Touch

I was singing at a funeral this morning, and while I was sitting there - listening to some of the gentleman's family share their memories about his life - I finally realized: death is as unique and unquantifiable as love.

No, I haven't cracked up. What I mean is, to each person, love is a completely singular experience. The object of one's love makes that person happy in ways he or she cannot really explain; and while outsiders could probably observe, "Yup, that guy's in love!" they can't really empathize with how THAT person feels, himself. Internally. All we can do is smile at the visible signs of the emotion, and relate to our own feeling of happiness - if we have been blessed enough to have experienced that type of love for somebody else.

Being a part of that funeral this morning, listening to the family relive the memories of their father/brother/uncle/grandfather... I got the impression that this gentleman was a very significant prescense in the lives of his loved ones. There were several people gathered to celebrate his life - family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers (that would include me, as I did not know the gentleman personally).

I've never been a big "tell stories during a funeral" sort of girl, but I have to admit, it's the stories that connect people together. It's kind of like music. I know that when I sing, like I did for this service, that my listeners connect with me on some emotional level. I think that's one of the reasons I enjoy singing so much; in that it helps to inspire feelings in others. I listened to this gentelman's stories, as told by his family, and I got to spend just a moment in this man's world. How lucky am I?

Since the Bunny, I notice when somebody loses someone they love. Can I relate? Sure. Do I know what that person is feeling? No, I don't think I can. I can only respect that they ARE feeling something - maybe I can't see any visible signs, or the signs I DO see I just can't interpret - but whatever the situation, my hope is that the person feels the connection. It's the connection that is most important. Whether our loved ones are physically with us or not. Even now, I can feel the Bunny in various rooms in my house. The house itself looks different from the remodel, but he's still with me - because I still love him. Always will. And that puts a smile on my face, because I know I will never be alone.

I'm going to close with a post I found on my Facebook page this morning, put there by one of the many connections I have made in my life (thanks Andrew!). I am reminded again how we all impact people - sometimes smoothly, sometimes painfully - and in doing so, the story of our own life is written. I hope that when my day comes, my loved ones are reliving memories of me - and with any luck there will be a few strangers present that I can have a positive impact on too. Icing on the cake.

"We each have a star - all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Unknown