I went to my uncle's funeral this week, my first non JW funeral since leaving. I have attended many JW funerals and was often dismayed at how little respect was given to the deceased. In contrast my Uncle's funeral service was truly moving and my Dad gave a lovely eulogy in which he described the day his brother was born and their early life together. He talked about how close they were and how truly special he was and how much he meant to him. The vicar was sensitive to the family and the hymns were appropriate, uplifting and moving.
The best bit was meeting all my great cousins and extended family, and reminising about my Uncle and feeling how much they wanted to be there for him and my Dad. We all had a small wake with tea, sandwiches and cake and just talked. Funnily enough it was the first time the funeral service served a purpose and was cathartic we felt my Uncle had a good send off, we were there for him. We all had a chance to say goodbye and feel the loss and accept that there was nothing more we could do for him in this life.
No JWs were in attendance