I'm accompanying my mom this afternoon to the memorial service for one of her best friends from college. Becky and her husband were killed in a car wreck last weekend, and mom's friends from all over Texas and several other states will meet in Mexia this afternoon to remember and celebrate Becky's life and the influence she had on all of them. I probably only met Becky two or three times in my whole life, but I've heard her name and the stories of her infamy many times over the years. My quiet, reserved mother gets a twinkle in her eye when starts to tell a story about one of Becky's exploits, and while I know that all of the women planning to meet in Mexia this afternoon are grieved by her loss, it's hard to miss the sense of excitement and anticipation among them as they look forward to being together again -- some for the first time in 30 years. Becky was a Christian and she loved these women and they all seem to feel a profound sense of appreciation for her role in their lives, even if it was only for a short time.
Funerals, especially ones for people who seem too young, who die unexpectedly always make me begin thinking about leaving a legacy. How will I be remembered? What will people say about me when I'm gone? Will they know how much I loved them? Will they know that everything good in me was from Jesus?
Beyond that, I need to make sure all of you know my wishes. I've been thinking about this for a while now, and the list of instructions for how to commemorate my passing is growing. First of all, I wish that all of my friends who are so inclined would shoe polish their cars with the words "Dance with Jesus, Kristen" and the dates of my life and death. I'd like you to all wear purple. And, finally, I would like you to be certain that there is a karaoke machine set up at the viewing, so people don't get bored. And be sure my friend, Lauren, sings "I Know Where I'm Going" by the Judds. ;-) Always remember, I love to laugh!
How do you want to be commemorated?
4 comments:
Just play "Another One Bites the Dust!"
Actually I want Coldplay's "Clocks" to be played at my funeral. I want everyone in black (not because it's a funeral but because it's my favorite color). THEN you can play "Another Bites the Dust"
I'm glad I won't get in trouble at your funeral! I've gotten in trouble so many times for smiling at funerals. It's no doubt a mournful occasion, but when someone is at the feet of the Lord---that's exciting!
Great post.
I had to play guitar for a funeral on Saturday and I didn't know the guy at all. It was very strange being there, but not knowing anyone.
I think I would like Johnny Cash's "Hurt" played at my funeral. Along with "Be Thou My Vision." But I definitely want people to laugh, since death is not the ultimate tragedy. And I want just a few people that loved me enough that they wouldn't check their watches during the service.
I would like for it to be a time when people share favorite episodes of my/our sitcom life - "What the Crap". I want Emma to laugh at the life her mother led and know that despite all the hooey, the Joy of the Lord was abounding in my spirit.
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