On Monday afternoon, I attended the funeral of a lovely 80-year-old woman named Nella, who died very suddenly in her home last week. I arrived a tiny bit late, straight from a dentist appointment, and slipped into the packed church. Here’s what struck me as I walked into the sanctuary: the joy! the laughter! the good grief (to quote our pastor).
Nella left behind such a legacy of faith for her family and friends that we ended up with a longing for all she’s gained in Heaven, rather than all we’ve lost by her death. One son-in-law mentioned a favorite phrase of Nella’s: “If you pray, why worry? And if you worry, why pray?”
Such simple wisdom! And Nella lived by it.
Our pastor left us with a question: How do you want to be remembered?
I’ve thought of nothing else for the last few days. I’m working on an answer. What about you? How would you answer that question?
I love testimonies like this. She sounds like quite a lady and I expect many lives have been touched by her. Blessings!
So true, Edward! I’ve been to so many sad funerals and memorials…where there is a vague hopelessness. What a difference we can make in our testimony, even at the end of our life! Thanks for reading and commenting, my friend! ~Suzanne
I would wish to be remembered as one that had values – Faith, Family, and Country. I hope to bring a smile or sweet memory if thought of after my passing. May my good greatly out weigh any bad I might have done.
Nicely said, Kay. Your last sentence…it says so much! Been thinking a lot lately about trying to capture “the whole story” of a person. Thanks for sharing! ~Suzanne
Like her I would hope to leave a legacy of laughter!! Live, Love & Laugh!!
Bonnie! What a perfect summary. Thank you for that! ~Suzanne
I would like for people to say “she was a genuine person and always dependable”.
It is nice to attend funerals that are like a celebration of a good life!