I have a terrible fear of coffins, and I have to be a pallbearer at my grandpa's funeral. What should I do?

Question

I've had this fear since I was a child. It's so intense that it takes a while for me to even enter the room with the coffin in it. I really need to do this for my grandmother's sake, and as an honor to my grandpa. Do you have any advice for me on how to get through this?

Answer 1

go early and get use to it.

it's just wood and metal.

sorry for your loss.

Answer 2

relax - it's just a piece of furniture

concentrate that you are helping to move it - and you need

to be in step with the other guys -

think of nothing else - NOTHING! hold the handle

move together - small steps - don't get in a hurry

and before your know it

the job will be done - and Gran will be so proud of you!

I know she is, already!

all the best

Answer 3

conquer your fears!  

Answer 4

Firstly I'm so sorry for your loss.

I've exactly the same problem. Everytime I see a dead body or stuff I have to spend two or three hours at hospital.

But that's your grandpa's coffin. You knew him well, you have loved him and will love, it's nothing to scare you. I think when you realize the fact that you won't see him anymore, the fact that you won't be able to talk to him anymore, not only his coffin won't afraid you, but you'll appreciate the last moments you can be near to him.

It's very difficult and sad job that you must do though.

Again so sorry.

Answer 5

Fake a knee injury and tell them you are afraid you will trip and cause the coffin to fall and dump your grandpa on the ground.

Myself, when this happened and I was asked to be a pall bearer, as one of the six grand sons, I had to do something like this as I have a bit of a handicap. My uncle carried the load and I walked next to my uncle so I could stilll be seen as honoring my grandfather.

If you fake a knee injury, make sure to wear an Ace bandage in the knee for at least a week, and use a sharpie marker to mark which knee so you get the bandage on the same knee the entire time.

Answer 6

I'm sorry about your loss. It's really not so bad, I've been a Paul-Bearer for my Uncles funeral. Just keep in mind you are doing this for your family member and that will help you out I think.

Answer 7

Be A Man. Relax and suck it up.

Answer 8

Phobias are funny in that...their irrational.

I've found a solution to my various fears an anxieties that I'm not sure works for everyone; I first say "s***w it" but I use the colorful synonym that starts with the letter "f" and then I just get self destructive. I just do it, I let the chips fall where they may and I just experience it.

Once you conquer your fear, you'll feel great. Trust me. Besides. There's honor in being a pallbearer.