R.I.P

I had two funerals this week. Two elderly sisters in the ward died last Friday. They weren't even that close to the top of the list. There are about 30 people in the ward over the age of 80. Three of those are sisters who really could go any day. We hadn't had a funeral since Richard Seiger's in March. I thought we were on a roll. I made a deal with the Lord that any more funerals this year had to take place on Saturday so I wouldn't have to adjust my time off schedule. So with annual reviews this week, I had to come in early to make up the time. I got an email early last Friday that Elva Werner died. On my way home from work I stopped by to meet with Glen. Then 11:30 that night Lorin Simper called to tell me that Viola had died.

The funeral today was very nice. There was a sweet spirit there, almost like our ward conference last year. We managed to start almost on time. It is nearly impossible to finish the viewing in a timely manner so that the family prayer can begin when it needs to. People think they can show up at 15 minutes to the hour and get through the line and there won't be any delay. Also the service ended almost exactly on the hour.

My remarks focused on the sister's service to the ward. She was the Cub Scout den leader up to the very end. I hope I'm still attending my meetings at age 84. I told them I needed to point them to Christ. But, it wasn't a big stretch from this sister's example to Christ. I Spoke briefly on Christ as the Bread of life and quoted the text of the Bach song "Bread of the World." And then I ended with the idea that our sorrow now at her departure is overshadowed by the joy of the reunion on the other side as she is received into the arms of a loving Father in Heaven. There were also two musical highlights: One of the sons is in the Tab choir and he had his quartet sing "Consider the Lillies." It was simply marvelous. Also, a granddaughter played an original composition "Brother Joseph" that was just great. I really want to get a copy of the music.

Vi and Lorin were eight days shy of their 60 year anniversary. At least two of the musical numbers had been planned for that party. But, were used for the funeral instead.

Lenore wasn't able to attend because Laney and her class were singing a Christmas program at the Mall. I thought the performance was at exactly the same time. But, about 10 minutes before the end of the service I got a text message from Ailsa asking if I was going to be able to make it. When the service was over I responded asking if they had started yet. I managed to get there only about 30 seconds after it started. So it was very fun to be able to watch her program. At first she was crying because her Santa had broken. But, before long she had settled down. It was a touching treat to be able to make that program as well, another tender mercy. Thank goodness for text messaging and cell phones.