148) Funerals

I hated funerals. I always avoided talking about death. 

​You're born, you live, and you die.

When I die, I would like to be cremated. No need to visit, and maintain my gravestone. Most importantly, I wanna save land for the future generation.
​
My younger-self believed that only the closed "ones" should attend his or her funeral. 
​For instance, during my sister's funeral, many people were in attendance. I was in shock. I was selfish.
I asked myself, "Were they even close to her? Did they ever talk to her?"

​Now, I see funerals differently.

So far, in funerals, it brings family, friends, and relatives together. Everybody is supporting each other in a sense of unity. Call that, unconditional love.

Last month, my mom and I attended my Uncle's vigil service. (For Catholics, a vigil is usually held the night before the funeral. Everybody comes to pray and remember the deceased one.) He is a long distant relative. I never met him in my life. I only knew of him.

(My younger-self would have not attended a funeral or vigil, if I was not close to the deceased one.)

During his vigil, my Uncle's best friend talked about him to everybody. I was in a bit of tears. Call that, empathy. My mournful Auntie, and cousin were in tears. I was sad. Again, that is empathy.

(My younger-self only cared for a funeral or vigil, if was I close to the deceased one.)

​Now, I have a deeper understanding in funerals.
​I have empathy, and unconditional love.

It's not always about me.