Writing a eulogy at a time when you're probably already grieving might feel like more than you can handle. But if you can take a deep breath and put your apprehensions aside, you'll find that it can be a profound and satisfying experience -- allowing you to help others celebrate your loved one's life and work through your own grief at the same time. Here's how:
Step One: Gather the raw material.
- Talk to other close relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
- Look through photo albums, letters, and other memorabilia.
- Take a walk through your loved one's house and yard, looking at the books on the shelves and notes and mementos on the fridge or bulletin board.
- Try to identify your loved one's unique qualities, including:
- Hobbies, interests, life's passions -- from a favorite author to a secret guilty pleasure. (Obviously, the latter should be something innocuous, like an inability to resist jelly doughnuts.)
- Special sayings, favorite poems, or songs
- Characteristic habits or gestures
- A telling anecdote
You never think about the departure of a friend, a family member or your parents. But when the time comes, how do you address your feelings to those present, sharing with you that moment? This article is clear, simple, sincere and a guide for those, like myself , who had no idea on how to deliver an eulogy. I had some notion and it was very close to what the article suggested. But it is a confirmation, a helpful and an easy road to follow. Thanks a lot!
For me this article took away the overwhelming-ness of writing a eulogy of where to start, how to "group" beginning, middle and ending in an easy format with suggestions on content. Thank you. I was pleased to read your suggestions on "humor" as I think this is important when done in a tasteful manner, as you indicated.
When writing my mother's eulogy, the best advice I was given was to finish in a positive way: to describe how her passing had left the world a better place.
very concise, easy to follow, practical help
good article
Instead of writing a eulogy I have made a photo presentation of the lives of everyone in my family, living and dead. My siblings were able to contribute to their life story by helping me with their favorite music, photos, and comments. Most shed a few tears when they see what I have created using Adobe Photoshop Elements and Windows Live Photo Gallery. I have also done several 90th birthday videos which were later used at the person's end of life ceremony. I am 75 so my work is able to be used as the end video, on ones that can be encorporated into later videos (or slide shows) for my children and grandchildren. No member of my family has been left out.
The correct sequence of things to say and when. I liked the ideas in opening, middle and closure. Length is important as is the small little humorus happenings.
This is great advice on how to handle one of the most difficult part of funeral planning. Thanks for sharing!
Ask, too, for input from those family and friends as to what to include if you'll be the only one speaking.