I'm inclined to throw up some diversion to lighten the mood a bit. Something like this:
But instead I will expand just a little upon some of my ramblings from last night...
As a pianist, I've played *lots* of funerals both Catholic and Protestant over the years. They are always fraught with emotion and laden with sadness, especially for those bidding farewell to someone they love. I've been one of those people bidding farewell to loved ones many times myself. Even in the midst of sorrow, however, the Catholic funerals especially that I've played have been some of the most uplifting, soul-edifying experiences I've had for many of the reasons I listed yesterday. I am always honored to play a funeral for anyone, to be present at that moment of grace, to help fulfill the work of mercy that is burying the dead, and to stand with those who are grieving. To be a part of planning a funeral for someone is likewise an honor I humbly undertake when asked.
Someday my bambini will have to bid farewell to someone they love dearly, as they will subsequently have to many times over the course of their lives. I am not expecting this day to be imminent for anyone close to us, but we never know what tomorrow will bring. As a family we've already said good-bye to a couple of pets the bambini's grandparents have had, as well as an uncle of my beloved's (when the lads were very little -- before the lasses were born).
When the day does come to say good-bye, it is my fervent hope that the services arranged to facilitate this farewell will both offer some solace for the grief our bambini feel and hope for them that their loved one is still accessible to them, though not in tangible, visible form any more. Perhaps the positive experience of having been to funerals before will at least give a certain sense of familiarity that helps accomplish this.
Further, I pray for the grace to equip our bambini with the knowledge that is a pathway to faith in the hope Christ gives us of everlasting life and resurrection by my openness to discussing with them the questions they have about life, death, faith, or anything else on their minds (at an age-appropriate level, of course, and only to the extent they are comfortable discussing it barring any urgent necessity).
I post many quips and soundbytes of our family life -- most of them funny, heart-warming, illustrative or reminiscent of things that transpire in these parts. When the younger lad posited his becoming imaginary at the end of his earthly life, it left a lasting impression on my heart that I knew I needed to chronicle. He's not only impish (and he is back to being impish after a couple days of strep throat-induced lethargy), but he's existential as well. God love him for that.
So we toddle on with life, eagerly awaiting Easter and trying to live each day in peace, with sanctity, grace, and no short supply of humor.
About those shoes: they were a gift to the two-year-old lass from an aunt very dear to us, and they're not at all appropriate for mud season...
No comments:
Post a Comment