If you have a conversation with Joe Kenny, he smiles and maintains a cheerful lilt in his conversation when speaking about wakes and funerals. It’s something a bit unique in Irish Culture to smile about according to Joe. . Sure, there is sadness and grief to be worked through.That’s the whole purpose of why families get together; to comfort one another and celebrate a life well lived. Joe expounds on how his own family, his parents, his sister, himself, all observed and took part in this tradition. The Irish are a close knit and traditional family kind of culture with a very healthy dose of strong religious practices and faith. Joe often shares the thought, “when you believe what our faith tells us about living a good life, and then dying and going to heaven, the most blessed person at a wake is the one we’ve come to honor”. That’s a beautiful and comforting thought…at exactly the time grieving families find it most comfortable. Generations of his family thought and been taught the same gracious message. It’s certainly not exclusive to the faithful people from the Emerald Isle, but truly a gift of belief they share with every culture in the world.
If you come to Gibbons, we’ll take good care of you and help to bring your loved one home!
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