In the modern world, death is hidden. In hospitals. Behind closed doors. Children don't see it. Adults don't discuss it. With the Amish — the opposite.
Dying at Home
Most Amish die at home, in their own bed, surrounded by family. Not in ICU, not connected to machines. When the time comes — it comes. Don't artificially extend what God decided to end.
Children and Death
Children attend funerals from infancy. See the body. Say goodbye. Not trauma — education. A child who has seen grandmother's death knows: death isn't a movie monster, but a quiet departure.
Dawdy Haus
A small house on the farm plot — for the elderly. When parents grow old, they move from the big house to the dawdy haus. Big house — to the young family. Elders nearby: see grandchildren daily, help where they can. Not a nursing home — a home beside family.
Cost
Amish funeral: $200-500. Average American: $7,000-10,000. Wooden coffin. No embalming. No flowers (simplicity). Same headstone for everyone — in death all are equal.
Attitude
Grieving is normal. Crying is normal. But despair is sinful. Because death isn't the end — it's a transition. And if you lived right — a transition to something better.