Appreciating life

Well, dear friends, I officiated at a devastatingly difficult funeral today. The woman who died had two teenaged kids, and a husband who had been her honey since high school. She died in a tragic accident, and everyone was just completely crushed by the loss.

And, I, your trusty rabbi, needed to keep it together throughout the ceremony and burial. I mean, I have enough trouble with death as it is, and I struggle through your basic funeral (is there ever really such a thing??) of a 90 year old who had a full and celebrated life. However, this is the hardest funeral I have ever had to lead, and in all honesty, I am still recovering.

I can't believe how much energy and absolute will it took to keep from collapsing in tears. I looked out over the chapel, and every single person in attendance was crying. The speakers were all crying. The family was crying. And I, a sensitive and emotional human being, had to stay composed. Wow - it was so hard to get up and conclude the service after all the eulogies. I could barely speak.

Well, thanks for listening to my rabbinical ramblings (always with the alliteration, ah?). Hope all is well in your world, and that you find yourself feeling just a bit more grateful for the blessings, joy, and love in your life today.