FUNERALS ARE GREAT FOR FAMILY NETWORKING

#SMED11

Following the recent funeral of a family member, I came to realise that, as befitting the nature of such a sad event, feelings of sadness, bereavement and empathy are appropriately in abundance. On the other hand, particularly after the formal proceedings, the mood of congregants is more relaxed, and it is then that family and friends use the invitation to ‘join family of the lost one’ as a great social opportunity.

This is the time when people:
- catch up with family and friends not seen in ages;
- dish out compliments, i.e, ‘you’re looking good for your age’;
- catch up on latest information on who’s married, divorced and who’s
engaged;
- discuss and are usually suprised to hear and see how families have enlarged
over the years;
- check the weight management of others;
- find out and discuss who has had plastic surgery : boob jobs, liposuctions,
botox injections;
- evaluate skin texture and wrinkles that are for too severe in relation to
actual age;
- exchange telephone numbers, and increase followers on Facebook and Twitter;
- promise to stay in touch, meet up again and start arrangements for family
reunions.

It is also at funerals where one might meet up with one's first love or childhood sweetheart - there are many examples where a second or third marriage originated at funerals - particularly referring to when first loves are rekindled.

In conclusion, although a sad and dignified occasion, funerals can also be a great place to meet up and acquaint oneself with family neglected, and friendships of years gone by. In the circle of life, the Lord takes away, but the Lord also opens a window / opportunity for new friendships to blossom . Herein maybe lies the legacy of one’s death – new beginnings to friendship.