Obituaries

@Anniedup (3651)
Richards Bay, South Africa
June 15, 2007 7:59am CST
We had a few friends over last night. Half way through, the evening we landed up talking about Obituaries; I know it sounds very depressing, but many interesting facts came to light. There was one lady whose husband died 5 years ago, and she was telling us, that every year on the anniversary of his death, his birthday and on their wedding anniversary she puts a eulogy in the newspaper. For me, I don't read them at all, so I was wondering, why people do that. Does it help them with the healing process, or do they just want to honor that person's memory. What is your take on it? Do you put a eulogy in your local newspaper for someone that has passed on, do you read them, and why?
7 people like this
9 responses
@yanjiaren (9031)
15 Jun 07
I have read the odd one in the local paper and think it's quite a sweet gesture and also the fact that maybe a once ordinary and insignificant soul in the scheme of things was appreciated and remembers, a nice change from having Madonna and Britney Spears thrown in our faces all the time..I like to thini that every one's life is special and important, even if the world thinks other wise for its own marketing purposes and agenda..
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
16 Jun 07
There is a though, and you are right, maybe next time before I read the Hilton sh*t, I will rather go to the obituaries, where real people are honored in a decent way.
• United States
15 Jun 07
Maybe that just helps them to cope with it better. We don't put it in the paper for anniversaries or anything like that. I honestly don't even get the paper so I rarely see the obituaries or eulogies.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
26 Jun 07
I am sure they benefit emotionally from it. Placing it in the paper most probably makes them feel that they still remember and honor their memories.
• Nigeria
16 Jun 07
well people place adverts about obituaries in the newspaper cause they always want to remember the people they love. Its like an avenue to show that you remember that person. I think they use it as a healing process because when they do the anniversary, basically what they do is like remember the good times they had with the person.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
16 Jun 07
I agree, I think for some people that were not necessarily related, to see that in the newspaper, brings back fond memories. Like the post before you, some people find it interesting to read, even if they didn't know the deceased.
@kelly60 (4547)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I don't find anything morbid about it. I think that it is probably just her way of honoring her husband. Personally, I don't usually read through the obituaries. I only glance through them to see if there is anyone there who I may know. I also have never considered putting a eulogy in the newspaper for someone on anniversaries and such. I feel that the original obituary is enough.
1 person likes this
• South Africa
26 Jun 07
I think it is part of the healing process, some see it still as a form of communication with their departed loved ones, and some feel they owe it to their memories
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
2 Jul 07
I think so too my friend, some find it very difficult to let go, and there is no harm in placing something to ease the pain.
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
15 Jun 07
Once in awhile I check the local newspaper obits to see if anyone I know has passed away. We don't put one in the paper for my Dad because we know it's the anniversary and see no need to remind others of it.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
16 Jun 07
I get what you are saying. On a personal level, everyone who was close to the deceased should know the anniversary, and that would make an announcement obsolete.
@wyykidd (1460)
• Singapore
16 Jun 07
Personally, I don't read the obituaries page. I find that a rather depressing section of the papers. I do know of many people who do. The reason they tell me is that it is interesting to read how many family members they have, how old the deceased are, etc...
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
16 Jun 07
I can relate to the interesting part, but I must admit it is a bit morbid. But if it helps them for whatever reason to place one then at least it was even for a stranger something interesting to read.
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
15 Jun 07
I think that this is part of their healing process. By placing a memory in the paper for this person, it keeps them alive in their hearts. I don't get the paper, but if I happen to see one, I usually will read the obituaries.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
16 Jun 07
If it makes them feel good, in honoring their loved ones in this way, and at the same time it is helping them in their grief, then it is a good thing.
• Philippines
2 Jul 07
no i don't like obituaries...