Not an easy post to write this one because no one wants to see or talk about disrespect at a funeral. I have lost count the number of funerals that I have attended in the course of my work in the funeral industry over the past 6 years and the level of disrespect never fails to amaze me! Why do mourners think that it is acceptable to chat and laugh aloud when the hearse carrying the deceased is making its way past them. Sometimes, we can be removing the coffin from the back of the hearse and all around us people are making jokes and acting as if they are already at the wake!! Is it really that hard to stand in silence as the deceased passes by? Is what you have to say more important? It’s the same with people turning up late, and I include the clergy in this! Why is it that everyone else can get there on time, but some mourners feel that time doesn’t matter to them. They’re happy to turn up late and saunter in as if they have all day! The same with clergy. Just a few weeks ago I was at an 11:30am service. The hearse was open and the coffin had been positioned ready for removal. All the family were in the chapel and the entry music was playing. Various family members kept coming out to check if the vicar had arrived and were clearly worried that she hadn’t. Then, at 11:30, the vicar comes strolling down the road as if she has all day! When questioned about this, she replied, ‘I’m too busy these days to be anywhere on time!’ Whatever happened to greeting the family as they arrive and putting them at ease?!! Don’t get me started on people who overtake the hearse when it is driving slowly down a particular road or the people who won’t stop for 3 seconds whilst the hearse passes by! Where is your respect? Would you be happy if someone treated your loved one in this way? Show some moral fibre!

Rant over!

Love & Light

RG