[Blindtlk] Question that might seem odd

[James Kelm]

Dear Jim,

    I served as a pall-bearer for my father-in-law this last year, and I too 
was a bit unsure of how it would work out, but it was very simple.

    There are usually at least 3 men on each side of the casket.  I walked 
in the middle position, so that there was a sighted person both in front, 
and in back of me.  This way the person in back could give me some feedback 
if necessary.

    I did not use a cane, since I thought that it would be more of a 
hindrance during the process.  The funeral director gave directions to the 
whole group throughout the process.  In reality, we pall-bearers were pretty 
much ceremonial, since the funeral employees closely watched, and directed 
each step to make it go smoothly.  This is there business, and they assured 
that everything worked well and smoothly.

    So my bottom line...  Ask one of the other pall-bearers with whom you 
are comfortable with to help you before, and after the actual pall-bearering 
duties.  Help you line up correctly, determine when you are to begin, etc. 
Afterword, help you get back to your wife, family, etc.  But the actual duty 
of being a pall-bearer should be no difficulty at all, if it is run as it 
was during my father-in-law's ceremony.  Most of the people were not even 
aware that I was blind, until the conversation afterword.

    I am so very sorry for your loss, and I pray that God will give you the 
strength through what is a very difficult part of life!


Respectfully,
James Kelm


-----Original Message----- 
From: Jim Portillo
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 4:51 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: [Blindtlk] Question that might seem odd

Hi there,



I realize that what I'm about to ask might seem odd to some of you, and I
apologize for that.

Unfortunately, I just lost my grandfather due to terminal illness and will
be going home to Texas for the funeral.  I was asked by my mother and uncles
if I'd like to be a pall-bearer, because he practically raised me and I was
like a son to him as well.



So, I guess my question is this.  Has anyone here experienced being a
pall-bearer, and if so, is there any advice or are there any tips for doing
this as a blind person?  I know that I'll be with others, so I'm guessing
that will serve as a guide or way of travel, is that right?  Also, should I
be using or carrying my cane when this happens, or would it get in the way?




I'm honored to have been asked, and I want to show anyone who might be
skeptical about it that I can participate with them and do this for my
grandfather.  So, any advice or tips from you guys would be appreciated.



Thanks,

Jim





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Respectfully Yours in Christ,
Pastor James Kelm
True Hope Church of Duluth
Phone: (218) 727-4186
Church Office E-mail: office at thcduluth.org
Pastor's Direct E-mail: jameskelm at thcduluth.org
Web Site: www.thcduluth.org