Sometimes I'm a little slow to connect the dots. It was mostly a restless night last night. First the bed was too hot. Then it was too cold. I couldn't get my right foot situated where I suspected sleep was even possible. My foot wasn't hurting, but it was uncomfortable. Okay, so I'm beginning to sound like I'm grasping at straws to explain my reality. In the early hours of the morning the thought hit me: "Day after tomorrow."
Day after tomorrow is the celebration of life service for my brother. Yesterday my niece sent me the link to share with those needing to stream the service on Saturday. I looked at the link and my eyes filled with tears.
I'd be the first to say that tears express that which cannot be expressed in words, but I needed to do better than that. I'm honored to be on the program to speak at his service. Did I mention that is day after tomorrow? It would be both uncomfortable for those in attendance and embarrassing for me to be overcome with emotion.
I often encourage family members to participate in their loved one's service if they can. For some people, the fear of public speaking would negate the possibility. For others, it is an opportunity to make the service personal and very special. However, I always suggest that the person write out what they want to communicate and read it outloud to themselves before the service.
As a rule of thumb, a person normally has to read the script at least three times before they can do so without being overcome with emotion. By then, they are prepared. If in the process of sharing their thoughts, they are blindsided by emotion, they need to remain silent and take a couple of deep breaths before they continue.
My paternal grandmother died December 10, 1989. Of her five grandchildren, Granny liked me best. Of course, the other four would say that she liked them the best. Granny instilled that belief in each of us by the way she treated us. She never told any of us that we were her favorite, but we each intuitively knew.
Before Granny's funeral service, Granddaddy said: "Don, It wouldn't be good if you fell apart during the service." I thanked him for his cautionary words and promised it would all be okay. I remember leaving the house the morning of her service and driving to a roadside park where I went through the script three times. When the time came, with the Lord's help I was ready.
My brother's celebration of life service is day after tomorrow. With the Lord's help, I will be ready.
All My Best!
Don
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