people gather for a wake, they remember and celebrate a life that is meaningful, full of love, laughter and joy. This is because for us left behind, we want to remember our loved ones for the positive impact that they had in our lives. And when the time comes that we are on the other side, we want our families and friends to remember us for the life we lived and the love we gave.
A common catchphrase now among the youth is ‘you only live once or YOLO — but sometimes we can’t help but wonder: is it that we only live once that makes us yearn for life? Or knowing that we only die once and that’s it? And because we only die once, a life well-lived deserves no less.
Over the years, a growing number of people have put a lot of thought and preparation on how they want to leave this earth – making sure that the celebration and gathering of loved ones is a reflection of their passions, who they are, and what they stood for.
“My mom loved white roses and lived an elegant life. I want the celebration of her life to be reflective of that” says one daughter dealing with the passing of her mom. “Dad loved to travel and with every family trip, he made us feel that it was such a big adventure” says another. When it comes to choosing a partner/ chapel, these little details are important to make remembering more meaningful and filled with loving memories. Having a dedicated team of relationship managers that ensure your wishes are carried out makes coping a little easier and the burden a little lighter to bear. This seems common sense on a day-to-day basis. But when confronted by grief from the loss of a loved one, these things will also make a world of difference.
When people gather for a wake, there is sorrow. But there is also joy, love, and peace. A memorial service, while a somber reminder of our limited time on this earth, should also serve as a call to make the most out of life. Let it be a showcase of the many ways our departed was a blessing to us. Because it is not our death that people will remember. Rather, it is the quality of life we live and our impact to others which they will keep in their hearts. This is what we want to celebrate. And in the end, a life well-lived deserves no less. (advt)
