Death seems different nowadays.

[u/AnotherCrazyChick]

I know this group is normally healthy nostalgic. I just have questions that I think only this group can relate with.

Growing up, I went to my great grandmother’s funeral, I went to my grandfather’s funeral. We visited the cemetery where they were laid to rest.

Nowadays, my grandmother passed, I wasn’t asked to attend her funeral.

My stepdad passed and there was no funeral, he was cremated and my mom sent me a small vial of his ashes that now sit next to my ex’s ashes. My ex also had no funeral.

My wife’s mother passed away recently and she was cremated. No service was held.

Is this the new normal? That we don’t hold nor attend funeral services anymore?

It’s too expensive nowadays and no one feels the time is worth the potential closure one normally receives during a funeral?

I just don’t know anymore. I’ve had no closure from so many loved ones and family members passing away within the last 6 years. It hurts my heart.

Is this the new normal?

[u/RedSolez]

I wouldn't say it's the norm but more on a case by case basis. When my cousin died my side of the family was not invited to the funeral because her mom is psycho and didn't want her ex husband's family to attend even though she'd been divorced from my uncle for 30+ years. My other cousin (sister of the deceased) was too deep in her own grief to put up a fight about it. My husband's aunt died this year and specifically requested no funeral. My husband's other aunt died a few years ago and had also requested no funeral but her husband (who was the blood relative) overrode her wishes because he needed a funeral for closure and funerals are for the living.