The funeral: part of the journey
Today was mom's funeral. What a tribute to a wonderful woman. I could not believe the number of people there. Friends from years ago and relatives not seen in years where all there to pay tribute. The first person I greeted was a woman mom and dad knew at the airbase village over 50 years ago. Yet, there she was, crying and telling us how much she loved my mother. After 50 years! That's some kind of lasting influence. I always knew she was sweet and special to me. What I didn't realize is that she was the same way to everyone. The unintended theme of the funeral was played out over and over again: mom loved everyone and we all were her favorite.
The funeral was more than a tribute to mom's love and caring for all. It was also her testimony. I didn't realize until tonight as I looked back at the program how mom spoke to everyone there.
As my sisters and I prepared the program we discussed the hymns to be sung. I thought of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." Everyone agreed. For the closing number we selected "I Believe in Christ." As I look back I realize that they aren't typical funeral songs. I see mom's hand in selecting them because they are her testimony songs, her testimony of the restoration of the gospel and of the Savior. No more fitting songs could have been chosen.
We had a wonderful day. It snowed this morning. As we left the church to go to the cemetery, the snowed had stopped and the sun was shining through parted clouds, reflecting off of the new-fallen snow. It was beautiful. When we got to the cemetery, the snow started falling again. The white blanket across the cemetery made everything look fresh and clean. It was a fitting scene to receive mom's mortal remains. I dedicated the grave and, again, the snow stopped. We could then visit and enjoy our time with family and friends. We even threw a few snowballs. (Sorry mom.) It was like mom was up there with her hand on the valve, giving us just the setting we needed at each stage. (Thanks mom.) But isn't that just like her, in the background, taking none of the glory, but really being in charge.
So, she's gone, but only in a physical sense. Her spirit lives and
she is still with us. The timing of her passing is not coincidental.
We can now have the big 85th birthday party dad wanted and Margaret now
has a special helper in Africa. I believe that our dear departed can
be sent as angels to help us in this life, and Margaret needs mom now
more than we on this side of the world do. Although I am certain that
mom will spend time comforting dad until they are reunited. (Dad hopes
it's soon rather than later.)
I suspect we'll all continue to feel her presence and her assistance as we need it. Although her journey through mortality is over, it will continue through the eternities. She still has lots to do.