eulogy

so Al and I got the kids off to camp yesterday morning at 7:30, went home desiring to sleep for a week, but instead, packed, returned to the car and drove 465 miles back up up to WV. Funerals for a 91 year-old jewel are such sweet sorrow. Granny had completely planned the service, so it felt as though she were issuing requests as we executed her wishes. Her best friend spoke of their 70 year relationship and Granny's life. At the graveside, doves were released and we all watched metaphorically as a single dove was led by three into the blue sky and out of sight.
Afterward, family visited together and reminisced, wondered at the connections of the folks who had attended the funeral. Granny had infused herself into the lives of countless people, all of whom she seemed to know intimately. She knew whose kids and grandkids were playing ball, what team they played for and when their games were, who went where on vacation, who attended who's recital, etc. This was true of neighbors and community members as well as extremely extended family.
It is not uncommon to hear Grannies claim to be granny to everyone. But it is much less common when everyone claims one as Granny. Today there were in-laws of in-laws expressing great loss emotionally. There were deep relationships evident between people who in many families might have never met.
I don't know if this is the gift of encouragement, or hospitality, or what, but I have a suspicion that it is a characteristic that is expected of everyone born of woman. I want to be like this.
Today we laid to rest, in Morgantown, WV, the Queen of Community. The epitome of brotherly/sisterly love - a gem, who no doubt was dreaming of her friends and family when she passed on in her sleep early Friday morning. I'm sure that's what she's jabbering on about right now.