· Acknowledges that a life with a distinct personality has been lived.   · Allows families and friends to remember their loved one in their special way.   · Serves as the central gathering place for family and friends to give emotional and physical support to one another.   · Provides closure for family and friends.   · Initiates the grieving and ceremonial process.   · Confirms the reality and finality of the death.   · Encourages families and friends to face the pain of their loss and express their thoughts and feelings.   · Helps families and friends to better cope with their grief and enables them to move forward with their lives.   · Is a celebration of a life lived and the Celebration of Life service both reflects and preserves the distinct personality of the person being memorialized.