Funeral readings?

[Biancadelriosback]

My grandma died this week. It felt sudden but it wasn't really. We are a huge family, she had loads of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I miss her very much and I keep thinking of her. This is really hard to type.

I've been asked if I would like to do a reading at her funeral. I do, to honour her, but I can't find anything right! I don't want something too formal or sad. I don't want anything too religious. Ideally I want something celebratory. Help?

How about a poem,

At FIL funeral I read 'dust if you must' as he'd shared it on FB a few weeks before and at MIL I read 'Do not stand at my grave and weep'

Both whilst tinged with sadness put a good positive outlook on life.

Have you considered ringing the Funeral Directors? They will have lots of experience with this and will be able to help you.

I love any of the poems on death by Christina Rosetti. Somehow she manages to acknowledge an awfully sad time but spin it into something beautiful. They make perfect readings.

Sorry for your loss

I read this peom by Christina Rosetti at my Dads funeral. I see it as keeping the good memories close and letting go of the sadness.

When I Am Dead, My Dearest

When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget..
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember
And haply may forget.

I heard The Broken Chain at a funeral recently, very beautiful.

The broken chain one is lovely!
I agree the Christina Rosetti ones are nice but I worry that they are too long? I think I'm really going to struggle to do the reading at all.

I read An Irish Blessing at my granddads funeral.

Another vote for "Do not stand at my grave" here. It's a nice reading, not too sombre.

When my Grandma died, I read a passage from her favourite book. Is that an option?

This is the poem I read at DF's funeral

Remember Me

Speak of me as you have always done.
Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.
Share the happy memories we've made.
Do not let them wither or fade.
I'll be with you in the summer's sun
And when the winter's chill has come.
I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.
I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease.
I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep,
But memories we've shared are yours to keep.
Sometimes our final days may be a test,
But remember me when I was at my best.
Although things may not be the same,
Don't be afraid to use my name.
Let your sorrow last for just a while.
Comfort each other and try to smile.
I've lived a life filled with joy and fun.
Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.

Source: www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/remember-me-12

Even though the rain hides the stars
Even though the mist swirls the hills
Even when the dark clouds veil the sky
You are by my side
Even when the sun shall fall in sleep
Even when at dawn the sky shall weep
Even in the night when storms shall rise
You are by my side

(From my mums funeral)

I read this at my Gran's funeral:

Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

She was wonderful and so much fun so it was perfect for her. Sorry for your loss and hope you find something you're happy with

We read these Joyce Grenfell poems at Mum's funeral which was just before Xmas. Special meaning for us because Mum loved Joyce Grenfell.

YOU’VE JUST WALKED ON
You’ve just walked on ahead of me
And I've got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try and cope the best I can
But I'm missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me Don't worry I'll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel Your hand slip into mine.

IF I SHOULD DIE
If I should die before the rest of you,
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.
Nor, when I'm gone, speak in a Sunday voice, But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must,
Parting is hell.
But life goes on,
So........ sing as well.