Visitation; Viewing the Body
Psychologists who deal with the issues of death and dying, tell us that it is easier for
us to deal with the reality of the death of a loved one if we have actually seen his or
her dead body. As harsh as this sounds, it is true. It is also true that for those who are
left, life goes on. We must lay our loved one to rest in the ground but also in our hearts
so that we can get on with our lives.
It is only when the death of our loved one becomes real to us that we can properly deal
with its impact on us. For this reason, a time of visitation (usually the day prior to the
services) can be very healthy for those who were close to the deceased. It can be a time
of deep mourning and sadness. You may want to ask loved ones or your pastor to be there
with you to support you and share your sadness.