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Royal’s story – sharing his son’s delight in song
The church hymns sung at his son’s funeral still ring in Royal Masekwamena’s ears and provide comfort for him on days when he is overcome with grief.
"You could tell it was a prince’s funeral because his name was Prince. On the day, I didn’t cry because of what the preachers were saying about acceptance. I took that to heart and I felt a little better,” he says.
Masekwamena’s son, Oarabile, 23, died in July after he fell ill while at work. He was rushed to the hospital where he died just after he was admitted.
"He was shy. The memories I have are from pictures of when he was little. We had dogs, and we would play with the dogs. He was respectful to the elderly, even those from outside the family. When I miss him, I want to be alone, and I find myself talking to him and asking why this happened and why I wasn’t the one to die rather. He died so young, he had a bright future ahead of him,” he says.
"What surprised me (about planning the funeral) was the moral support I got from family, friends, and the church. I am not a church goer, but the church and the community played a big role in supporting me. I thought I was alone, but my neighbours, community and the church were there.”
Masekwamena finds solace in all the support that was offered to him during that time and in knowing that Oarabile’s mother was able to give him a tombstone.
Watch Royal’s story here
Clientèle Life offers you a free Funeral Guide with important steps to remember if a loved one passes away. The Funeral Guide is available in six different languages, includes a funeral checklist. To find it visit here.
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