Sunday morning I had the privilege to stay home and look after my son’s two dogs. It took a while for them to feel comfortable in my home, and I had to bribe them with early Christmas presents. Here, Gia is showing off her new toy to the little dog that just walked past. She spent quite a bit of time looking out at her new world!
That is the window where I spend time each morning looking out to watch the sun rise. I see geese flying, deer nibbling, coyotes hunting and dog-owners dutifully walking their dogs. There is one elderly gentleman who walks past daily, as fast as he can move, leaning forward and steadying himself with a cane. Another man walks briskly to and from his gym hour. There is a squirrel that scampers across the street between its two homes.
Monday morning I played the piano for a memorial service. The man who was being remembered was well-known in the community, so the place was packed. Over the years I have provided music, either piano or organ, for several hundred funerals and memorial services. One of the first services I played for at the age of 18 was an open casket funeral. Not only was the casket open, but they lifted the top part of the body so everyone could see his head. I glanced up at it mid-selection and felt myself starting to pass out. I remember taking some deep, slow breaths, and never looking up from my music again until it was over.
Sometimes I know the deceased; often they are strangers to me. I feel strongly that everyone, no matter what kind of life they lived, or what kind of eulogy is given, has had an impact on those around them. Every person deserves a grand send-off, and it has been my goal to help ensure that their wishes and their loved ones’ wishes are acknowledged as far as the choice of music is concerned.
Often while I am listening to the eulogies and reflections I think about my own life and the legacies I might leave behind. How will I be remembered? Beyond that, I know I have learned so much about life and living each day, yet I still struggle to keep sight of the most important things in life….until the next memorial service or funeral where I am again challenged to re-evaluate my priorities. It could quite easily become a struggle with ego — “that person was more perfect than I could ever be”.
When my father passed away 3 years ago I didn’t play. I couldn’t play. But, one of the hymns that was chosen was “How Great Thou Art”. My dad’s name is Art (Arthur). Do you have any idea how many times we sang his name??? 17 times to be exact. Is that why someone thought it was his favourite hymn? By the end of the hymn most of the family were giggling. Dad lived a long, very fulling and rewarding life, having a positive impact on all who crossed paths with him.
Dad’s life, and the lives of so many others I have helped to honour is something I often contemplate in the mornings while watching my world wake up outside my window.
Reflections 