A Growing Trend

In my own neck of the woods there is a growing trend. For a Humanist Funeral Service.

The days of "wear something black", of some member of the clergy who never knew the deceased speaking of "the resurrection and the life" and calling all to prayer; of the embarrassing low drone as a couple of hymns are sung; all seem to be on the wane. (Perhaps I give the game away when it comes to my own bias!)

Instead we have, for instance, "please wear something pink" because of support for the breast cancer charity, the beat of Chris Rea as the throng walk in, perhaps Bob Dylan or Frank Sinatra as they walk out. And between, a resume of the life lived, sometimes spoken by one who knew and loved the one now gone.....deceased......passed over....is no more ( whatever, but we are not talking here of dead parrots ) Maybe a favourite poem or two that encourages not grief, but perhaps hope, fond memories and community.

I have been to a few now. A growing trend. One poignant moment stays with me, of the partner of the now gone (after 60 years of sharing their life) walking across to the coffin, kissing it and touching it with love.

And I still remember another moment, when the service was over and the final emotionally stirring words were said, introducing what was anticipated to be a deeply moving piece of music - and along came "Hey Big Spender"! Well, that particular ladies spending days were behind her...........yet who knows?