Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Dear God,

Memories come alive when we gather together to remember someone we have loved at a memorial service.  This was especially true yesterday when we celebrated the life of my aunt, Caroline Kincaid.  Just days before in the ICU in Tipton Hospital, I held her hand, wept, and told her how much I loved her.  She told me she was ready to die.  She just wanted all her family and friends to have a party.

At the service I conducted I welcomed everyone to the party.  As my eyes scanned the crowd seated before me, I thought of Lori, Jeff, Aunt Jodie, Judy Kay, Annie, Barb and Bud, Jeff, Debi, Judy, Diana, Scott, Christian, Steven Lee, and so many more.  I remembered their stories, oh, how many stories there are.  I hugged all of them during the viewing time and many I told I loved them too.  Although I had to immediately make my way back home, 1000 miles away, following the committal, I reveled in the relationships, the shared memories, and the love that bound us together so long ago.  I felt fed and full.

Bless you, Lord,
for the people
you put
in our lives.
Thank you
for weaving us together
in one fabric.
Thank you
for love
that does
not die
at death.

Love, Andrea