A recording of a life story – an asset for generations

Death is certain but inevitably arrives suddenly, leaving us shocked, grief-stricken, and unprepared.

Different cultural norms can set out a process to follow between death and disposal of the body, and funeral professionals are there to help guide and support as families go through the difficult time.

But, still, little prepares us to honour the life of a loved one while coping without them.

Supporting grieving and honouring lives

The funeral or memorial service is a critical part of the grieving process.

It is an occasion to respect and honour the deceased person’s life, to share their story with the people that were part of and impacted by it.

The community of survivors, the most important people in our lives, draw together to cope with loss, to support the family and each other. In some cases, some of these people may never be together again.

Recording and live streaming this occasion, a relatively recent development, enables even those who are unable to attend the funeral to be part of the occasion, and ensures the memories of the loved ones endure.

Making funerals more accessible

The global pandemic accelerated the uptake of recording and streaming funerals, as a result of restrictions drastically limiting service attendance – even immediate families were held apart.

While being physically present wasn’t possible, the opportunity to see and feel included in funeral services online was of immense comfort. Live streaming has subsequently become a standard offering at funeral homes.

Also notable is the importance of the recording following the service.

The family who do attend are often struck by grief or anxiety about speaking. Much of the service is missed, and memory quickly fades.

A lasting memory for future generations

The recording allows them to see and hear everything again and is an enduring record of the life story; an emotional asset for future generations.

Before the service, it might not seem like a priority to record it, but afterwards, many feel it is a blessing to have captured the experience and be able to share it with absent friends and family.

In western cultures, the funeral service typically happens two to five days after death and lasts under an hour. Both are strikingly short timeframes to prepare for such a meaningful event, and the task can be overwhelming.

At this time, the immediate family can collapse inward to process their grief. News organically spreads to the broader group of family, friends, and community, though not all may receive this news or be able to attend the service in person.

Despite the challenges, it is astounding how often a moving and fitting tribute is pulled together. The funeral director certainly plays a pivotal role in assisting with service arrangements. The family assembles what and who they can to condense a lifetime into a period of minutes.

Cameras and video recorders have been a part of our lives for decades. We routinely record weddings, reunions, retirements, and children’s sports games. These are all great memories, but nothing could be more important to capture than the final summation and celebration of an entire lifetime.

The funeral is an event filled with care, love, and family, not a reminder of sadness.  It is an affirmation to live life and honour those you have lost with an enduring memory.