When my mother passed
away 10 days ago, and even before the inevitable end of her many years on this
earth, I considered what I might say if asked to speak at her service. No matter how hard I tried, I could not bring
myself to write anything down. Somewhere
deep inside I knew I would never be able to hold it together long enough to
deliver such a speech, no matter how well written, no matter how well
rehearsed.
My brother Tom fought
his grief enough to write an incredible eulogy and found the strength to
deliver it. It touched the hearts of
everyone present because it perfectly described Mom for the loving
person she was, and it gave voice to the underlying reasons for her greatness
as a human being. His words were elegant
in their simplicity yet profound in their meaning.
Although I knew could
not speak without breaking down, I wanted to do something for Mom.
So I sang. The Prayer of St.
Ignatius only came forth because I closed my eyes and let my heart sing to
her. I know she is happy now with Dad, once
again has all her faculties, and is not bound by the physical restraints of this
earthly plane. Still, knowing she is in
a better place will not lessen the pain of her absence here. Only time…only time.
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