The great French playwright, Molière once said, “If you suppress grief too much, it can well redouble.” It might be tempting after the loss of someone close to you to try and control the pain by repressing it. Much has been written on the subject, and experts agree that the first stage of grief is denial. While the instinct might serve you in the short term, it will have negative results later down the road.
At Krause Funeral Home, we’re not just here to help you plan a funeral service. We want to help you create a healing experience for you, your family, and your friends that will help provide closure and move you further on the path towards the final stage of grief – acceptance.
You may find that planning and holding a viewing for your loved one can bring an extra level of closure, helping to move more quickly through that
initial denial phase. By seeing your loved one before laying them to rest, you will be able to accept the reality of what has happened. It provides tangible evidence that they truly are gone. You can say a very concrete good-bye to them. By not keeping this moment completely private – but sharing it with loved ones – you also give them the opportunity to understand the reality of the loss. While this might seem painful on the surface, and every family has to decide what is best for this person, you may be very glad later on that you had a visitation or viewing.
Other aspects of the funeral are specifically designed to help you in your grief. Gathering together with friends and family at a reception either after or before a service or visitation can bring comfort. The act of eating together allows you to talk, reminisce, and maybe even share a laugh over good memories.
When you personalize a service with options like a butterfly release, video tribute, or live music, you can express the personality, hobbies, and accomplishments of your friend or family member. It may be a final expression of your love for them. Your clergy member, or one of the Krause celebrants can bring a moving tribute that will honor the life that has been lived.
The compassionate team at Krause will be with you through every step of the planning process, making sure you get the most out of the experience. We will also be here for you long after the service is over. With years of experience caring for grieving families, we know the best specialists, resources, and support groups Milwaukee has to offer. With strong ties to our community, Krause has the most comprehensive list of current grief support groups for Southeastern Wisconsin. Reach out to us today, and we can help you find the support you need.