Children to my left were dancing. Trombone and clarinet were wailing. Stomping and clapping ensued....and there was singing - lots of singing. My kind of funeral.
In the last month, I have lost three friends. Larry. My first college boyfriend. A boy with gorgeous eyes, dreamy eyelashes and a mischievous smile that reeled you in like a sea bass. His adult life - the years after we lost touch, were not easy. My heart broke for him, as we reconnected on Facebook, where he shared some of his journey with me. His death - sudden and unexpected.
Laura - a mentor from my early days in Professional Theatre. Just a few years older than me, Laura was the Cool Kid....she taught me how to laugh at myself, and made certain that I was accepted and at ease. Her death - sudden and unexpected. She died on the same day as my third friend fell ill.
Lee - A man with a spirit as large as his girth. A friend from the instant I met him, my Freshman year in College. It is Lee's funeral from which I have just returned. His death....not so sudden. Not totally unexpected.
I was honored and proud to sing with the choir today. Not my choir, but a marvelously large choir in a magnificent Church one town over. A choir in which Lee was a beloved member....in a Church where Lee was a vital congregant. Lee, with his chortling belly laugh.....Lee, who sparkled and oozed fun....Lee, who could put more syllables and intonation into the phrase "My, Dear", than any person I have ever met. Lee.....who was the embodiment of discipleship - a man who lived his faith. A man who loved children, music, theatre, movies and all things southern. A man with a wicked sense of humor, who was impressed by one's ability to accessorize. A man who didn't let the limitations of his body hamper his determination to live life to the fullest. A man who lived large....who loved large. A man who made no apologies for who he was. A man who shared his Joy with one and all.
All, gone too soon. Larry.........Laura.......Lee........... One month, Three L's.......LLL.......Live Like Lee.
We should all be so blessed - to live like Lee. To Love so deeply and openly. To revel in Laughter. To be such a good friend.To spread joy. To be an encouraging presence to those in our lives. To be fully invested in who. we. are. To Live Like Lee.
The text to one of my favorite Anthems was on the back of the Funeral Bulletin.....let us Live Like Lee - with a song in the night.....
"My life flows on in endless song, above earth's lamentation.....What tho' the darkness gather round? Songs in the night He giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that refuge clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing...."
