[INTJMom]

Originally Posted by Dom

I quite agree, I had to attend my first wake as you American's have them recently. I was a bit confused as to what it was for, the body there in the casket and everyone going and having a look. As I said this wasn't helped by not knowing the person very well. I supposed some people expect to the see them one last time, even if it is merely their body. When my step dad died i was a bit upset when I saw his body lying in my parents bed. Pete was so obviously gone, the body so very lifeless, god it made me want to yell and cry (I didn't mum was still practically hysterical) but I didn' feel like I needed to see it at any point. Each to their own I guess.
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I never really understood the concept of seeing the dead body, but I think it does help some persons process the reality of the death. You can't continue in denial. It might aid in the grieving process.

I know that I kept forgetting that my grandfather was dead because I was unable to attend his funeral. Strangely, I didn't have a problem with it again after my mom sent me a photo of him in his casket.

I understand that it's weird for some people, but in our neck of the woods, that's how we do it.