What do you think of my dad's funeral?

Question

My dad died in 2003 from a drug overdose. He was 36 years old.

At his funeral, we had a table set up with picture frames on it. In the picture frames were poems and drawings that he had done (I had a suitcase full of them that he had given me about a year before he died). Also, there was the sheet music for the Rolling Stones song “You Can't Always Get What You Want”. Then we had two larger frames that were of pictures of him (and him with family members/friends) that stood on two bronze easels. I also had his guitar sitting out on a guitar stand (music was a very big part of his life). His casket was different shades of blue and on the lid (the cloth part) there was a stitching of two small birds (doves I guess). I asked a long time friend of my dad to do the speaking as nobody in the family was able to. The songs that were played were:

Last Mornin' by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show (he told my mom a long time ago that he wanted this song played at his funeral): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-MJ97gkZlE

I Shall Be Released by the Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ore6K3ESTLc

Every Grain Of Sand by Bob Dylan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrRJV5vFXDI

Precious Memories by Waylon Jennings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ_Wuf0yqN0

And for his epitaph, I chose the first line from the song Bird On A Wire...“Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free.“ I thought it fit him really well.

Sorry if my question is a bit morbid. It's just, I was the one left to decide everything and I was only 13 (almost 14). Do you think it was okay? I wanted him to have a nice funeral...

Oh, and I didn't really know where to post this question but I figured here is as good a place as any. Thanks for the answers.

Answer 1

Sounds like your dad got a service that fit his personality. That's a good thing. I think it doesn't sound very traditional, but I'm guessing your dad wasn't either. It's a little sad that you had to decide everything though. You did a good job. I like the pictures on the table idea, and everything else for that matter.

Answer 2

It sounded like it was a great celebration and memorial of your dad's life. Very, very personalized, which is the way it should be.  Such a shame he had to so at such a young age.  You did a very good job taking charge of so much.  I am sure he would have been proud of you.  

Answer 3

Very Nice...I'm a bass player and it sounds like your dad would have been someone I would have like to hang out and jam with. Sorry for your loss. Coincidentally my father died on June 21st and tomorrow we are having a memorial service/party in his memory. I'm a little anxious...anyway..I'm sure your dad is looking down and is very proud of you.

Answer 4

Sounds like you had to make some grown up decisions, it also sounds like you made the right ones. Great Job!  He would have been so proud!!

Answer 5

you decided all of this?? wowwww good work

but what about your mom

didn't she help you?