“There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.”
– Erma Bombeck
Sometimes You’ve Just Gotta Laugh At a Funeral
Laughter relieves us from trauma. It’s like finding light in the dark, hope amidst despair, and faith in fear. Because laughter soothes anxiety, it often comes at an inopportune moment–such as a funeral. Maybe it’s an inappropriate joke that lightens the mood, a funny picture or video of the deceased, a humorous story, or something ordinary and innocuous. Regardless of the trigger, laughter is sure to release feel-good endorphins and minimize tension. And, when we laugh together, we forge social bonds.
Funeral Faux Pas
As cliché as the saying is, laughter really can be the best medicine for grieving. Below are a few funeral faux pas I have experienced that can’t help but crack you up:
Bad Timing
A cell phone rang during the funeral playing “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen.
We Forget They’re Dead
Walking out of grandpa’s funeral in a haze of grief and confusion, grandma declared, “We forgot grandpa!”
Self-Explanatory
Your younger brother rips a long, wet fart that smells like something ‘died’.
Unvetted Vocalist
Let’s just say, they should have passed out earplugs instead of funeral programs.
Maybe, they should have streamed these traditional funeral songs from the blog Remembering Loved Ones Through Songs over Spotify instead.
Curious Choice of Burial Attire
You look down, and the deceased is donning in his favorite Hawaiian shirt along with shorts, flip flops, and sunglasses.
Suggested Read: How To Plan A Funeral Reception That Reflects A Life Of Authenticity And Purpose
The Deceased Had a Sense of Humor
He insisted on playing, “I Wanna Talk About Me” by Toby Keith at his memorial service.
More like This: The Funeral Song I Want Played At My Future Service
Foot in the Mouth
The priest repeatedly referred to the deceased as Jane instead of Joan.
Well-Intentioned Three Year Old
The little preschooler kept shushing mourners for fear they would ‘wake up’ the deceased.
Funny Funeral Moment
Do you have a story about a funny funeral moment? Share it with us in the comments below.
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