Family and a Funeral

I meant to write this post days ago but I had a newsletter deadline to meet. I also have to fit in work once in awhile.

Five members of my family attended the funeral of our cousin Lou last week in Arkansas. It was a bittersweet day. On one hand, we were saying goodbye to someone who had played an important part in our lives. On the other, the intimate time with family was invaluable.

My brother Gene and I left early for a two-hour drive to meet our parents for breakfast. From there, the four of us drove to meet my sister Donna. Then, all five of us rode together to Arkansas. Gene and I see each other so little and never have a chance to catch up. We did this trip and I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Once all five of us were together in one car, the sharing and visiting continued.

We arrived at the funeral and were saddened that Lou looked nothing like herself. I needed to see the cousin and friend I knew as Lou. However, the service fully captured the woman we all knew and loved. She was a Maverick. She was full of fire and energy, despite her limitations. She was unstoppable. She was a source of inspiration to many as she lived a full life from a wheelchair. It wasn't always easy, but as Lou once told Donna, "You thank God for the small things. Sometimes all you have are the small things." What a beautiful testimony from one who had more of a right to complain than the rest of us.

My mother told me later that being with us had been so special. I'd noticed that our parents seemed to hug each of us a little longer than usual. I told her I'd felt the same way, that I didn't know if it was the sadness of the day that drew each of us together, or if we would have sensed the closeness on any trip together. My mother said she suspected it was a combination of both. I have to agree. It was definitely a moment when I looked at each one of them with gratitude, and thankfulness for the blessings of family.