Perhaps the real thing they desire that they are unable to express is a very human thing- ritual.

Most of the time you'll notice this "closure" isn't ever a quiet thing, it never goes softly in the night. It's got to be built up. It has to be an event.

Even in your friends case, they set up this big meeting with the intent to mark some change in their life.

Hell, even the act of Mr. Magic dog is ritualistic in nature!