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Happy Communicating
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What gifts would people bring to your funeral?

9/26/2013

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Dave and I attended a funeral this morning.  The dad of one of Dave's employees passed away from cancer.  Not only did I not know the co-worker (except by name), I certainly didn't know the father.  No matter.  By the time we left the service, I felt as though I had known him.  Two grandsons spoke of the legacy their Granddad left them through fishing --- stick with a task, never give up and love like there's no tomorrow. 
At another point in the service, family members brought forward gifts for this man----gifts that exemplified his passions and interests in life.  They brought a painting he had done, beautifully depicting a landscape he had wanted to recreate.  They brought a cross, saying his love for Christ was unfailing, even when he realized the cancer was going to take his body.  The Gospel was brought up, as this man walked his talk about God.  Last, but not least, they brought his wife the American flag, thanking her for his service for so many years.
I wondered, as we left the service, what gifts people would say represented me....
A book, for sure, as I always have my nose (literally) in one.  I love the feeling of being swept away with a storyline that won't let you go. The book would also signify my passion for continued learning and helping those around me continue to learn, as well.
A diet coke, as I'm never too far from my next "fix", and oh-so-grateful that is the only addiction to which I succumb these days. 
A cross that depicts my reliance on a God I can't always see but always know is present.
A dog collar that would show my devotion to all the dogs I have ever loved.
And cowboy boots, because even though we don't dance every day or every week (okay, sometimes I just go to weddings so we can)
dancing is what brought Dave and I together in the first place and he is the biggest gift in my life. 
Just for today,  think about what gifts would be brought in honor of your own passing.  What would people say about you at your own funeral?
And, maybe, just for today, we should live the kind of life of which we can be proud.
Happy Communicating!
Shelly
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