Some Advice, Please.
I once wrote to a priest to ask for advice about funerals.
It seemed like a pertinent and good question to ask.
I’m not sure what I was expecting them to say. Something pragmatic and organised I hoped. This particular priest was particular about time and organisation.
The priest said lots of good things. Wise things. Like, listen … a lot. Take your time. Take far too many notes. You never know which bit of information you might need later. Breathe afterwards. Give yourself time to decompress and reflect. What did I learn from that process? What will you do again? What will you definitely NEVER do again?
But the kicker was the closing paragraph and I come back to it time and time again. It’s nothing practical or pragmatic. It’s something that we should all keep on the front burner of our minds.
“Dear David,
Thank you so much for your letter. Yes, of course you must do all the organisation things, but the thing I try always to remember is that this person was and is just like you and I. Maybe it would help if I told you what happened today.
This morning was the funeral of a dear old soul who I only came to know in their ‘mature’ years when they were ‘In care’. It's always the way. We are always the 'David come lately’. It's easy to forget that the deceased was once young, had a runny nose, skun their knee, had their heart broken and probably broke some hearts along the way. They had regrets and triumphs. They lived a life that should be celebrated and a soul that needs praying for… just like you and I. A precious commodity is entrusted to you David. Cherish it, care for it, lavish with all the respect and love that you would hope for yourself.