Farewell Friend

I attended my first Catholic funeral.  I enjoyed the music, the eulogy by the priest, and the sincere devotion of the mourners.  As the uninitiated, I chose a poor seat: one near the incense. As you are aware that I am all about smells, I found myself holding my breath.  I didn't pass out and I no longer worried that I smelled like bacon after the delicious breakfast your carnivore father had made that morning.

I wish you could have all been there for your dear music teacher's farewell to this mortal life.   I told you about visiting her two weeks before and sharing my favorite hymn.  Her thoughts after we sang it together comforted me.  She knew where she was going; that her life wouldn't end when her frail body breathed its last breathe.

She and I had many conversations about faith over the past 9 years.  We agreed on many things and agreed to disagree about those things we didn't see eye to eye on.  My understanding and respect for her beliefs grew over the years.  "We claim the privilege of worshiping almighty God, according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how where or what we may." Not only wise words but my prayer as the world forgets God and rejects His truth.  God does not cease because man rejects Him.  Man did not create God.  Man can't discard Him when pride blinds us because of all we create that we worship.  The sad result is that God's power to guide and influence us, comfort and inspire us is rejected and discarded.  He is still there.

I'm thankful for my friendship with this beautiful woman.  I love her and will miss her.  I am sure she is with Jesus Christ and is still aware of you and watching over you.  She loves you.  Just like God, she still lives.