A Memorial

I need to write about Pat’s memorial service because it was different. It wasn’t your usual run-of-the-mill solemn, tearful funeral service. It was uplifting, joyous and a true celebration of a life.

The Church was full. Ten minutes to wait before the family arrived.

The service began with ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, setting the tone for an uplifting occasion. This was a hymn my mother requested to be sung at her funeral, but that never happened because my sisters organized everything overseas and I forgot to mention her request. So I sang ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ for my mother.

As we moved on after the psalm and readings, ‘A Time of Remembrance’ was recalled by Lisa, Pat’s daughter. I knew Pat only as a person I saw once a week in church. We enjoyed a couple of serious conversations, shared grandchildren pictures and I had worked church duties with her. We had fun. She was a very pleasant person to be around – and she always had the most gorgeous outfits.

Lisa spoke so eloquently about her mother’s life. Pat’s achievements in her busy life were amazing, and I really regretted that I had not known her a little better.

We sang ‘She Flies On’ and the Prayer of St. Francis’, both of which highlighted the personality which was Pat.

Our priest shared his homily prefaced by remarks that Pat, herself, had planned this service. With a wry smile he related how Pat had warned him that the service was to be a joyous, positive occasion and experience, which it certainly was.

Throughout the service, thoughts came to me periodically; thoughts about life and death, living, family and marriage etc. Pat and her husband Eric had been married for 45 years. Where, oh where is that ethic now? What, I wonder, could have been achieved in society as a whole from many more people in a solid, firm permanent marriage, rather than with second partners and extended scattered family?

Upon concluding the service, Kevin announced that Pat was going to have the last word with a recording of ‘What a Beautiful World’ sung by Louis Armstrong. As the strains of this lovely melody and the gravelly tones of Louis Armstrong enveloped the church, all was silent and still. It was almost as if there was a huge communal hug going on between Pat, her family and friends.

Indeed, I felt that Pat was really and truly with us through the entire service; a smile of joy and satisfaction spreading across her face as Louis Armstrong came to the end of his famous song.

May the Lord keep you with him for all eternity, Pat. We will meet again at some time, some day.