Dear Daughters,

Today I played piano at the funeral of Gertie who lived to be 98 ½ years old.  I had only met her once – several years ago – but from what I gather she was full of life and love.  One of her granddaughters said she was like the energizer bunny, she just kept going and going and going…

Gertie lived from 1920 – 2018.  As the pastor mentioned, a lot of life happened in that dash between her birth year and her year of passing.  He spoke of her love for life, how she had for years given and given as she helped cared for her six younger siblings, eventually raising her own family.  The joy she brought to children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a few great-great grandchildren was obviously a large sum.

When four of the great-granddaughters spoke of their memories there were sniffles heard throughout the congregation, young men remembering her delicious homemade dinners, small children loving how she took time and care with each of them, friends musing about their hours together – memories of love and laughter.   Whenever someone would leave her home after visiting she would say,

Come again soon, don’t wait too long!

It’s good to go to funerals, to remember the brevity of our own lives.   It’s probably even a good idea to think of our own life backward: pondering what people might say at our funeral, then striving to live up to those images.

Gertie loved Jesus, and her life reflected that love as she continually cheered others on, encouraging the weak, playing games with the children – and always with a smile on her face.

As the slide show of Gertie’s life in pictures rolled on, the song I Can Only Imagine played in the background followed by Johnny Cash’s I Walk the Line. 

As I left the church my heart was full.  Even though I hadn’t known her, I loved her zest for life, her tenacity for joy, and I rejoiced that God created such a woman and that she, in turn, chose to be faithful and true, learning to live life to the fullest.  She was an outstanding giver, but in later years she learned to become a receiver.  Although she was still in exercise classes at the gym well into her 90’s, she eventually learned to receive help from others.

The first thing Danica said when she walked into the house this afternoon for her piano lesson was, “I’ve memorized part of I Can Only Imagine!”  She’s only had the song one week, but obviously loves it.  I mentioned that I heard it played at a funeral just that morning and she immediately replied “That’s a great song for a funeral, but it’s a good song anytime.”  Indeed it is. 

We never know how long any of us have to live on this earth, but I long to fill my dash with giving well, graciously receiving, and living a life of joy.

Love, Mom

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice,

and no one will take away your joy.

John 16:22