The Loss of a Father funeral reading
Here’s the next in my series of funeral readings you might like to consider for your loved one’s funeral or memorial ceremony. Some are sad, some are uplifting, some are comforting; there’s something for everyone here.
Readings are absolutely not a compulsory part of a funeral or memorial ceremony. Sometimes family members or friends desperately want to speak at their loved one’s funeral, but they haven’t got the wherewithal to write something themselves. Readings are a perfect stand-in: your emotions and feelings right there on the page ready for you to contribute.
Remember readings can be adapted – if your favourite reading is written for him, you can change it to her! If it’s written for Mum, you can change it to Dad or Grandma or Grandpa, whatever fits for you. Take out lines that don’t fit your circumstances. I just make sure to introduce such a reading as an adaptation.
The loss of a father
is the anchor pulled from the seabed
the steering wheel unhinged
the mast split by lightning
and the bow broken by storm.
The ship you sail
now feels unsafe
no longer weatherproof
without direction
or brave heart
to speed its way.
Perhaps you did not even know
that he was your compass
that you gazed upon his lead
like a north star in the night.
He gave you all of this
you see
without notice or congratulation
diligently
consistently
continuously guiding
always showing the way
in the way he knew how.
And whilst you are cast adrift
I know this to be true
you will anchor yourself once more
when you realise
that his voice still speaks
still guides
still brings a brave heart your way
in the roughest of storms.
And the answers you seek
he already planted deep
for he knew one day
you would need to sail alone.
So he buried little pieces of himself
within your heart
your mind
your spirit
and your soul
Little breadcrumbs of love
to show the way
home.