More Time To Grieve

We were recently commissioned to photograph the funeral of a well known and well loved person in the local area. While visiting the family prior to the funeral, another visitor mentioned how difficult it is to organize a funeral in a week. He suggested that two weeks would be more reasonable.
It got me thinking of the initial grieving period. You take in the news of the death, then you have to absorb it and think about what changes it's going to bring with it. How can this be possible when you have to make the arrangements as well as have the time and space to grieve?

It can feel like there is a hurry to get on and complete the process. I'm wondering if there is a possibility for changes in the future? I think it would be really good for families, although I don't know how the funeral directors would feel about it. What we pay for funerals and ensuring those we love get the send off they deserve, surely should have some bearing on how much time we need to grieve and prepare.

I dedicate this blog to Stanley Wise (Senior).