Perspective ...

You know how some songs you always remember because of their association with something in your life? I remember being driven to my Grandmothers funeral many years ago while the Jenny Morris song 'The Day You Went Away' was playing on the radio. That song always brings me back to that moment. I now have another that will haunt me forever, the song Photograph, by Nickelback. Yesterday we went to our dear friend Paul Anderson's funeral. I never thought I would be going a close friends funeral at such a young age. The shock and grief of his death on the 7th March at age 39 has consumed me in a way that has taken me by surprise. I expected to be sad, but yesterday was so much more than that. I sat in the service sobbing listening to that song, while I watched a PowerPoint demonstration of photographs of his life, photos of a little boy playing with his brothers just like my own sons, photos taken on the back step of my house by me showing Paul with our close friends who were also there yesterday, photos with his brother Matt who is also a dear friend of ours, and who was now sitting two rows in front of us also in tears. I know I will never forget Paul, but I also don't think I will ever forget yesterdays images, the songs and the unspoken love that a family and friends can have for each other. It only seemed like yesterday that we had spent new Years Eve with Paul and Matt, and now I watched my husband carry his friend of over 20 years to his grave. It was just such a powerful lesson about what really matters. Even though it wasn't really said in words, later as we stood in the driveway of his brothers house sharing a drink with his family and friends, you could just tell that we all got that message. Paul would have been so proud.

Comments

[Linda]

Claire, Im so sorry that you are having such a sad time. It sounds as though yesterday was a powerful and fitting tribute to someone that you loved very much. Im thinking of you.
Linda

[Jen H]

Sorry to hear about your friend Claire! Especially him being so young. Give yourself a {{{hug}}} from me! Take care
Jen H

[cecilia]

What a good time to be reminded of how special our family and friends are to us! thinking of you ,.ceal