I'm with you there Zi.....I think 'veiewing the body' is quite disrespectful...and have FORBIDDEN my family to allow it. No, you don't have to look but sometimes it is difficult not to.

One funeral I went to, the 'minister' (?) gave a sermon based on Revelation!!!!! The 4 Horsemen!!!!

Yes, I can see the children of the family, but the attendees very small children??? Breast fed infants, maybe....but a year old 'friend of the family'? If I couldn't find a sitter, I'd send a card and stay home.

Here, the mortuary recieves all the cards...gives them to the Head of the Family....