“It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.”
Losing someone we love is never easy, but celebrating their life is a way to honor them and provide closure for those left behind. A well-crafted eulogy is often the most memorable part of a memorial service. Yet, it’s no easy task to sum up someone’s life on a piece of paper, especially if you are not experienced with public speaking and writing. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be a Pulitzer prize grammar-free piece of work you turn in to be graded, as long as it comes from the heart you really can’t go wrong. Here are some tips on how to write a memorable eulogy.
Ask for help
There is a reason why people often say he/she left a fingerprint on their heart when they lose someone. Fingerprints, like the individual, are unique and so are the memories they leave. While you might have a bank of memories of the individual who has died, chances are friends and family will also have memories. Consider asking those closest to the individual who has died to share fond memories, stories, and humorous events. Just talking with others about the person may spark an idea and get your pen flowing easier.
Let yourself feel emotions
This is not a wedding toast so it’s common to become overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, especially if your eulogy is heartfelt. Accept that you could cry while up at the podium and that’s perfectly alright. Let yourself feel the emotions and take time to gather yourself and pause if you need to.
It’s okay to have humor
A well-crafted eulogy will draw in your audience and make them feel what you’re feeling. If you are writing your eulogy about a person who had a great sense of humor, don’t be afraid to add stories, antics, or even silly jokes the person who died used to tell. Don’t forget, above all else, this is about them, not you. You don’t have to be serious, if the person who died was inherently funny, let that shine through, the best way you can honor them is by telling the story of their life.
Start a list
If you have writer’s block, consider making a list of all the person’s best qualities and start from there. What words stand out the most? Try to draw on the qualities, stories and personality traits that made that individual really special.
Think outside the box
Did the person who died have a favorite spot, song they loved or hobby? Considering beginning your eulogy by painting a picture of that, song lyrics, or even a favorite quote.
Practice
When you are done with your eulogy consider practicing it. If you are not quite ready to share it with friends and family, practice in front of a mirror until you’re more confident. A memorial service or celebration is oftentimes planned out to the minute so you may be given a certain time constraint for your eulogy. Practicing your eulogy beforehand will ensure you stay within the time constraints and allows you time to cut back if it’s too lengthy.
Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.
