The grief is unbearable when someone close to you dies.
We try our best to make the depressive emotions disappear during these painful and anxious occasions.
different cultures have different ways of honoring the dead, and even if some of them seem strange to us, we should respect them because that’s how people deal with grief.
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However, this was not the case for the family of Mark Rosenthal, who died 13 years ago, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Although Mark’s death was an inevitable tragedy for his family, feeling more connected to him somewhat eased the sadness of his absence. Despite this, they faced criticism online for the way they marked the important day on the calendar.
Mark’s widow, Robin Rosenthal, who became a single mother of two, raised her children Sam and Emma alone in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She has worked to preserve his memory by, among other things, visiting his cemetery and posting films online.
In a particular video from June 2022, they posted a throwback to a Father’s Day lunch they spent camping on the lawn.
Despite its intended humor, the short video drew condemnation from the internet community.
Sam is heard saying, “Father’s Day lunch with Dad!” when the family is seen eating sandwiches in the cemetery. He then asks his mother where his father is.
“There, in the ground,” his mother replies.
As they continue to eat lunch, Robin is shown throwing fries on her late husband’s grave, saying, “Here, Mark, have some fries.”
The family no doubt intended to give the film a comedic edge, but some viewers took offense.
“That mom is creepy,” someone said.
Another said: “It’s so disrespectful I’m speechless.”
A third person said, “Lack of respect.”
The family shared a video of their visit to Mark’s cemetery on TikTok earlier this year, and it has received more than 600,000 views.
Similar to last year, this video was met with mixed reactions and criticism.
Some criticized Robin and her children, while others said it was their special way of honoring Mark’s memory.
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how do you feel about it?
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and each family finds their own way of coping with loss and remembering their loved ones. While some may consider the Rosenthal family’s approach to honoring Mark’s memory unconventional, it’s important to note that their actions reflect their unique way of processing grief and staying connected with it. The humor they incorporated into the cemetery visit may have been a way to bring lightness to an otherwise difficult situation and help ease the pain of his absence.
It is natural for people to have different reactions to these customs, especially when they differ from their own traditions or beliefs. However, it is equally important to respect the different ways in which individuals and families navigate grief. What may seem inappropriate or disrespectful to one may be a meaningful tribute to another. Ultimately, the Rosenthal family’s approach is about finding comfort in their own way and serves as a reminder that there is no “right” way to grieve. Their experience highlights the importance of compassion and understanding when it comes to how others choose to remember those they have lost.