Michael works with the father of Zachary McPeck who passed away recently at the tender age of 22. The family wanted the service to be one of celebration of his life, and it very much was. They shared memories and photos and music, and it was tender and lovely, followed by a reception with desserts and craft tables, which we were unable to stay for, as we had a second memorial service to attend, across town, right after.
I think that we (culturally) eat at/after wakes/funerals/memorials because eating is life sustaining and life affirming. It was nice, too, that they’d thought about all the ages, and included creation (the crafts) as part of the celebration of Zachary’s life.