A VISIT TO FUNTOWN BEACH IN NEW JERSEY

                                       

                                          

The Convergence of Grief: Universality of Human Emotion in Commemorative Practice

We visited Funtown beach on Sunday, just yesterday. My son drove us from Jersey City, and in about 100 minutes we reached 

Funtown Beach on the New Jersey shores of the Atlantic Ocean is a wide, orderly stretch of sun, sand and sea that feels lively yet spacious even on a busy Sunday. It is well equipped for visitors, with clean washrooms, deckchairs, sun shades, and a range of cafés and restaurants along the promenade. Music drifting from the shore, people bathing in the waves, impromptu dancing on the sand, and good food are what draw the crowds here. The sand is firm and clean, perfect for walking by the water, and lifeguards ensure the area is well maintained. Above the sea, motorboats tow large advertising banners and light aircraft glide overhead trailing messages, adding to the festive atmosphere. I was told the beach town is almost deserted in the snowy winters, as the summer residents pack up and shift to warmer places. In all, Funtown Beach blends vibrant coastal recreation with the quiet that returns when the season ends.

Funtown Beach is a popular destination located in Seaside Park, New Jersey, known for its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly environment. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained beach, friendly staff, and the variety of activities available, including cabana rentals and live music on weekends. With clean facilities and a range of snack options nearby, it offers an enjoyable day out for families and friends alike.

The boardwalk offers great food and fun, making it a favorite for many ; just arrive early to snag parking and your perfect spot in the beach .

And yet, what stayed with me were the quiet benches. Lined along the tiled path to the shore, each one carried an inscription of remembrance. Names, dates, a few words of love. In the middle of all the activity, these small memorials asked us to pause.That sight made me think of how, across the world, people deal with loss in such different ways, and yet with the same heart.

In India, we often remember through service. A water purifier, a cooler, ceiling fans, marble tiles in a temple, or trees planted in someone’s name. Grief is turned into something useful, so the person who is gone continues to give.In the West, remembrance tends to be more contemplative. The benches at Funtime Beach are not for utility. They are places to sit, to remember, to let a name be spoken by strangers walking by. 

Different forms, but the same longing: to keep someone present, to say that love does not end with death. Cultural expression may change with place, but human feeling remains the same.

( Avtar Mota )

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