As hard as it is to believe I went to another funeral today. One of our former minister’s wife, the mom of one of my friends that I have known since high school and a sweet help to me many times, it was a blessing to be at her service today.
The special music was a string ensemble who played “Pie Jesu” which had me in tears. It was then that I realized what I missed with my own mom. I missed having the chance to hear beautiful music at her service. I missed the feeling of friends and loved ones surrounding you as you hear not only words about the one you have loved and lost, but the words of comfort from the songs, prayers and readings we share as a family of God.
When the minister said that this sweet woman would continue to be a force in our lives, I realized that that was so true, not only for this sweet mom, but for my mom as well. And when he said that we now offer this kind lady back to God, I realized again what I had missed for my own mom. We never offered her back to God. I never got that chance.
So I did something that I hope is OK. I took that moment for my mom and silently, prayerfully asked my friend’s mom, who knew how to be hospitable and loving as much as anyone I know, to take my mom’s hand and I sent them back to God together.
Now I know that my mom is already with God and He doesn’t need me to offer her or send her anywhere. I needed this for me. The gathering that my father put together a couple of months ago was missing that one major element- God. I know that although He was never invited in with spoken words, He was there. But I missed having His name spoken, His presence recognized and our voices lifted together to sing and speak words of comfort and joy.
So today as I said and sang the words for this dear woman, I said them for another dear woman as well- my mom. And somehow I feel better. Joy to the world and thanks be to God.
