Although every culture and religion has it's own customs and traditions, funeral ceremonies share a common goal.  The funeral is a way to bring closure to friends and family impacted by the death, while honoring the person who has died.   The funeral helps us by giving us permission to grieve.  Today many consider the public expression of grief as a sign of weakness.  But grief should not be seen that way, rather it is nature's way of helping heal a broken heart.  We are doing the best job of handling grief when we are grieving.  The more we express our grief the sooner we work through this process that leads to recovery.    The funeral help us realize and appreciate the connections our loved one had established with others.  Funeral gatherings provide a chance to talk and to share memories.   The stories we tell, and hear, will one day become the great memories that stay in our hearts forever.   One of the important purposes of the funeral is to gather with family and friends and say "This life was important.  This life mattered to us.  This life touched mine."   A personalized funeral service helps family and friends to celebrate the life of the deceased.  Your funeral director will work to ensure that the service is customized to your individual needs and tastes.   Saying good-bye is an important part of accepting loss and letting go and is the first step in the healing process.