ABSTRACT
At the time of visitation, the flowers have been delivered and placed in the chapel surrounding the casket. Although they are beautiful, floral arrangements are often a huge nemesis in the eyes of the funeral director, his wife, and children who help take care of them. Because they are so fragile, the hot summer days can cause them to wilt en route to the church and cemetery. Visiting the body for the second time emphasizes the authenticity of death. The pain the family feels, the loss they are encountering, and the tears that they shed help them to begin the healing process. They are struggling with “letting go” and “letting God.” Deaths involving children are extremely traumatic, not only for the family members, but also for the funeral director, especially if he has children of his own.
