The day was a study in loss. The memorial service for a dear friend was wonderful. The room was lit by soft purple flood lights -- her favourite colour. Great photos of her life played on three screens so all tables could see without twisting necks or chairs. It was as if we were surrounded by her in a warm hug. A table display of red roses, deep purple urn and a pair of her purple sequinned chucks brought a smile mixed with a tear or two. Wonderful tributes were presented by family and friends, each filled with cherished memories that brought tears and laughter. I am so glad our group of friends was able to attend. It meant so much to grieve together. Our evening also brought many more memories and story-telling complete with much laughter.
Pondering brought me to see the delay in return of my suitcase as an analogy. Failure to deliver the suitcase today as promised, led me to thinking that clothes and such can be replaced, but the emotions and memories that surround such objects can make the threat of loss feel more intense. The acuteness of the loss of a good friend was really at the centre of any fleeting emotions that were in the luggage debacle.When examining the emotions.of the day, I realized that it was disappointment with a trusted airline vendor that became intermingled with the multitude of emotion associated with the loss of my friend. Learning to tease out the small stuff to be able to focus on the larger events of life is a difficult lesson.
I was reminded earlier in the week of the wise words of another dear friend that continue to resonate with me during the loss of this amazing woman. His words state,
"Some things that we don't want to happen, we have to accept.
Some things we don't want to know, we have to learn.
Some people we don't know how to live without, we just have to let go." (PG Barton)
A song that echoes these sentiments somewhat is by another musician. I've used it here before when writing about the nature of grief and loss. Enjoy!
Let the Tree Fall -- James Lee Stanley
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