Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Going to a Funeral



My friend Barry died tragically last week - aged 37. He set off for a morning’s exercise with his surfski, and was blown out to sea. I am going to Port Elizabeth today – for his funeral tomorrow morning.


I have discovered different reasons for being there:


I am going in support of those who mourn. While the presence of other people does not lessen the pain of sudden loss, no one should mourn alone. I too am mourning. So I am driving with three friends who loved Barry, and I need their company.

I am going because Barry’s death has reminded me of the fragility of life. I cope well enough with people dying who are older than me. But it is hard when people die who are younger than me. It reminds me of my own mortality. And of all the things I still want to do in life…. And of how often I defer them because I think the time is not yet right. Moments such as these remind me of the importance of living in the present.

I am going because I need ministry. I am normally the one who offers care when other people die. I visit the bereaved; I preside over funerals; I visit people in the lonely months when everyone else has got on with life. This seldom allows me to grieve, because I have to hold the show together for other people’s tears. But somehow the years have caught up with me – and I need space to grieve: I am in pain not just for Barry, but for the many other people I have loved and lost.

4 comments:

Gus said...

God be with you.

I was amazed how much I wept at my grandmother's memorial service - I guess it was all the tears I didn't shed at other funerals when I was 'looking after the words'.

Prayers are with you guys as you travel.

Gus

Murray & Gina UK said...

I cry every time I read about Barry and my friends who are grieving this terrible loss.
Thank God for the internet, but I long to be in PE tomorrow.
Ray's words on MCSA forum registered deeply with me: unexpected and deep sorrow
words still won't come...

"God circle you, keep despair without and a glimmer of hope within"
M

The Grem said...

I was blessed to meet Barry once. And even though I only met him once, he touch my heart with his abundant zest for life, his love for fellowship and his openness.

Know that my prayers go with you. Please take them to Barry's family.

He is an inspiration.

Travel safely to the funeral, my Friend

Delme Linscott said...

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Hope you got my message on Facebook?
If you have moment, please follow me on the blogs.
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Blessings
Delme