Their Final Journey: A Pallbearers’ Role in the Funeral Service

By: Laura Van Sprang, Manager of Sands Funeral Chapel of Victoria by Arbor Memorial

When I was young, I remember reading the poem Footprints by Margaret Powers, which is still one of my favorite pieces of writing today. It impacted me greatly, particularly the part where the individual sees only one set of footprints in the sand. When you continue reading, we find out they haven’t been abandoned, but rather had been carried during the lowest and most hopeless time in their life. This poem reminds me of the human connection we have for one another. To know that someone cares so deeply for you, they would bear some of the weight when they are needed most. That’s special. It only seems fitting, and in our nature, to want to provide that time-honoured tradition of carrying our dearly departed loved ones to their final resting place. Being asked to be a pallbearer for a family member or close friend who has died can be a very emotional yet meaningful experience. Being chosen is a clear sign that you are a trusted and valued individual who has played a significant role in the person’s life to be given this responsibility. You want to make sure it is done with the dignity and respect it requires. Possibly, you have participated as a pallbearer before or perhaps it is your first time …maybe even your first funeral. Rest assured, there will be a team of funeral professionals on-site to guide you and lead you in the process.

Including pallbearers in a service is a time-honoured tradition that should be considered even if a cremation is chosen as the final disposition. We also see individuals chosen to carry the urn for a service, on its own or with 2 to 4 urn bearers using an urn arch. This is a beautiful way to enter and exit the chapel and the cemetery with an urn.

There are no rules to who can perform the respectful duty. Even if someone is unable to carry to the casket or urn physically, perhaps due to a disability or being of a young or old age - they can still participate by walking beside the casket or urn as an honourary pallbearer. As our family members age, we are often faced with less family and friends available and it’s a good idea to have the conversation about who you would call upon, when the time comes, for you and your family members. It is also okay for you to let important people in your life know, it would be something you would be available and honoured to do.

It is so impactful to watch a casket being carried. The weight that is being taken on is more than just the individual them self - it is also the love, the loss, the honour, the memories, and the realization of this being the final journey, that will be taken together.

When we are at our most vulnerable and no longer have the ability to carry ourselves, what an amazing gift and duty we perform for our loved ones, ensuring they are carefully transported on that final journey, by those who loved them most. Many times, it is those who once carried us as children, that we may one day be called upon to carry ourselves, and our two sets of footprints, will again become one.

As we age and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occur rences with many of our seniors today Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who g o ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years

Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat. You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfortably and safely inside All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips Once you are done your bath, tum the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub The various models all have numerous g rab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out wor r y free Walk-in tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain independent for many years to come

Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating ever y shape and size of person and bathroom. There is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Offering numerous options such as heated back, multi-speed war m air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more

The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath again and find relief by just soaking in a war m tub. Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. The war m air or water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus car r ying additional healing oxygen throughout the body to the hands and feet This has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions

The Canadian Government website states that 1 in 4 seniors fall ever y year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims per manently disabled and bedridden. A large percentage of these falls take place in the bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical

Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walkin tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.’

Jean S.

system two billion dollars annually Therefore, the British Columbia and Federal Governments are helping many people who decide to purchase a walk-in tub now The help comes in the for ms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in certain qualifying cases a $7,500.00 Government Grant g Sponsored content provided by Island Walk-in Tubs

As we all age and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love.