I look around.
The room is full
The eyes on the faces of the people around me are sullen
Some with tears streaming down cheeks
Others with tears trapped inside
Some people look lost
Others trying to find a familiar face
Some sitting in groups
Others totally alone
But everyone in this room
Are here for the same reason
To mourn
Some to mourn the loss of a friend
Some a family member
A brother
A father
A husband
Possibly a son
When we go to funerals
We not only mourn the person who has just passed
We mourn others in our lives that we have already lost
So look around we all have more in common than we think
We as humans share in so many things
But the greatest thing we now share is loss
So please remember life is short
Don't take advantage of the everyday things
We all take for granted.
So be grateful for all you have and be grateful for every one that is here in this room
Sharing in this event today
To mourn is a blessing
To let someone go to a greater place hurts but is also a blessing
Because now they are truly free
Free to do all the things they love to do
See things only us here on earth could dream about
To me this is not just a day of mourning
But a day of celebration
Because now, there is no more pain
No more stress, no more sadness
For the one we are gathered here to say good bye too
So tell stories, spread laughter, but the tears you shed
Should be of happiness
Because no matter where you go you're loved ones are always with you in your heart and in spirit.
Try not to be selfish
Just give the love and the laughter
Back to everyone around you
Today is not the end
But the beginning
Thank you
And
God Bless
Samantha Small O'Hair
