Funerals always cause reflection.
I went to a funeral mass today.
My husband, eldest son and I dressed in black (with a splash to red for me), and drove to the Catholic Church about 3 miles from our home.
Our neighbor, Jim, passed away at 84 years old on December 14, 2015.
He was our neighbor for almost 20 years.
We still have his wife, Jeri, as our neighbor, so life hasn't totally turned upside down yet.
The Catholic Church brought back lots of memories for this Confirmed Catholic Girl who has purposely not kept that particular confirmation promise.
The majesty didn't grab my heart as tightly as it has in the past when I have visited such a Holy place.
The words of love mentioned in relation to Jim and Jeri's marriage, and partnership did, however.
That's when the tears flowed freely.
Because, Love is where life is best.
Jim's family - son, and step children - were also at the funeral mass.
Family at funerals always cause reflection.
The last time I saw my family was at my grandfather's funeral in 2001.
I don't see them, except at funerals and weddings - my parents included.
Don't worry, I'm not sad. Well, I'm a little sad, but I only have control over one side of the relationship, so I accept my side, and think of them often. I wish I had a biological family I could rely on for love, affection and community, but wishing will not make it so.
I am very lucky I have my husband, children, and my wonderful father-in-law who give me all I need.
Which brings me back to love.
As my husband often asks, "Can love be felt if it is not shown?"
Even if Jim is no longer walking beside Jeri, can she show the love she feels?
Yes.
She can reminisce with friends and relatives.
She can visit special places that hold loving memories for them both.
She can speak his name lovingly every day.
The ancient Egyptians said that we all die twice.
Once when our body dies, and Once when our name is spoken for the last time.
How far back in your family tree can you speak the names of your relatives?
How far forward will your offspring speak your name?
The main reason my family is planning this trip to Europe next summer is to follow, as my husband has termed it, "The Blood Trail."
Each of us had our DNA tested using Ancestry.com, and we are visiting the top country of our origin for each of us.
Dad = Norway (56%)
Mom = Italy (40%)
Evan (17) = Germany (40%)
Riley (14) = England (40%)
Each of us is responsible for planning the visit to our respective countries.
This is gonna be interesting, folks!
We know surnames of our ancestors, thanks to the family tree I have so far constructed with the help of Ancestry.com, so there are some people who haven't had their second death yet.
Death...we are back to funerals.
Okay, I'm done now. Time for my meditation. (I LOVE Headspace!)
Day 2 of my promise:
Buona notte miei amici.
MKJ
I went to a funeral mass today.
My husband, eldest son and I dressed in black (with a splash to red for me), and drove to the Catholic Church about 3 miles from our home.
Our neighbor, Jim, passed away at 84 years old on December 14, 2015.
He was our neighbor for almost 20 years.
We still have his wife, Jeri, as our neighbor, so life hasn't totally turned upside down yet.
The Catholic Church brought back lots of memories for this Confirmed Catholic Girl who has purposely not kept that particular confirmation promise.
The majesty didn't grab my heart as tightly as it has in the past when I have visited such a Holy place.
The words of love mentioned in relation to Jim and Jeri's marriage, and partnership did, however.
That's when the tears flowed freely.
Because, Love is where life is best.
Jim's family - son, and step children - were also at the funeral mass.
Family at funerals always cause reflection.
The last time I saw my family was at my grandfather's funeral in 2001.
I don't see them, except at funerals and weddings - my parents included.
Don't worry, I'm not sad. Well, I'm a little sad, but I only have control over one side of the relationship, so I accept my side, and think of them often. I wish I had a biological family I could rely on for love, affection and community, but wishing will not make it so.
I am very lucky I have my husband, children, and my wonderful father-in-law who give me all I need.
Which brings me back to love.
As my husband often asks, "Can love be felt if it is not shown?"
Even if Jim is no longer walking beside Jeri, can she show the love she feels?
Yes.
She can reminisce with friends and relatives.
She can visit special places that hold loving memories for them both.
She can speak his name lovingly every day.
The ancient Egyptians said that we all die twice.
Once when our body dies, and Once when our name is spoken for the last time.
How far back in your family tree can you speak the names of your relatives?
How far forward will your offspring speak your name?
The main reason my family is planning this trip to Europe next summer is to follow, as my husband has termed it, "The Blood Trail."
Each of us had our DNA tested using Ancestry.com, and we are visiting the top country of our origin for each of us.
Dad = Norway (56%)
Mom = Italy (40%)
Evan (17) = Germany (40%)
Riley (14) = England (40%)
Each of us is responsible for planning the visit to our respective countries.
This is gonna be interesting, folks!
We know surnames of our ancestors, thanks to the family tree I have so far constructed with the help of Ancestry.com, so there are some people who haven't had their second death yet.
Death...we are back to funerals.
Okay, I'm done now. Time for my meditation. (I LOVE Headspace!)
Day 2 of my promise:
- 2 Tabata's
- Take down all Christmas decorations, and clean the entire house (Hey! It counts as exercise!)
- Bene, Grazie. Anche tu stai bene? (Good, Thanks. Are you also well?)
- Writing this post was the only writing I got done today.
Buona notte miei amici.
MKJ