Many times, a funeral may be the only reason some families get together in such numbers. They are there for a sad occasion, but genuinely glad to see some they haven't in some time.
Out here, we often meet at someone's house, eat and catch up with everyone.
I think of it as the first stage of dealing with grief.
I hope there are smiles and laughter after my funeral. I would hate to think I lived my entire life without leaving something happy or funny for my loved ones to remember.