Sunday, 21 August 2016

Day 3 - 232 -- Flying Free

The community said goodbye to one of its own today -- a fiercely strong woman blessed with a way of seeing the beauty in the world. She was an artist who truly lived life to the fullest. She shared the beauty of life through her paintings and her books. She had received an honourary doctorate degree from the university in town. So, today at her memorial service, faculty members in full academic regalia formed an honour guard for her send off.  The services recalled the parts of her life and being that made us smile and laugh -- the way a celebration of life should be. She'd lived to be 95 with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The minister spoke directly with the young great-grandchildren telling them about the caterpillar crawling along on the ground, looking up to the sky and wishing to be free. He explained the process of metamorphosis simply, noting the butterfly that emerged to be free flying through the sky. He then told them that they should look in the gardens in the coming weeks for a butterfly. That would be their sign that their great-grandmother was safe and happy and free. It was a simple but touching story that brought a few tears. The music during the service was stunning -- a music professor sang a lovely requiem. He later accompanied a local woman who sang "I"ll be seeing you" as the services came to a close -- her's was a beautiful, powerful voice that did the song justice.

I will admit to feeling slightly uncomfortable wearing scarlet and royal blue to a funeral, but most faculty are rather colourful, so I'm not alone. Tourists on the Main Street seemed a bit confused at the procession of academics headed into the church, until they saw the hearse, that is. People who live here understand, but those from elsewhere may find it archaic, cultish or just plain odd <smile>. I have been to many events -- celebrations of life and accomplishment. I don't worry about wearing robes to run across campus, but chose not to wear them to walk down Main to the church today, but rather put them on in the hall once I got there. It is a wonderful way to honour those we have worked with over the years.

A song ran through my mind during the services today. It just made sense that it be the song to share here. Enjoy!

Yellow Butterfly --  Michael Nesmith


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