Lisa lost her mom this week unfortunately. Last night I went with another friend of ours to her mom's service. We all have attended many of these over the years. I never know what to say. I really struggle with keeping my wise cracking side under wraps because that's how I make people smile. Not very appropriate at a funeral.
In going into this, I don't expect it to be much different than any other that I have been to. We go through the line, pay our respects, smile that closed "I'm sorry" smile and move on.
When we were seated and time for the service to began, they took the immediate family out. I imagine for a private prayer. Then the entire family enters at the same time from the back. I was overwhelmed at the size of her family. Sue, Lisa's mom, had so many close people that loved her.
Due to a deaf brother, there was a lady who signed the entire service, music and all. This was breathtakingly beautiful! I thought this is going to be different.
When two of Sue's friends started to eulogize her, I KNEW something was going to change in me. Any of us could write most of what you typically hear at a funeral without even knowing the deceased. But, this was different. To paraphrase, Sue was a very vibrant 80 year old who still had a work ethic most of us lack. She was known for her passion of volunteering. She loved sports and evidently was still very competitive.
Outspoken, she would speak her mind. It was said that she loved those around her so deeply that she thought you deserved to know her opinion.
I sat there absolutely engrossed learning about this woman I had never laid eyes on. I felt heartbroken that I had missed the opportunity I know her in life and was only getting to meet her in her death.
Going into last night, I was having a bad day. One of those "poor pitiful me days". At that moment I decided that I wanted to live the Life of Sue. I want to be the kind of person that is remembered the way so many will her. I want a life focused on God and on others. I want to be known as passionate and caring.
I truly wish I had met her only once. So between the beautiful music, the graceful signing and the ah ha moment, I walked out of there a different person.
Thank you Lisa and your whole family for sharing her with me for just a moment and with the world for her lifetime. Last night was a beautiful night.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? I would be honored to have someone say that I led The Life of Sue.
Until next time- safe picking.
