I couldn't handle this, could you?

[Micca]

Today I went to a memorial service for the wife of a long time friend and business associate. My friend got up and gave a beautiful eulogy about his wife that went on for about 20 minutes and he only choked a little just one time. No way could get through something like that for a loved one so close to me. Could you? Have you?

 

[paigevz]

I wouldn't know until it happened.............many times when they've been put on valium they can be quite calm.............

 

[MsDisney23]

I have done this at my sister's service. The room was fpacked and you could have heard a pin drop. I was very Proud of myself and before hand I said a slient prayer's and ask God to guide me.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I haven't. I doubt I could. I'm too emotional. But my brother and my husband both spoke at my Dad's funeral.

 

[The Mayor]

I did it for my Dad...it was one of the hardest things I have ever done but I could feel his strength guiding me...but right up until I went up to the pulpit to deliver his eulogy I was telling my brother that I couldn't do it...then when the priest called my name I walked up and did it...it all seemed so surrreal at the time but afterwards I felt like the saddness of losing him had been lifted...you just never know how you will react or perform in that type of situation until it happens to you.

 

[sweetinmaine]

Tough question...I could probably talk about my loved one but it would be in between sobs, cries and heartache. It amazes me the strength that people have when I would least expect it....Hugs to you and your friend for his loss...

 

[christineann]

A friend of mine was killed by a drunk driver. Her 14 year old son, classmate of my daughter's, was the crucifer at his mother's funeral. His inner strength is amazing.

 

[Robinrs]

Two months before my Mom died my co worker told me that his uncle spoke at his Grandmother's funeral. I asked was he her son and he told me "yes"...

I was shocked! I thought I'd be too distraught to EVER speak at my mother's funeral.

I also remember admiring him profusely. Wow...

When my Mom died I spoke, not just for her but for my Dad. My Dad cried for the first time during my speech. He had lost his wife of 61 years, it was the least I could do.

At his funeral, just 6 months later, the hand out didn't mention the names of his grandchildren. Even though his loss was so much worse than my Mom's... he died on my birthday ... I had to speak at his, too. I brought up the fact that my Dad had LOTS of nicknames, Pop, Dad, Papa, but his FAVORITE name was Granddaddy. I had his grandchildren stand and be counted as the people who made his so proud.... I felt my Daddy smiling at me that day.

In other words, Ron, you NEVER know how strong you can be on the hardest day of your life. I smiled last week when I heard Bindi speak at Steve Irwin's funeral... I knew the pride and comfort and knowing that they were there and loving the strength you show on a day when they don't want to see their loved ones sad...

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't know....DH and I talked about it and we decided that we would ask people to speak. That was done at his grandfather's and it was very touching. Anyone was allowed to speak if they wanted to contribute to the service.

I would probably speak at least for a short time.

 

[Jennifer S]

No way. I'd be a wreck.

 

[Keli]

A man from our church passed away much too early a couple of years ago. His dd who was about 16yrs old got up and sang beautifully at his funeral. She didn't miss a note. And since my dd was close to her I personally knew how absolutely devestated she was by her father's death. It was just that she wanted to sing for her dad one more time (he was very proud of her singing ability and loved to hear her sing).

 

[AKLRULZ]

I think God works in supernatural ways. We've had three teenagers in our neighborhood die in horrific car accidents over the past year and their parents have given the most emotionally driven yet composed eulogies I've ever heard.

I think it helps when you have faith in knowing your loved one is with God.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I have.. It was my husban'ds funeral. The Lord gave me enough strength to go up there and speak. His brother was up there with me and he also gave his speach. I just felt that I had to share my thoughts on how wonderful of a man he was and that I would miss him very much as so as the children. It was a closure for me since he passed away so soon without even saying good-byes or saying our last I love yous.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I was asked to read at my paternal Grandmother's (more like a Mother to me) funeral, but I declined since I could not do it and not break down. DH did it and did a wonderful job at it too.

 

[tiggersmom2]

No, I could not. I can barely handle a funeral......

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I can barely get through a funeral of even a non-family member without losing it, so I've always assumed that I wouldn't be able to give a eulogy, but I've read enough posts on the DIS from people who felt the same way, but found the strength to get up and give it when faced with the situation. I still have my doubts, but nothing would surprise me. I hope I don't find out for a very long time, but with an 83yo mother, I know that day will come long before I'm ready for it.

 

[ADisneygirl]

No, I am afraid I am not as strong as many of my DIS friends seem to be. I know for a fact I could not stand up and speak. During my beloved sister's funeral, it was all I could do to remain upright in my chair. I literally had to concentrate on sitting. I cried continuously for so long that it amazed me that there were that many tears in a person. The few times I was able to lift my head I was overcome with the video montage her fiancee had going of her and the beautiful words everyone had to say about her. I was so overwrought that I found myself looking towards a fire exit door and studying the sign. For some odd reason this calmed me a teeny bit. Enough to continue breathing that day at least. I think my mind was trying to help me get out of the moment for a few seconds.

Like many situations in life, we all handle death differently. No one way is right or wrong. I am grateful that my brother was able to say a few words, but he was the only family member who could. Her fiancee really spoke very eloquently and his pain was evident. I was just such a wreck that people were worried about me. I didn't want that, but they didn't know that I WAS trying to control my emotions. I was trying to be strong. I can't imagine how I would have been had I really let it all out.

 

[cassie]

I don't think I could do it. My brother suddenly passed away in August and two of his friends and his stepson spoke. I was in tears listening, but his stepson sang an Irish song that was so beautiful that I was a blubbering mess.

 

[Spinning]

I did it once. my dear friend died. She was only 46. Her funeral was a mess, between a bitter seperation and some crazy friends who were just unbelieveable at her funeral....it was unbelieveably hard. I just remembered I asked God for help.....I spoke for 10 minutes. To me it is all a blurr but I know afterwards many people said I touched the heart and sole of my friend. That my talked provided closure and allowed them to remember the possitive and wonderful points. To this day I really don't even remember what I said. I had notes. But I remembered my eyes couldn't focus on the words so I had to speak from the heart.

 

[goofinoff]

I don't know if I could. I would say no right now but I don't know. My friend was killed in a car accident last year and her husband not only spoke beautifully about her but the night before her service, she put together a slide show set to music of pictures of them together and her with her family. Very moving! My mom spoke at my grandfathers funeral and I so proud of her! She brought a picture of him up with her!