Speak the Name

Recently a minister ended his talk at a funeral with this message delivered vehemently: “Don’t stop using the name of the deceased. The family needs to hear it.” While we may think not mentioning the deceased will prevent grief, it has the opposite effect. The loved ones think the deceased is forgotten. Speak the name. “Meghan would have been 70 today.” “I made Meghan’s favorite dish.” “I’m going to give one of Meghan’s necklaces to my neighbor.” “I bet Meghan would appreciate such a beautiful day as this.” “That song reminds me of Meghan.”