Something mouldy said above about shedding a body that has become a burden is very resonant, and (to my mind) a really good way of looking at things. When my father died, my three sons were having a pretty bad time, since they have always been very close to both my parents, and this is the first major loss they've had to endure. They are of the same opinion as me in terms of public viewing of the body (I don't like it, and frankly neither would my father, but it seemed to help my mother, and after nearly 60 years of marriage, it's her call), and so we arranged to have the casket closed before they came in. Even so, I made sure to say--probably more than once!--that whether they wanted to see it or not, the fact of the matter is that after a person has passed away, their "body" is basically just an old set of clothes that they no longer need, that doesn't even fit anymore; in essence, he's "outgrown" it. I find this a very comforting and truthful-feeling notion, and I hope that you will, too.

Best,

~D