A Moving Service

I had the opportunity to attend a memorial service this morning for a lady who recently passed away in our congregation. I didn't know her, though I had met her once or twice, but since I'm the Ward organist and pianist I'm kind of obligated to go as well. I don't mind it though, since I've only been going to this Ward 4 years, I'm still a newbie and don't know a lot of people who've been there since the beginning of time.

The woman who passed away was 74 years old and had been wheelchair bound for 40 years. Her body didn't work, but her mind was very quick until the end. Everyone who spoke said the most amazing things about her. How she didn't complain, or say 'Why Me?', or never asked for help. In fact, she was very independent, and those who came to visit (or help) her ended up just watching her do for herself. Her whole purpose was to serve others, not to be served herself. In fact, the reason we were at just a memorial service was because she had donated her body to research. (I don't know what her actual ailment was, but it was important enough that she wanted to help.)

I wish I had known her.

It was such a moving service. I know that she's whole again, and happy to be "home" as so many put it. I'm grateful that I'm asked to play at these kinds of services. It really helps me to understand the "big picture" and that we're all here for a specific purpose, if only for a little while.