There were so many people to greet. Family and close friends who drove long distances to pay respects to mom and express their condolences to family.
An interesting thing happens at times like this. People come from a long way, but because so many others are coming in - it's almost impossible to really spend quality time with anyone.
My feelings were a mix of appreciation (for all those who came to share memories and sorrow with us) and guilt that I couldn't really get to talk with them and learn more about their stories and memories of mom.
Judging from the stories I heard, there were themes to memories of my mom. Her ability to work hard, finding ways to get things done, and a stickler for doing things the "right" way seemed a common refrain.
I met a woman who made two trips to Canada with mom on a mission for LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionary Pilots) which landed on remote lakes to deliver volunteers into Indian villages to lead Vacation Bible School. The woman said she and mom landed on the first plane, but weather meant the second plane of volunteers had a twenty four hour delay. The two ran a day of VBS on their own and only managed to heat their cabin when the 8th of 8 wood matches finally caught fire.
Linking our voices together in song during the funeral service was uplifting. We sang three of mom's favorites - "What a Friend We Have in Jesus;" "Serve the Lord with Gladness;" and "Yes, Jesus Loves Me."
Yet the uplifting songs were tinged with sadness brought by memories and a multitude of memories. That's the power of the shared experience we had together as one voice.
The time was important. The embraces, care, and concern brought us together. We also recognized the value of faith in mom's life and in ours.
Moments like this are all too fleeting, but the effects last.
Thanks to all of you who shared a thought, a kind word, or a hug either in person or electronically. I appreciate it.
Serve the Lord with Gladness
Serve the Lord with Gladness!
He gave us command
To proclaim His Gospel
Now in every land
So that fellow sinners
May, like us, be blest.
Leading them to Jesus,
We can serve Him best.
Onward, then, for Jesus!
Let this be our aim:
Serve the Lord with Gladness!
Glorify His name!
518 Lutheran Worship; 662 Lutheran Service Book - verse 2
Anthem of LWML
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