Celebration of Life

I'm not quite sure how to do justice to the events of the last few days, but I'll try.

As I mentioned in my last entry, we lost Sister Margaret Mary this past Sunday. I knew that I would witness a funeral while here this year, I just never thought it would happen so soon.

Wednesday night was her memorial service, and the funeral mass was held last night. I'm absolutely in awe at how this community mourns and celebrates a life well lived. The reverence for the one who has passed is astounding. Her Sisters upheld her all her life, as she died, and as she entered God's Kingdom.

Wednesday night began with a procession with Margaret Mary and the whole community from the chapel into the community room. As we walked through the halls in two lines, we sang "Glorify God. Cherish Christ. Listen to the Spirit. Reverence one another. Uphold all." I'm not sure a more moving experience exists.

Once in the community room, the stories began. There were tears, there were laughs, there was joy in the memories of her life. It's wonderful learning so much more about her, and sharing in some of her greatest memories. Following this we processed back into the chapel for prayers and singing. The funeral last night was absolutely beautiful. It felt like we were literally singing her soul into God's hands.

Witnessing all of this has really just left me in awe. Of course a death is always sad, there have been tears this week, there has been this heavy feeling in our hearts, she is missed terribly. But above all, we should celebrate the life of a lost loved one, always. She has reached her eternal reward, she's with God now. She's no longer in pain, or sick. She has come to full completion with God where she'll live forever.

I didn't know Sister Margaret Mary for very long, but I feel blessed to have met her. She made me feel so welcomed after my commitment ceremony. The morning after the event she grabbed me up, held both my hands, and told me how truly happy she was to have me here, and how much it made her smile to see me everyday. "I just want to keep you here forever!" she told me, in her sweet voice, with the greatest smile on her face, "I just love you so much!"

I love you too Sister Margaret Mary. I miss seeing you across the chapel in prayer, waving to you anytime I walked by you at a meal, and getting a huge kiss on the cheek anytime I stopped to chat. You'll be in our hearts always.

On a totally different note, I want to wish my little sister a happy 14th birthday! I miss you Squirt, and wish I could be there to celebrate with you :)