Funerals can also be Inspiring

Funerals can be sad as we recall someone much loved who is no longer here with us.  However, they can also be uplifting as the one for my Aunt Dude (Julia Buck Francis) on Wednesday.  She lived a life of service and was also known, loved, and appreciated for her resourcefulness while raising her five children.

Her oldest child, Betty Ann Francis Zeamer, provided the eulogy which spoke volumes and touched every heart and tearful eye at the service.  She provided a perfect eye view into the life of her mother from young love, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and her famous, enjoyed by all, biscuits.  My heart was heavy as I entered the chapel and was lightened by the love-filled words of remembrance for one so special and beloved.  Betty spoke of the dash between the birth date and departure date which I have heard about many times over the years from others. However, in the instance of my aunt, the way she lived “the dash” between her birth and date of death will be recalled by hundreds and only in favor.

She would be most proud to see how each of her children comforted each other during her transition to heaven and in the recent days that followed her departure.  What a joy to share our wonderful memories as children with our many cousins.  I could actually see the love of my aunt reflected and expressed in each of her now grown children whose ages range from 53 to 64, if memory serves.

I am equally proud of my mother who loves my cousins as her own children and looks forward to the many days left that we can all share together.  In the passing of her sister my mother also lost her best friend with whom she could share anything. Some sisters do have that type of relationship but not nearly enough.  

I got home tonight and the first thing I did was make biscuits.  Was I hungry? No. Was I remembering my Aunt Dude who shared a tip or two about making biscuits? Absolutely.  Were they as good as hers? No way but who can really duplicate perfection.