Tuesday, April 13, 2010

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death."
-Robert Fulghum

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Saturday, April 3, 2010

I know it's true, but I don't want to hear it

I'm learning about dying these days. A few weeks ago, it was about the worthlessness of the question, "How are you doing?" to a family who's just lost a loved one. I still haven't arrived at the appropriate greetings, but at least I know one that doesn't fit.

And today, we attended the calling hours of one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. She's a believer who has a faith and a heart that make mine seem shallow. At 36 years of marriage, she died young. As I stood for a few moments with her husband, a dear friend, I asked him how everybody's been? His answer was interesting for lack of a better term. Interesting and obvious and insightful for all of us. She's on her way to heaven...actually, "absent from the body, present with the Lord..." she's there now. The thing I most dislike he said, is when people tell me, "She's in a better place now." He paused, and then in a serious and personal tone he spoke, "I know it's true, but I don't want to hear it."

I have a theory on calling hours...that it's the faces of those who come, not their words. Maybe we should all just show up and shut up. Someday I'll have an answer for you...I hope that day is a long way off.