I attended the first of two funerals on my calendar for this week. My faith reminds me that these are temporary goodbyes. They are Earthly goodbyes. But what waits for us on "the other side" is eternal life and I have to believe that we will meet again.
Today's funeral was for a man I wish I had known better. He was my sister-in-law's dad, my brother's father-in-law, a grandfather to my niece and nephew. We attended family gatherings together. And, in the age of social networking, we shared more of a bond thanks to Facebook. By all accounts, he was an amazing teacher and coach. He influenced many. He was surrounded by love and respect. I felt disjointed at the funeral itself. Miss Hollywood announced rather loudly shortly after the start of the service that she had to use the restroom, so off we went. We made our way through the crowd at the back the church...never to return. Thankfully, a speaker system allowed people outside to hear what was being said. However, chasing a two-year-old around provided a great deal of distraction. Still, those who loved this man were gathered together and had a chance to say their goodbyes together. Later, at the reception, we spent time with family. Uncle Bubba looked amazing in his dress uniform. Talk about an officer and a gentleman. My brother is awesome. (Shh...don't tell him that, it might go to his head.) My sister-in-law was stoic. I wish I had the right words, or something more to offer. All I can do is pray and give hugs and hope those hugs will travel with her. I will visit her mom in a little over a month. It's what I can do.
When we first arrived, CD and Miss Hollywood had hugs all around. As Miss Hollywood gave her aunt the biggest hug I've seen in a long time, I joined in. Then I hugged her mom. I did fine. And then, I looked up and my beautiful niece and handsome nephew were coming over. I started to lose it. They were wearing clothing items I gave them for Christmas...."perfect" for today. And, I started to cry.
This man lost his life suddenly and tragically. Such things, as I said to my mom, are the things you see on the news. You don't actually experience them. They don't happen to people you know. But then...you realize... they happen to someone and affect lives. A great man, an amazing and well-respected teacher/coach was laid to rest today. Pray for his family.
The second funeral will be here in the blink of an eye. I have arranged childcare as my kids don't need to attend this one. So, I do not have to "worry" about distractions of a two-year-old nature. I will have to allow myself to experience the emotions that I know will run high. This funeral is also for a well-loved, very respected teacher. This teacher is one of the main reasons I decided to go into elementary education. She is part of how I came to love fifth graders. I dream of one day having my own intermediate level classroom. I had adopted her as my mentor and always dreamed of having her to consult on teaching things. Methods, management, etc. She was an amazing and loving person who walked the walk, not just talked the talk. She lived a Christ-like life. She was an inspiration to many. She is deeply missed. I work (now) with one of her amazing daughters. Another long goodbye...albeit temporary...to be said.
I have felt even more reflective the past couple of weeks. I have, as an empath, experienced a broad range of emotions. I have experienced my own emotions as well. Sleep proves elusive most nights. My nightguard is only as effective as I allow it to be. I keep popping it out in the middle of the night. But sleep will come. I hope. My heart is heavy. My prayers continue for many. As I start my teaching career, the world says goodbye to two influential teachers who serve as reminders of why educators are important. Their successes in education are worth aspiring to and I, for one, will do so.
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