Well, the celebration of life for Pam yesterday was all that I had hoped it would be, if not more. Thank you to all who participated.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22
Each of these attributes, or fruit as the Apostle Paul calls them, was described by the words of the friends and family of Pam as we related stories about her yesterday.
However, none was described as more fully orbed in Pam’s life than her love for others. I am reminded of these other words of Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth when he said: “…but have not love, I am nothing.” 1Cor 13:2b
I suppose the inverse of being nothing is to be something and because of her love for those of us present on Sunday, she was something indeed and the day was a fitting capstone to her memory.
This morning I awaken for the first time in almost 3 months with no ceremony or ritual ahead of me to mark or celebrate Pam’s life and passing. I confess, it is a strange feeling, it has a certain sense of a closure. Not necessarily a final closure, but a closure nonetheless.
Obviously I am not claiming that the grieving process is behind me, nor am I stating that there is no looking back from this point forward. I am merely stating the obvious, the ceremonies of remembrance have been completed.
It has been my goal to memorialize a life well lived by a woman who gave so much to so many. I walk away from that process content to have done my best to share a glimpse of understanding of the woman with whom I’ve built this enchanted life of mine with those whom she has touched.
It is written on our poolside patio, as it has been in several of our homes, “All of this because two people fell in love.” Ain’t that the truth?
Yesterday I heard the touching stories of friends and acquaintances from several stages of Pam’s life. From people touched by many of the different roles she played. And yet, there was a recurring thread of faithfulness, generosity and love woven through each one of the stories. “…but have not love, I am nothing.” It is the latter trait that defined the former ones in these memories of Pam.
Pam’s life, like a beautifully woven tapestry, had many shades and hues to it, but there are these golden threads are woven throughout. She loved ferociously. She championed others mightily. She gave selflessly. All according to her soul’s convictions and based upon her understanding of God’s grace, his irresistible grace. “…but have not love, I am nothing.”
I know that there will be more tear filled moments, including the ones as I pen this letter. The hole remains in my heart, but so does the knowledge that the love of my life is enjoying the primary goal of her life, she’s enjoying the presence of God- forever.
Rest in peace my darling, well done, thou good and faithful servant, you were clearly something as you walked this earth and we love you for the marks you left among us.
Brad