Who will be there
Let’s discuss death. No need to be afraid since this will help you plan better. When I pass a cemetery and see a funeral or notice someone exiting after a drop in, I wonder who they are visiting. Sometimes I even wonder who will be visiting me at my last spot. And I wonder why they are there. It’s easy to think that there will be those required mourners. Children, family and close friends. It’s the others I want to think about today. Doing something in life that motivates another human being to honor me with their presence at the end of mine is unknown. There are no requirements for most humans to attend funerals. Humans can honor the memory of each other in so many ways and are so busy with regular lives that it is alright to rationalize an absence. But it is a lovely thought that someone might take the time to do so. Many years ago, a fellow employee died after a long illness. It was not totally unexpected, and we were work colleagues mostly. No one knew that she had reached out to me for help with a personal request to help with some expenses for her family. It was easy for me to assist; she knew it and I did so. When the funeral was announced I knew that I would attend but it might be a little uncomfortable for me since I didn’t know any of her family. She didn’t need me to honor her since so many others were there for her. But I drove to a little rural church and two sensitive friends of ours took my hands and we walked together through the service. I may have been the unexpected person at her last gathering. That memory comes back to me. Now I want to figure out who will be the unexpected guest at my last soiree.
You are Extraordinary!
Week 30: Touch someone
There are events that result in touching someone more than intended. Emotions are expended more than we intend at times and less than we want at others. There are no requirements for anyone to love a family member and holding back love is a well-known punishment. It may hurt either participant, but it typically ends up as something that could use a do over. Usually after more understanding of the why it happened. But also, too late to avoid leaving scars. Forgiveness can be a great salve, especially self-forgiveness. I know that I have begged forgiveness many times when it was too late to help anyone but me. Look around your life. Who do you think will be there to sing that last song with you? Who do you want to be there? Who haven’t you invited but might be your unexpected surprise guest?
