How to not cry

[Sunsetatsea]

I've got my dad's funeral tomorrow. I've got to read a tribute I've written. I'm worried I'm going to get choked up reading it and whilst I know that's 'fine', it want to just be able to get through it. Any tips for keeping the tears at bay while I'm reading it?

Practice reading it to the wall. Say it as of it's a speech and try to stay detached. The honest truth is that od you cry it really doesn't matter and the celebrant will take over don't worry. It's so tough. I'm sorry X

Take a deep breath before you start, and have someone on standby to step in if you can't finish. It doesn't matter if you cry - this is your Dad, after all. Do a few practice runs in front of a mirror tonight or in front of someone else.

I hope it goes well for you and I'm sorry for your loss.

I agree, it's fine to cry, of course, and everyone will understand. You're really brave as I had to ask someone to read my tribute for me, you're doing your Dad very proud.
I agree with @Maddy70 find something to focus on, like the pattern on the carpet or something on the wall.
Good luck and sending you lots of positive vibes, I hope it goes well. It's very hard and you should take very good care of yourself x

I got thought my dad's reading (just) without tears but it helped that I was already on Sertraline (anti-depressant) which did what most of them do and basically stopped all tears for 2 years while he was so ill. I also take diazepam 5mg at times like this as I am extremely emotional and it gives me that extra calmness that I need to focus. I am so proud I did do the reading and I know he would have been proud of me too. It did help that we had quite an upbeat tribute, and also that his death was such a welcome release from a dreadful, 7 year illness. Good luck tomorrow-if you cry, nobody will judge you - it's expected - and keep telling yourself that you are celebrating his life, which really, you are ❤️

I did this recently at my DM's funeral. My mum was really brave at the end of her life and I tried to channel that, I thought surely I could be brave for 5 minutes reading my tribute.

I took a deep breath before I started. I paused to compose myself when I needed to but I did it, though got a bit shaky at the end.

You are braver than you think. I'm sure you will do him proud. It doesnt matter if you cry.

Hope all goes well tomorrow

Thanks all. It went really well, was not as terrifying as I thought. Was much harder to do at home weirdly. I think it's the expectation and the unknown, but in the moment I surprised myself. Now my husband is trying to convince me to do the speech at our daughter's wedding instead of him!x

Just cry. It's a funeral.

Nobody is paying to attend and expecting a Olivier performance....

Well done, OP. I'm so glad you were able to get through it, and I hope the funeral was just as you wanted. Look after yourself, grief is an arduous journey - my Dad died 2 years ago and there are still moments it knocks me sideways

Well done x

Ah well done I’m really pleased for you ♥️

Well done…. You’re stronger than you think. I’m really sorry for your loss but make sure your memories are good ones and always think of the happy times .

Well done OP

Well done, such a relief when it's over and has gone well.

Think of happy times and talk about happy times with him.