First Funeral

by Mama Mabel

I just got back from the first funeral we've attended here.  Our sweet neighbor Laverne passed away.  She's been in poor health since we met but was doing better so her death at this time was a surprise.  Her daughter lives across the street from us and was one of the first people we met.  She attends our church regularly and brought her mom whenever her health would allow.  Laverne was always happy to get out to see people and praise God with her fellow believers.

Like everything else out here, the funeral and family meal afterward were done with relaxed efficiency.  The family was understandably upset during the service but able to laugh with one another at the meal.  No one cared that during the service, our daughter and Laverne's great nephew hit it off in a little kid way that required them to grunt until they were allowed to touch each other then hide in their mamas' arms.  It was mildly disruptive but they seemed to appreciate watching the innocent fun as a break from the seriousness of the occasion. 

Laverne had told the pastor that when the time came, she was ready to see her Savior.  She told her daughter that she didn't want any slow songs at her funeral.  She wanted it to be lively.  She got her wish.  It was more like a family reunion than a funeral.  There was sadness, but there was also the pleasure of loved ones meeting that hadn't seen each other in years.  There was a strong sense of community as neighbors and extended family (often the same thing here) offered loving support to those left behind.  Her notoriously shy widower even told us to come over anytime.  I feel blessed to be part of such a loving bunch.