Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 275 is titled “Funeral Blessings” What makes the saddest of days more bearable? What has helped you get through these terrible life events? What have you done to help others through their time? We’re talking about that at The Table this evening.

Pull up a seat at the table and join us!

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode, the guys explore what makes the saddest days more bearable, focusing on the power of presence and support during funerals. They share personal stories, like planning a Nashville getaway and navigating passport woes, before diving into listener responses about meaningful funeral experiences. From kids showing up at a viewing to friends traveling hours with little notice, the episode highlights how simply being there often matters more than words. However, it also touches on the flip side—hurtful comments like “it’s time to be over this” after a stillbirth. The guys emphasize that true comfort comes from showing up, especially long after the funeral, when the world moves on but the grieving doesn’t. Tune in for a mix of laughter, reflection, and wisdom on mourning together.

From The Table

* Laura Pierini

* When Gary died, almost every single kid in the first and second grade at my kids school came to the viewing. Not just their parents, but the kids as well.

* Faith Milazzo

* I really appreciated the few friends from HS and college who showed up at my dad’s funeral over an hour away and with one day’s notice; we did not have a viewing. It was also nice to see my dad‘s best friends from high school who he had kept in touch with over the years. One drove across the state.

* This had nothing to do with the funeral, but the mom of one of my daughter’s friends from grade school showed up at my house with flowers and some tea because she read my Facebook posts that I was having trouble sleeping. I hadn’t seen this woman in a couple of years; we only kept in touch through Facebook. I was really touched by that kindness.

* Janet Uffner Amato

* Dan worked for the PAT and tons of workers came. They even brought a bus with a wreath in front of it with his employee #. His dear friend, Tom, flew in & brought his clarinet & played at the funeral. My friends & family were nothing short of amazing.

* Dawn Marie Himes-Pinner

* It the emotion others showed. Some were for my mom and the void in their life brought on by her passing, but also the hurt that was felt for my hurt.

* It was “my people” seated behind me - walling me in, protecting me from

* Lastly, it was everyone who knew how exceedingly important each and every detail of the day was to me.

* All of this to say, that on one of the hardest days of my life I felt protected.

* Beverly Sheesley

* At my uncle's funeral I learned more about him due to the pastor who spoke. My uncle told him things that he experienced as a soldier in WWII that he never shared with any of his family. It was like getting to see another side of him. A gift from him to his family at his funeral.

* Kerry Doyal

* Kind, genuine presence.

* As appropriate, crying with them. Not hiding your tears.

* Kelly E. Anker

* My friends showing up when my aunt died, no they did have to and it meant a lot but also at the time I probably didn’t think I was worth my friends showing up.

* Katie Jones-Hess

* When my dad died we were unsure of what to do about the newspaper obituary. He had been ill for many years and limited contact outside of the house, many of his friends, work colleagues and neighbors had either moved or passed .

* We decided to run it and a few families in Penn hills saw it and came to the memorial. These were other swimming parents who we knew since I was in 1st grade . Back to the days of Highlands aqua club swim team , then all the way through high school.

* They shared great memories of my dad . It was very touching to see them and hear of the outgoing & proud athlete parent version of my dad !

* You never know who may show up if they can.

* Hannah Morris Brouzakis

* I used to think I needed to say something significant when I attended a viewing or funeral. When my mom died I realized I remember very few things people said to me. What stands out the most were the people that were there, just their presence. The fact that they got up that morning, got dressed, and showed up for me (or my dad, or my brothers, or just because they loved my mom). That was the biggest comfort.

* Colleen Donkin Jonnet

* When Rich died two young girls came to the funeral home by Access. They were former students of his. They both were in wheelchairs and they proceeded to tell me that they both had full time jobs and they lived in their own apartments all because Mr. J told them that they could do anything they set their minds to!!! They said they owed him so much and wanted to show their respect to him and his family!!! I was so very touched by their kind words and for them coming to convey them to me!!!

* Sandi Chick Varrenti

* A couple from church that I felt like they were present the entire time my husband was laid out. I will never forget how much that blessed me 💞

* Amy Lynn

* I received so many great stories about my mom from people I had never met, that I still think about often. The day of the visitation at the funeral home was long and difficult, but anytime I looked up and saw my "people" it gave me the strength to carry on. It's also funny that the people I was certain would show up didn't and ones that I didn't think would show did.

* Dylan Porter

* When my mom died, 2 young nieces came to my side for hugs. I just sat down on the floor, with the

* m on my lap, and almost cried like a child. It was wonderful, even though I'm sure they didn't understand death yet.

* (These transition from good to bad)

* Sally Feeney Herr

* When I don't know what to say..I give a hug

* I know it's important to just show up at the funeral home and or the service.

* We had a full term stillborn son..1 Sunday a few months after we buried him..I broke down in church..someone at the church we were attending said (very meanly)" it's time for you to be over this"

* DON'T EVER SAY THAT.

* Tara Conaway

* "ministry of presence" is the best way I describe it. The ones that didn't do anything overly memorable, they just.....showed up. The ones that stand out in my mind as negative experiences are akin to Job's "friends." Offering advice, information....i mean honestly just anything they said. I know it was well intended but...to this day 15+ years later I still remember someone warning me not to gain weight after my mother died because she did, and how awful it was. And notably - to me, the biggest highlights are the ones who showed up 3months, 6 months, 1 year after the funeral. The funeral is easy to remember - social media, newspaper obituaries, town chatter. Its the ones who show up when the dust has settled and life has moved on for everyone else. THAT is the true "ministry of presence."

* Cori Tray

* I'm not sure if this is considered a blessing, but my Uncle passed when I was in my mid 20's and my 93 year old Aunt/his wife was standing up at the casket... My boyfriend at the time/now husband and my parents approached... Gave hugs...etc. My 93 year old aunt proceeds to say, "Cori, you've sure grown... Not this way (motioning up and down), but this way (motioning side to side)... Now, I am 4'10 and at that time maybe weighed 130 pounds... I was ready to knock her out and my boyfriend and parents still relive that moment... The anger... Haha

* (This is just sweet)

* Mark Piccolino

* The two people who I grew up next door to passed away within weeks of each other. When he died I felt that the priest really didn't say much about him. They were very involved in their church and deserved a better send off. When she died, I voiced my opinion to his children and they let me say a eulogy for them both at her funeral. I felt so honored to be able to memorialize them properly.

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