Thursday, October 25, 2007

Death is an Amazing Thing

WHY IS IT that funerals bring out that uncomfortable feeling that we’re not here for ever; that, one day in the future, we’ll suffer the acutely tortuous loss of a loved one? For many of us, this has happened, and perhaps many times, but that doesn’t prepare us for the loss in the future—we’re never prepared for it—each of us will be sadly missed. At these times, we also think of our own death; or perhaps better put, how fragile our life is and how short the journey could be, or simply just is. We are brought into contact with emotions that well-up and take us over; we see responses to loss in others that overwhelm us. AND, we see real humanity, and unity.

It was a real sense of unity that I felt at a young man’s funeral yesterday. He was aged only 24 at death; his mother, a work colleague and friend—a lovely and genuine lady, was gutted as she spoke glowingly of her son’s love of life, his humour, his beautiful and handsome looks, and how she fell instantly in love with him on the 23rd of February, 1983. One word described her demeanor: heartbroken.

Her sense of grief was so evident after the service as she desperately sought the loving embrace of her husband—the family. Goose bumps invade my body as I recall the deep sense of unity within her family; they simply desperately needed one another during that time, and this will be true also for the time to come. It will make her family unit even stronger though—the silver lining.

My impressions of John, having never known him… what an amazing man. Adversity was a friend for this battling inspirative. A keen and highly talented sportsman, a lovely and grace-filled man; a man loved by his family and friends and missed from now on… rest in peace with God, John.

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