Goodbye To A Friend

It is Tuesday, December 7, 2010. I feel sooo lazy, after going to the funeral service of our friend. It was a beautiful service graced by about 300 people, more or less. The church was really full and there were many cars that saw him laid to rest in the cemetery. Although it was cold, it was a beautiful, sunny day! The priest talked about him and his past deeds and friends. I heard someone remark on our way out if on her funeral, there will be as many people as there was today? Indeed, this guy has many friends.... golfers, walkers, co-workers....etc.....etc......

The subject of death has been one that we usually do not want to touch. Why? For obvious reasons! The guy's family has bought the cemetery plot almost 20 years ago! In this year of inflation, that amount spent 20 years ago must have been 5x or 6x higher now. What do you think?

As we were driving, a discussion came about the final days on earth. We were thinking, the family chose a funeral home farther away from their home. We were thinking that is a good idea! Why? If the funeral home is close by, every time you pass the funeral home, it will just remind you of your loved one that has been there. What do you think?

The next discussion was about a cemetery plot or cremation. Cremation is less expensive, but you have the ashes stored in an urn. Someone had the ashes of her loved one in the cemetery, and she moved to another state. Our question...when you move, who will visit your grave or ashes? Another had the ashes of their loved one in their house. Question? Would you like to store the ashes in your home? When you leave this world, what will happen to the ashes? These are good, interesting questions!!! Someone said to scatter the ashes in your favorite place, your birthplace, etc...etc... so no one will be obligated to go to the cemetery. If the loved one re-marries, then the person that passed away will not have anyone visiting! These are really excellent questions that only you and a loved one can agree to. Any comments, anyone???

We were soo glad though that we were able to talk and be merry with him for the last time 2 weeks ago! Unbelievable! We were seated together in a party, drinking, eating, dancing, joking and carrying on. In an instant, the one you know will no longer be there on the usual place that he is on!! Life is really short! Make the most with it! Be at peace with everyone! Be happy and keep smiling!!

One thing though is really hard to do... to see someone depart from this life, whether it is your relative or a friend!! Goodbye, dear friend. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine unto him! Amen!