Fortune News | Aug 08,2020
Sep 1 , 2024
By Kidist Yidnekachew
The bond I had with my mother-in-law was indescribable. Her passing was devastating to the family. Losing a loved one can upend life, triggering deep reflections on existence, mortality, and the fragile nature of life. Thoughts of one's mortality surface, accompanied by haunting "what if" scenarios that disrupt inner peace.
Could her fate have been different? Could there have been more time to cherish? In the absence of clear answers, uncertainty lingers, casting a shadow of doubt and confusion.
In her final days, my mother-in-law lived in a small room, far from the comforts of her past life, largely due to a job that took her away from the city. Despite her modest surroundings, she found contentment in her work, dedicating herself passionately to teaching—even on Sundays and holidays. Seeing her in a coffin—so different from her vibrant life—was heartbreaking.
Amid the encouragement to "stay strong", I found solace in being present following the kind words and advice of my mother-in-law.
When she passed away, my husband and I were not prepared for the emotional and logistical challenges that followed. Beyond the heartbreak, we were overwhelmed by the unfamiliar responsibilities of planning a funeral—from selecting a coffin to organising the service.
One of the most daunting aspects was the cost. Funerals can be surprisingly expensive, and we were quickly faced with decisions that had marked financial implications. We chose a modest coffin priced at 3,500 Br, which reflected my mother-in-law's belief in valuing experiences over material possessions. Despite this modest choice, the expenses quickly added up.
At the cemetery, we were shocked to discover that a simple flower arrangement cost 3,000 Br, and transporting the body to the burial site doubled the price. These costs seemed exorbitant, and we could not help but wonder if they were inflated because my husband was a foreigner, or if this was simply the standard rate. Additionally, Some taxi drivers reportedly charge up to 10,000 Br to transport a Body from Bishoftu to Addis Ababa.
During this difficult time, family, friends, and colleagues provided invaluable support. My mother-in-law's employer took care of many of the funeral arrangements, easing some of the burdens. My husband’s friends also managed to secure a burial plot at the last minute, which was a relief. However, the overall experience made us realise how funerals have become profit-driven. It felt wrong that the deep sorrow of loss was being exploited for financial gain.
For instance, a friend recently spent 55,000 Br on a tombstone, a reminder of how costly these services can be. This led me to wonder about the current costs and whether there were ways to manage or reduce these expenses.
Initially, we were hesitant to hold a sit-in, wanting to shield our children from the mourning process. However, many people came to offer their condolences, and the situation became overwhelming. Although plenty of food was prepared as a result, guests were largely not interested in eating, preferring water and small snacks, which resulted in considerable food waste.
I began to contemplate the fate of those who die without family or caretakers. I wondered if—though I am uncertain—such bodies might be used as cadavers for medical students. This thought led me to reflect on the many unknowns surrounding death and the afterlife, reminding me of how much we have yet to understand about our mortality.
PUBLISHED ON
Sep 01,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1270]
Fortune News | Aug 08,2020
Fortune News | Oct 16,2021
Fortune News | Sep 27,2025
Sunday with Eden | Mar 07,2020
Fortune News | Dec 04,2022
Sunday with Eden | Nov 20,2021
Featured | Jan 01,2022
Fortune News | Aug 09,2025
Radar | Nov 16,2024
News Analysis | Nov 08,2025
Photo Gallery | 193257 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 183140 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 179939 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 145385 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Aug 14 , 2026
Aschalew Fetene, known as “Ardi” and admired for his poetic depth, has built a ti...
Aug 8 , 2026
The World Bank asks readers to picture a mother in rural Ethiopia who has never held...
Jul 31 , 2026
Weldu Yiheysh has not read the Pacific temperature charts. He does not need to. In Shibta District of Enderta Wereda, in...
Jul 25 , 2026
Ideally, citizens who have paid income tax all year should not have to reach for thei...
Aug 15 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
Federal prosecutors have charged seven defendants over a set of foreign-trade deals t...
Aug 15 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Ethio-post is preparing to turn its thousands of branches into banking agents, allowi...
Kassahun Gofe (PhD), minister of Trade & Regional Integration (MoTRI), is prepari...
Aug 16 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
Justices at the Federal Supreme Court widened the shield they are holding over lawyer...
Loading your updates...