This may seem like a macabre thing to write about but it really isn't. Today I attended a memorial service/celebration of life for an old friend from my church. It was a lovely service with familiar hymns and Bible verses and the promise of life everlasting. She and I had served on several committees together over the years and I was amazed, at the service, at how many happy memories came back to me as her family remembered her with wonderful essays about her life. I selfishly found myself wondering if my children or grandchildren would say such nice things about me? I even thought maybe I should write out some little speeches for them, but I guess not. It was interesting though, I found myself smiling through most of the service, when I had expected to be crying. I was even reminded, at the reception following the service, of a crazy conversation about sea horses that we had had at a dinner I hosted 12 years ago. I found myself wondering what my funeral will be like (hopefully not for 10 or 20 years) but then I realized that recently I experienced something better than a funeral. Back in January I was very ill and wasn't able to go to church for four months. Happily, I felt up to going on Easter Sunday. I've been a member at First Pres for 40 years so I know quite a few people there. Before and after that service I was greeted warmly and lovingly by so many old friends that I almost felt like a celebrity. So I really don't care who comes to my someday funeral or what they say. I've already experienced an excellent celebration of life.
Luci - it was a joy to see you at Marianne's Memorial Service! And to laugh about the fun we had at your theater dinners! Keep the great blog posts coming :)
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