An Early Impression (from a late meanderer)

Senator Kennedy’s funeral mass just concluded, a few tears still descending, compels me to voice one of many impressions inundating my being. Teddy, Jr., Patrick and President Obama, all three, deserve enormous gratitude for eulogies that, rather than glossing over the good Senator’s flaws, openly acknowledged their reality. Such openness did not overshadow the overwhelming spirit of appreciation emanating throughout the service, giving due homage to a man who, aware of his imperfections, nevertheless continued to forge ahead to do what he earnestly believed contributed to the common welfare as well as the wellbeing of his family.

So often as a pastor working with families in similar circumstances, it has seemed that the throes of grief produced an unspoken pressure to think of and say only those parts of a person’s life that are complimentary, a hidden expectation that, if followed, leaves an uneasy feeling of artificiality. It also seems to mute families’ ability to provide much help in shaping the funeral service for their loved one.

I, hereby, grant permission to any who happen to be a part of whatever service is held at my passing to be honest about their perceptions of what are surely my weaknesses, and humbly request that such openness will be expressed with understanding and mercy.

Now back to redoing a room in our house recently damaged from ground water that seeped, no gushed, in after heavy rains. From the beatific to the banal...

so, back to forging ahead.