The wife of a dear friend i have known since we were 20 years old passed away last week. We went through the death watch,the wake,the church ceremony and the graveyard. There was a dinner and celebration of life for about 80 family and friends. It was a wonderful thing..everyone went from table to table in good spirits visiting with folks they might not have seen in many years. Having all the company kept things light for the womans family. I can not help to compare to a family funeral i had to attend at seven or eight years of age where a child had to adhere to the tradition of gloom and silence of the adults. I think we are better today.