As we sat in the funeral for the young man I mentioned yesterday, I looked around at the overflowing chapel, and wondered at the influence of a young boy, whom some -- perhaps many -- in the congregation may never have personally known.
Brian's close friends and family.
Those, like us, who know his family.
Those who were inspired by his faith and courage.
We were all there today, and we all wept -- with sorrow for the loss, and with quiet joy for a life well lived, in sixteen short years.
I also thought, as I sat there, what a gift it would be to see your own funeral -- to see the great celebration of your life, by those who love and know you best. Maybe, if we gave more thought to the way we would be remembered, we would give more thought to the way we live.
But, to be there...
To feel the influence and spirit of this young man, as it radiated through every person in that chapel, was one of the choice experiences of my life.
9 comments:
Great post. I'm not so sure I'd want to be there at my funeral. It would be jokes of how I always talked to much....sigh....
I have never been to a funeral that I did not feel that there was some unspoken message to reflect on my life and to consider what needed to be changed. Funerals are for the living, aren't they. So sorry for the loss for your community and for you.
Very good, reflective post. I think that if we have the faith and knowledge that we will be together again for eternity, the loss is easier to deal with...
I agree with you whole-heartedly. I would have never thought that a funeral and testimony meeting would be two of the most influential days of my life. That sweet boy and his family have changed my life forever.
My mom always said after my youngest brother died that you could see the ripples for years afterwards. In our family's case it was not so good things, I'm glad this young man has left a legacy that will positively impact those around him.
life is a ride on ripples--profound thoughts today
What an amazing concept. Thank you so much for your wonderful words. Reminds me of It's a Wonderful Life in that you never know how you influence others.
Sixteen years is not enough time. I am so sorry for his poor parents.
I have heard that the hardest time for those left behind happens a few weeks after the funeral of a lost loved one. When all the company goes home, their absence is truly felt.
We will keep them in our prayers.
I posted my first few days of pictures if you want to stop by.
Well said. Thanks for writing it. It is amazing how someone that I didn't really know, except through his family, could make such a difference in my life. He was and is such an inspiration. It is ironic to think that we wouldn't have been inspired if it weren't for the incredible trials. And it is hard to feel, like you said, that there is so very little we can do to help and thank them.
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