Faithful

Yesterday I stood at the cemetery over my parent’s grave.  I gave thanks for their life.  I rearranged the flowers.  I thought of the day two years ago as the matriarch was laid to rest joining my father in the presence of the Lord.

I had written her eulogy.  It was pretty much a stick to the facts type of eulogy.  It said little of the day-to-day struggles and joys that made up a life of nearly 92 years.  As we stood there, my husband and I discussed our own mortality.  We agreed it was time to purchase a burial plot as my mother had done.   

I imagine my eulogy will be like my mother’s, a stick to the facts one.  It will read something like this:

Joyce Ann Johannesen Lighari born November 8, died ___________.  Born in Brooklyn NY she was the daughter of Elsie and Olav Johannesen who preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death are her two brothers and her granddaughter Rukhsanah Israel Lighari.

Joyce was the married to Latif Lighari for _____ years (I'm hoping for a minimum of 60 years).  Together they had eight children, ?? grandchildren (there are 12 so far), ?? great grandchildren (there are 2 so far) and ? great-great grandchildren (I plan on living a long time). I am so proud of my beautiful family.  I  hope everyone is named and their location given when this is read.

She was a graduate of the University of Missouri.  Later she obtained her Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University.  She also completed a EdD from Trevecca in 2013.  She held numerous jobs in various careers throughout her life. 

Joyce greatest joy and deepest desire was to be faithful to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She loved and cared for her family with all of her heart and energy.  She loved to study.  She loved to preach.

I imagine my eulogy will say something about where I lived and maybe how I died.  I don’t imagine it will say much other than a few short paragraphs.  I don’t expect there will be honors and accolades.  I don’t think there will be a large crowd other than my immediate family gathered as I’m laid to rest.

If they write a word on my tombstone, I hope it’s Faithful.  If when I’m gone those that knew me described me as faithful, that’s enough.