Emily Dickinson: Morbid Poet or Canny Pre-Planner?

aging, clergy, conscious dying, eulogy, flowers, funeral readings, grief, healing from loss, livingamyacunninghamSeptember 18, 2020 Comments

From Perfunctory Transfer to Transformative Experience

celebrants, clergy, conscious dying, eulogy, flowers, funeral music, grief, healing from loss, livingamyacunninghamAugust 28, 2019 Comments

When the Weather is a Guest at the Outdoor Funeral

People often attribute significance or meaning to the weather on the day of a funeral. But a dramatic weather switch in the presence of a casket can become the momentary star of the show. Heavy, pelting, sorrowful rain commenced the moment the military honor guard walked Senator John McCain's casket up the tall stairs of the U.S. Capitol. More than one commentator heralded how remarkable this was, as it was still sunny in other spots of Washington.

caskets, celebrants, clergy, grief, healing from lossAmy CunninghamJune 28, 2019

Making "Danny Boy" New Again

aging, celebrants, clergy, eulogy, funeral music, funeral readings, grief, living, meditationamyacunninghamFebruary 11, 2019 Comment

Good Irish Funeral Music: "Be Thou My Vision"

celebrants, clergy, eulogy, funeral music, funeral readings, grief, healing from loss, livingamyacunninghamNovember 17, 2017Comment

Funeral Nostalgia: Meghan McCain Bids Farewell to Her Father

celebrants, clergy, eulogy, griefAmy CunninghamNovember 1, 2017

Here's One Stunning 'Amazing Grace'

When we meet with musicians in the process of helping a family put a funeral together, we tell them "Don't worry about performing. It's not about being perfect. Your music is an offering in honor of the deceased and in support of the family." Jennifer Hudson hits the right balance and the high notes here at the service for the immortal Aretha Franklin.