Diary of a Grown-Up Church Girl
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... and there was lots of food left over

5/16/2016

2 Comments

 
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A woman I knew throughout my childhood recently died.

I would have gone to her funeral but, quite honestly, I didn't because I had a hair dresser appointment that day.  I had been looking forward to getting a good cut and I was sure that the deceased would understand.

She was that type of woman.  Always dressed well,  always looked good, she was a fashionista with a capital "Fash."  So I knew she'd understand me not being at her funeral.  In fact, had she seen my hair the day before, she would have it no other way.

Anyway, I asked someone who did attend how the funeral was.  That's a crazy question, I know, but it's one I'm sure you're familiar with.  I really don't know what we expect the answer to be, but the answer I got this time caused me to pause.

The guy said that the funeral was nice, there were many people there and there was lots of food left over.

That's it.  After 30+ years of knowing this woman, that was it.... it had come to just this.

Now, please understand that I'm not at all putting the guy down for his answer.  It was a perfectly honest and legitimate response, after all, what did I really expect him to say?  But still, it made me pause.

And I told myself that I'd better live my life the way I want to live it and to do the things that make me happy. 

I'd better take more days off and talk longer on the phone.  I'd better go on more trips and watch more movies.

I'd better spend more time with the ones I love and forgive the ones I don't.

And, as Irma Bombeck once said, I'd better burn the good candles.

Because when it's all said and done, a few folks will go to my funeral and the event will be judged by how many people are there and whether or not there was food left.

Excuse me, I've gotta run...  I must also find out who's bringing the chicken to my repast and make sure they bring enough!   :-)



2 Comments
Yvonne Allsopp
6/16/2016 05:58:31 am

Scrolling... was here before and I wrote and wrote until I was ready to fall asleep. I did fall asleep, but not until I read and re-read the comment I made on your blog about Middle Age signs..
This is just like me Gail.. starting at the end and working backwards. Now because I am not computer savvy, just like so much in my life, I am not really sure how I ended up here. But when I read the Intro about a lady who died and the comment about knowing someone for 30 years and all that surmised about her funeral was, it was nice and there was a lot of food. Wow!!
This kind of hit home because recently I had to bury my only sister who was younger than me. At the graveside service it hit home. All the arguments and craziness that went on in my family over the years, did not matter. All that she gave and lives she touched was summed up in rest in Peace. Someone did ask, where are we having lunch?
I sat humbly and realized that only what you do for Christ will last. My mother, father, aunt, and now sister are all buried, and I am still here. There was no U-haul carrying their belongings. Their prized possessions and things they deemed as treasures were not buried with them.
I am humbled that I am still here. There is more for me to do. I want to live so God can use me. I am on an Abrahamic journey and I hope my last day will end with, this is my daughter with whom I am well pleased. No more procrastination! And if I didn't do it before, I live on purpose and try not to sweat the small stuff!
All the cliches that I have ignored, suddenly made sense:
Don't sweat the small stuff
You can't take it with you
Give me my flowers while I can still smell them

Reply
Gail
6/16/2016 06:22:19 pm

Yvonne, I couldn't agree with you more. The comment struck a chord with me and reminded me how very trivial a lot of the things are that we spend time and energy stressing over. It's time to let go of that stuff and live our lives on purpose. I am so sorry for the losses you have experienced but, as you stated, you're here for a reason. You have always been such a kind, funny, talented woman, I consider you a blessing in my life and am so happy that we've reconnected. Thanks so much for your comments.

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