4 ms·

Even cremation, common though it is, weirds me out. I won't make any claims to it being a rational thought process, either. Dead is dead. But there's somethi

Even cremation, common though it is, weirds me out. I won't make any claims to it being a rational thought process, either. Dead is dead. But there's something about eliminating the form of the body that just makes me feel unwell. I didn't even know I would feel that way until years ago when my little brother passed away and was then cremated. The moment I found out he had been cremated was more emotional than I'd have thought. It wasn't quite as bad when my mom recently died and was also cremated, I knew what to expect, but still. I occasionally go to my father's grave (not cremated) and feel as if I can talk to him. No such delusion is possible when I go to my mom's grave site. I'm weird. No denying that.

ericmcer 3y ago
Growing up we always buried pets when they passed and the ritual was somewhat soothing. Digging the hole yourself was part of the final rite. When my partners cat got euthanized she let the vet just walk away with the body for cremation and we got a little box of (hopefully the cats) ashes a few weeks later. Felt gross to me but she didn't want to touch the body and was fine having that sterile veterinary room be the last time she saw her.
- 6345dhjdsf 3y ago
  Ten days ago my mate's dog died. I was so very fond of that absurd little creature. I've lost very few people that I care about so I don't have much to compare with, but the little creature's death hit me really so hard, more so than with any person. I have heard that the death of a pet can hit harder than that of a person, and that's what I seem to have found much to my astonishment. Has anyone found the same?
  - jemmyw 3y ago
    I've lost many pets over the years and my father, and grandparents I was close to. I think it depends on the circumstance. Losing a pet unexpectedly is worse than losing a grandparent to old age. A pet dying of old age is a mix of grief and relief (especially if you have to make the decision). My father died suddenly of a heart attack, that was worse than losing any of my pets, but it was a more amorphous pain, spread out over time. We're with our pets a lot more than with extended family so it makes sense that a pet dying can be more intense than losing a friend or family member who does not live with you.
TheCleric 3y ago
I don’t share your perspective, but I appreciate it. Grief has no logical framework, so sometimes the result of it is a bit “illogical”. Thanks for sharing.

ericmcer 3y ago

Growing up we always buried pets when they passed and the ritual was somewhat soothing. Digging the hole yourself was part of the final rite. When my partners cat got euthanized she let the vet just walk away with the body for cremation and we got a little box of (hopefully the cats) ashes a few weeks later. Felt gross to me but she didn't want to touch the body and was fine having that sterile veterinary room be the last time she saw her.

6345dhjdsf 3y ago
Ten days ago my mate's dog died. I was so very fond of that absurd little creature. I've lost very few people that I care about so I don't have much to compare with, but the little creature's death hit me really so hard, more so than with any person. I have heard that the death of a pet can hit harder than that of a person, and that's what I seem to have found much to my astonishment. Has anyone found the same?
- jemmyw 3y ago
  I've lost many pets over the years and my father, and grandparents I was close to. I think it depends on the circumstance. Losing a pet unexpectedly is worse than losing a grandparent to old age. A pet dying of old age is a mix of grief and relief (especially if you have to make the decision). My father died suddenly of a heart attack, that was worse than losing any of my pets, but it was a more amorphous pain, spread out over time. We're with our pets a lot more than with extended family so it makes sense that a pet dying can be more intense than losing a friend or family member who does not live with you.

TheCleric 3y ago

I don’t share your perspective, but I appreciate it. Grief has no logical framework, so sometimes the result of it is a bit “illogical”. Thanks for sharing.