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Today Jeff and I drove an hour away to a dear friend’s funeral. He and his family moved from this area quite a while ago. Even though we haven’t kept in touch with them a lot throughout the years, we had common friends and they always let us know what they were up to, or when one of their kids got married. Twelve years ago, one of our friends mentioned that this dear friend of ours… had a brain aneurism and from then on has never been the same. His sweet wife and also a dear friend of ours, faithfully took care of him these past 12 years, which not only brought problems from the aneurism, but he also became diabetic and had cancer. He lost his battle with cancer and passed away just a few days ago. We knew we wanted to be at that funeral for him and his dear family.
He had three boys and two girls, and nineteen grandchildren…what a legacy! His three sons spoke and it was probably one of the greatest tributes that I think I have ever heard from children to a parent. Their Dad was amazing and the lessons and values he taught them were obviously a part of their lives, and something that they were passing on to their young families now. It was an honor to be there, his wife and our sweet friend seemed very touched that we came and we were so glad we did.
Time kept changing while we were sitting there during the funeral. When his girls sang one of the musical numbers …time seemed to slip to the past and I can remember those girls when they were just teenagers and now they are each a Mother. When the sons spoke …time slip back again and I could see in some of their features their Dad, they had the same expressions and mannerisms. Then at one point during on of the beautiful musical numbers…time pushed ahead and I wondered if Jeff and I need to talk more about when and if the time comes for us, have we shared our wishes for our funeral? Have we taught our kids and grandkids all that we know about life and do they know…like these kids …how loved they are? Then after the funeral we were able to talk and visit with other friends that we haven’t seen in years…time went back and forward then. Back because the same love and friendship we had with them, you realized is still there and yet just by looking at all of us …time has gone by and we all are a bit older, and wiser I hope?
Coming home Jeff and I spoke about where we wanted to be buried, what we wanted for our funerals and bottom line how we hoped our kids have learned to know and love the Lord. These kids did and that made all the difference in their lives. Their parents taught them about God and that they never had to go through anything alone. They had a testimony of Christ and His Atonement. They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, where their Dad was and that some day they could be together again! That is what they are striving for and working towards to have as they say…’No empty chairs in Heaven’.
Yes, it was quite the tribute to a dear friend, quite the tribute to the Memories and Love they shared, and quite the reminder for Jeff and I …that life is short and precious and we need to EVERYDAY, make the most of it! It was a tough day emotionally but my heart is full and very grateful tonight.
Good night dear friends!
”While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” ~ John Taylor
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens.” ~ Helen Keller
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