earthshepherd
2-2-11, 7:13pm
Sometimes I regret living in a goldfish bowl sized town, but not today. My best friend died Saturday after a 16 month battle with a rare, agressive cancer, just 52 years old, and we buried her this morning, then had a wonderful memorial service.
The freezing cold wind and snow whipped us as we stood at the cemetery, high on a hill out in the country, but our group of friends huddled around the family to keep them warm. I couldn't feel my feet by the time the burial was over, but I thawed out in time for the service at the church.
The church was packed, standing room only. Hugs were spread around liberally. My friend has dictated to her family that her hats and scarves be given away to her girlfriends, and we all wore them to the service. She wrote her own funeral service, and had each of us who were okay with it have a speaking part. The centerpiece of the service was a recording of her singing a song recorded years ago -- and it was fantastic!
After the service we piled in cars and went to another church for a dinner. The school district staff and our local college (including the college president) cooked lunch for well over 300 people. Hugs were again the greeting of choice, the meal was spectacular, and I got to spend some time with my friend's 26 year old daughter who I am "adopting" for the remainder of my life. Also got to sit and talk with my friend's twin sister, with whom I have a special understanding, because I also have an identical twin.
Life has been hard since Christmas when we learned that she just had a few weeks left, but today had its own sense of peace, community and love that I won't ever forget! It was just amazing to see a whole town pull together as community for this one family. Friends are so precious, and community is not something to take for granted. Please hug your best friends for me this week!!
The freezing cold wind and snow whipped us as we stood at the cemetery, high on a hill out in the country, but our group of friends huddled around the family to keep them warm. I couldn't feel my feet by the time the burial was over, but I thawed out in time for the service at the church.
The church was packed, standing room only. Hugs were spread around liberally. My friend has dictated to her family that her hats and scarves be given away to her girlfriends, and we all wore them to the service. She wrote her own funeral service, and had each of us who were okay with it have a speaking part. The centerpiece of the service was a recording of her singing a song recorded years ago -- and it was fantastic!
After the service we piled in cars and went to another church for a dinner. The school district staff and our local college (including the college president) cooked lunch for well over 300 people. Hugs were again the greeting of choice, the meal was spectacular, and I got to spend some time with my friend's 26 year old daughter who I am "adopting" for the remainder of my life. Also got to sit and talk with my friend's twin sister, with whom I have a special understanding, because I also have an identical twin.
Life has been hard since Christmas when we learned that she just had a few weeks left, but today had its own sense of peace, community and love that I won't ever forget! It was just amazing to see a whole town pull together as community for this one family. Friends are so precious, and community is not something to take for granted. Please hug your best friends for me this week!!