Some funerals are solemn yet happy occasions where family and friends come together to remember the wonderful years of a treasured life.

But sometimes the occasion overflows with tears. Nanna, at eighty six, had passed away, not unexpected, and when I arrived and chatted to the funeral staff everything was ready to go.

Then as the music played, the eulogy was read and the memories began to flow all ages started to overflow with emotion. The tears came, the crescendo increased during the reflection moment, till the final song played. The Anniversary Waltz, a treasured favourite, played in honour of the family’s matriarch. It was too much… and everyone just sat, stunned by the emotions of the moment.

It is so important to say goodbye, to let whatever emotions arrive have their moment, their opportunity to be heard, because then you’ve allowed the grief a space and time to speak.

My suggestion: Grief is as natural as the rain. It comes and goes, and just needs voice. Let it speak, when it desires voice, and despite its discomfort, it allows to get on with life!