So I just became a pallbearer in a funeral that is TOMORROW

[phillc]

My stepmother's mother (step-grandmother?) passed away on Tuesday. She and I were not that close, but I saw her several times a month. She was an Iranian immigrant with little English skills, so I couldn't really talk to her.

The plans were to honor her wishes and cremate her at a ceremony on Saturday. But today, her sister from France called, and insisted she be burried. I just got off the phone with my father, who let me know of the changes and that I was asked to be a pallbearer. I couldn't say no, that would be wrong. So now at 3PM tomorrow, I get to be a pallbearer for the first time in my life.

I'm pretty nervous because I have never done this before. Hell, I haven't been to a funeral in almost 10 years (thankfully). Is there anyone out there who has done this before, with some advice? Fortuntely, my father is also going to be a pallbearer, so that is a little relaxing. But still, I would appericate any help.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

don't drop her?

 

[Steve]

Get there early and ask this of the ceremony's officiant or funeral home director.

 

[sandman018]

it's heavier than it looks imo, and walk slowly.

 

[MustISO]

The funeral director will (SHOULD) give you good instructions. I had to do this twice in the last 6 months. Just listen to the instructions.

 

[Excelsior]

Not bad at all, you'll be fine.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: MustISO
The funeral director will (SHOULD) give you good instructions. I had to do this twice in the last 6 months. Just listen to the instructions.

Yeah, there's really nothing to it. Just listen to the director and you'll be fine.

 

[ifoundthetao]

you dont have to do much.. just not throw your back out.. its pretty simple.. just axe the person who's in charge, and they'll say, "okay, when we do this, then you come here and lift this and put it here.. then when we get to the cemetery, after we're done talking. you lift it again and put it here.. badda bing you're done" thats about it.. no biggie..

 

[n7]

I was a pallbearer for my grandpa & then grandma.

Just speak to the funeral director, & follow what they have outlined.

It's an honor, & it's not hard at all.

 

[her209]

Why can't someone else be the pall bearer?

 

[Sheepathon]

Wear bright colors.

 

[sandman018]

Originally posted by: n7

It's an honor, & it's not hard at all.

qft

 

[SludgeFactory]

The funeral director will tell you exactly what to do.

Yeah, you might have visions of dropping it and your beloved rolling out, but it's not going to happen. It's heavy but manageable. Not worth stressing out over, believe me.

 

[phillc]

To everyone who provided a helpful answer, Thank you

If it is just follow the funeral directors instructions, I can handle it. I was more concerned about being put into the situation and being the only one who doesn't know what to do.

Again, thank you.

 

[FleshLight]

And make sure you're not the typical scrawny atoter. You'll probably be carrying ~60 lbs.

 

[Yossarian]

lift with your legs and keep in step with the others, it will be a lot easier as you shuffle along.

 

[PowerEngineer]

You might want to find a spot on the side where you can use your strongest arm/hand.

You'll do fine.

 

[Sqube]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
don't drop her?

 

[OrganizedChaos]

just pretend its a refridgerator and the 5 other guys are just buddies helping to move it for beer

 

[lokiju]

Don't trip.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: MustISO
The funeral director will (SHOULD) give you good instructions. I had to do this twice in the last 6 months. Just listen to the instructions.

Yep, it's an idiot-proof process. All you have to do is show up and they'll tell you exactly what to do and when to do it.

 

[Triumph]

First question is, who does this btch think she is, coming in and ignoring the wishes of the deceased to be cremated?

 

[lokiju]

I did it for my great Grandma, wasn't anything to it, just helped carry it and followed instructions.

 

[Last Rezort]

You know what would be really funny? While your carrying her drop over dead.

No one will see it comming.

 

[kevman]

sadly i had to do this for my niece...she left us far too soon....it farking sucks so bad. it hurts your heart